In a poignant address to the hospital administration, a registered nurse from the emergency and trauma department at AMC highlighted the ongoing crisis of critical staffing shortages that have plagued the facility for over a decade. With 12 years of experience at the county hospital, the nurse recounted distressing scenes of patients left unattended, emphasizing the emotional toll on both staff and patients.

The nurse detailed a two-page list of complaints submitted ten years ago, signed by every nurse on the medical-surgical floor, which outlined the dire conditions resulting from inadequate staffing. Despite repeated appeals to management, the response has been consistently dismissive, citing budget constraints that prevent the hiring of additional Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and float nurses. This has led to a situation where nurses and CNAs are often unable to take necessary breaks, exacerbating their already overwhelming workloads.

The nurse criticized AMC's reliance on temporary solutions, such as overtime shifts, to address staffing gaps while experienced nurses continue to leave for better-paying positions at nearby hospitals. The disparity in compensation—up to 40% more at competing facilities—has driven many to seek employment elsewhere, further straining the hospital's resources.

As the cost of living continues to rise, including significant increases in homeowners and car insurance, utilities, and groceries, the nursing staff at AMC expressed their frustration over stagnant wages. The nurse called for the board to take decisive action to fill hundreds of nursing vacancies by negotiating a fair contract that prioritizes the recruitment and retention of nursing staff.

The message was clear: for the sake of patients, staff, and the community, AMC must invest in its nurses to ensure a sustainable future for healthcare at the facility. The nurse concluded with a plea for change, emphasizing that the time for action is now.