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VA nursing assistant says Rocky Hill facility is understaffed, urges increased funding and pay
Summary
A certified nursing assistant testified the VA hospital in Rocky Hill is understaffed, describing four units with 25 patients each and only 12 CNAs available for care; she asked the committee to increase funding for veterans’ health care and competitive wages to retain staff.
A certified nursing assistant at the Department of Veterans Affairs told the Appropriations Committee that staffing shortages at the VA hospital in Rocky Hill are affecting veterans’ care and urged increased funding and better wages to retain certified nursing assistants and nurses.
Sally Bell, who said she has worked as a CNA at the VA hospital in Rocky Hill for 24 years, said the facility has four units with about 25 patients each and only 12 CNAs to cover all those patients. She said the shortage makes it difficult to provide consistent, high-quality care and that staff must drive in during inclement weather but may be unable to report for duty because of shortages.
Bell asked lawmakers to increase funding so the hospital can hire more CNAs and nurses and pay competitive wages to attract and retain staff. She said veterans “are not receiving the quality care they deserve because we are too understaffed.”
The testimony did not include a specific dollar request or staffing ratio target. The Appropriations Committee did not take formal action during the hearing; Bell’s testimony will be part of the record for budget deliberations.
