https://archive.is/Rc79C
It's not that we don't think Nurses deserve these incentives, because they do. It's that the Lab is routinely left out of these programs, either due to incompetence of management, or simply lack of knowledge of how essential we are. This is no excuse, obviously, and is contributing to the mass shortage of Techs and the mass exodus from the field.
At my place of work in particular, the Nurses are receiving an extra $600 per extra shift they work (this is on top of overtime pay). The same was not extended to the Lab, even though we chronically have open shifts. A few weeks back, I received text messeges four days in a row, from my supervisor, trying to find coverage for shifts. I can sympathize with them, it's a hard position to be in, but at the same time, why would I agree to work any extra time knowing how unfairly we are being compensated? I'm to the point where I don't want to work any extra time on principle.
My lab has a few newer Techs that are very willing to work these extra shifts and I don't fault them for that, times are tough. But at the same time, they tell me how burnt out they are and how unappreciated they feel. I have had several discussions with these Techs on how they are planning on transitioning out of the field, or going to become a traveler, because the current Lab situation is just not worth it. One tech told me he was mulling over quiting because he was essentially guilted into working a shifts he didn't want.
I want to tell my coworkers to stop offering to pickup these shifts, because, as long as management sees them filled, nothing fundementally will change. All they see is that the slots were filled, everything must be going peachy, right? I don't want to rock the boat and be seen as working against the lab, which I don't believe I am. I just want us be fairly treated and appreciated for the life saving work we perform.
It's not only about the money, it's also about the lack of respect. How long do you think these hospitals would last if we as Laboratory Professionals collectively striked? A few hours? A day at most? Do they not realize how essential we are to patient care? It sure doesn't feel like it.
