Name:  Aufre Campbell  Specialty:  Medical/Surgical/Telemetry Number of Assignments with USN:  8  Number of Years with USN:  9 months  Type of Award Won: Daisy Award (Twice) Why do you love working with USN? I am truly able to thrive as a nurse and provide the best care for my patients while working for US Nursing. Their focus is on providing quality care to patients and they only collaborate with the best facilities. What was your experience around winning this award? It was a very emotional experience! An experience that I was able to share with my coworkers, hospital staff and management. This award is one of the most prestigious awards a nurse can receive and the fact that a family member, whom I only encountered while working as a strike nurse at Los Robles Medical Center, thought enough of me to show their gratitude. Honestly, every time I go to work in a new facility, I have fear from the unknown. I usually immediately want to establish a great rapport with staff, patients, and family members if they are present. What does winning this award mean to you? This award recognizes nurses who provide exceptional are to individuals while hospitalized who goes above and beyond the call of duty while delivering high-quality and compassionate care. I look at this as I am just doing my job. How do you feel traveling with USN prepared you for your award-winning assignment? Winning this award means shows that I exemplify extraordinary courage, compassion, and integrity in every situation. Working with different patients and populations can be frightening, but USNursing has collaborated with Ingenovis to provide resources that help me stay prepared. They also have qualified staff members on site to assist if I have any questions. How do you think having won this award will impact your travel career? I hope this award will open new adventures for me with US Nursing. I honestly feel like I am ready to help nurse deliver compassionate and extraordinary care on the administrative side. How have you accomplished other personal and/or professional goals by traveling with USN? Traveling with US Nursing has allowed me to accomplish personal and professional goals. First, going to work in states I never would have imagined going to. Second, working in a culturally and diverse setting. Lastly, keeping me focused and grounded as to why I signed up for the job. What is your greatest achievement as it relates to being a healthcare professional? Many would say obtaining their degree has been their greatest achievement, but for me it’s taking on new assignments, responsibilities, and providing care to those in need. What is a bit of advice you'd give to your fellow healthcare professionals? I would encourage them to do a self-assessment before committing to an assignment. Do not present problems or complain without a solution. Always wear a smile on your face. If you make a mistake, own it and move on. Do not blame others, learn from your mistakes, and take responsibility! In conclusion, US Nursing has provided me with a career far from what I could have ever imagined. In solidarity, Aufre Campbell

When it comes to healthcare, readiness isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. Hospitals are the backbone of our healthcare system, and their functioning is critical to public health. Yet, like any other complex organization, they are susceptible to labor disruptions that can disrupt the delicate balance of patient care. While healthcare workers may choose to strike or engage in job actions for various reasons, including workplace safety concerns or labor disputes, the impact on patient care can be severe. To counteract this potential chaos, hospitals must prepare for the unknown by creating comprehensive emergency preparedness protocols that address a wide variety of "what if" scenarios. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of these protocols and how USN, premier provider of labor disruption services across the country, plays a pivotal role in staffing hospitals during labor disruptions. The Complex Nature of Labor Disruptions in Healthcare Before delving into emergency preparedness protocols, it's essential to understand the complex nature of labor disruptions in healthcare. Strikes and job actions can be triggered by a range of issues, including disagreements over wages, benefits, working conditions and patient safety concerns. Regardless of the underlying reasons, the impact on patient care is undeniable. During labor disruptions, hospitals face a multitude of challenges: Staff Shortages: When healthcare professionals participate in a strike or job action, hospitals experience a sudden shortage of critical personnel. This can result in decreased patient care, longer wait times and an increased workload on the remaining staff, which can lead to burnout and decreased morale. Patient Safety Concerns: The reduced staffing levels and increased workload during labor disruptions can compromise patient safety. Medication errors, delayed treatments and other critical issues may arise due to overworked staff and unfamiliar temporary replacements. Financial Implications: Labor disruptions can lead to significant financial losses for hospitals. The cost of hiring temporary staff, maintaining operational continuity and potential legal expenses can strain the hospital's financial resources. Community Trust: A hospital's reputation and the trust of the community are at stake during labor disruptions. Patients and their families may question the quality of care and the hospital's commitment to their well-being. Creating Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Protocols To mitigate the challenges posed by labor disruptions, hospitals must develop comprehensive emergency preparedness protocols. These protocols should encompass a wide range of "what if" scenarios, ensuring that the hospital can adapt to various situations effectively. Develop Clear Communication Plans: Effective communication is crucial during labor disruptions. Hospitals should establish clear lines of communication with all stakeholders, including employees, unions, patients and the community. Transparent and timely communication can help manage expectations and minimize uncertainty. Adequate Staffing Plans: Hospitals must establish contingency plans for maintaining staffing levels during labor disruptions. This may involve hiring temporary healthcare professionals or utilizing existing staff from other departments. Partnering with experienced staffing agencies, like USN, is a strategic choice for acquiring skilled nurses and allied healthcare professionals. The Role of USN in Emergency Preparedness USN is a premier provider of labor actions across the United States, specializing in staffing hospitals with nurses and allied healthcare professionals during labor disruptions. Their expertise and experience in addressing the needs of healthcare organizations facing staffing shortages make them a crucial player in the realm of emergency preparedness for hospitals. Rapid Staffing Solutions: USN is well-prepared to deploy skilled healthcare professionals on short notice. Their extensive network of nurses and allied healthcare professionals allows them to quickly match the right personnel with the specific needs of each hospital. Compliance and Credentialing: USN ensures that all of its healthcare professionals meet the necessary regulatory and credentialing requirements. This guarantees that the temporary staff can seamlessly integrate into the hospital's existing workforce. Quality Assurance: Quality patient care remains a priority for USN. Their commitment to maintaining high standards ensures that the hospital continues to deliver quality care during labor disruptions. Cost-Effective Solutions: Partnering with USN can be a cost-effective solution for hospitals facing labor disruptions. By outsourcing staffing needs to experts in the field, hospitals can reduce the financial strain associated with these events. Labor disruptions in healthcare are a complex and challenging issue. Hospitals must be prepared to maintain patient care during these times of uncertainty. Comprehensive emergency preparedness protocols that encompass clear communication plans, adequate staffing solutions and trusted partnerships with organizations like USN are critical to ensuring resilience in the face of labor disruptions. By taking these steps, hospitals can uphold their commitment to patient safety, maintain their financial stability, and preserve the trust of their communities. USN's expertise in providing skilled healthcare professionals during labor disruptions makes them a vital component of a hospital's emergency preparedness strategy. As healthcare continues to evolve, the ability to adapt and prepare for the unknown remains essential, ensuring that the focus remains on patient well-being, even in times of labor disruptions.

Labor disruptions can have a massive impact on patient care and the surrounding community. That’s why, when your facility is preparing for an upcoming contract renewal or potential work stoppage, USN has one goal in mind: to help your facility negotiate from a position of strength. We provide full operational staffing, transportation, logistics, consultation and leadership so that patient care never suffers. USN Provides Core Group of Healthcare Professionals When facing an organized labor disruption, USN helps facilities by providing a core group of experienced healthcare professionals to ensure continuous and high-quality patient care throughout the work stoppage. Our team consists of experienced clinicians who are carefully screened and selected based on their credentials, skill set and experience. Moreover, they are all committed to delivering exceptional quality care to patients during this difficult time. Full Operational Staffing & Logistics Support In addition to our core group of healthcare professionals, USN provides comprehensive operational staffing support for all areas affected by the labor disruption. This includes nursing staff as well as support staff, including allied, home health and other departments that may be impacted by the action. We also provide full logistical support for transportation services to the site, including hotel and meal coordination. Leadership & Consultation Services At USN, we understand that labor disruptions can be challenging not only for staff, but also for administrators dealing with the situation at hand. That’s why we offer guidance through consulting services; we provide helpful advice on tactics that can be used throughout preparation and deployment of a labor disruption or contract renewal period. On top of that, we also provide leadership services so you can rest assured that your facility will stay organized during this trying time. Labor issues often bring disruption to patient care and put strain on both medical staff and administrators alike. But with USN on your side, you don’t have to worry about being unprepared or overwhelmed by the task at hand; our team is here to help you negotiate from a position of strength while providing full operational staffing services along with leadership and consultation support. If you're looking for an experienced partner throughout preparation, deployment and management of a labor disruption, then turn to USN—we’re here for you.

The largest nursing strike in U.S. history unfolded in September of 2022 in Minnesota, where approximately 15,000 nurses, represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association, embarked on a three-day strike. This monumental event impacted 16 different hospitals.     Why Did the Strike Happen?    The strike was sparked by nurses' concerns over understaffing, safety issues and a focus on fair contracts prioritizing patients over profits. Hospital executives' multi-million-dollar salaries were seen as contributing to a crisis of retention and patient care quality, prompting nurses to demand change. This strike showcased the importance of nurse advocacy for appropriate staffing levels and safety protocols.    How Was the Strike Resolved?    The nurses' strike brought to the forefront the pressing need for solutions to address the critical issues of staffing shortages and safety concerns within the healthcare industry. Led by the Minnesota Nurses Association, the striking nurses advocated for a more active role in staffing decisions and improvements in their working conditions. The strike also underscored a significant wage disparity, with nurses demanding a 30% wage increase spread over three years.    After three days of determined strike action, nurses and hospital administrators negotiated to find common ground. These discussions led to a significant breakthrough, as nurses ratified contracts at 15 hospitals. These contracts bring about the most significant pay raise in two decades, with an 18% increase over three years for the Twin Cities area and a 17% raise in the Duluth region. While the contracts don't grant nurses the authority to establish minimum staffing levels as the union aspired, they do include provisions that provide nurses with a more influential role in staffing decisions—a notable step toward their goal.    Continuing Trend of Strikes in Healthcare:    The Minnesota Nurses Association strike is not an isolated incident but part of a greater trend of employee activism and work stoppages in the healthcare industry. With healthcare workers becoming more vocal about their needs and concerns, strikes have become a means of pushing for change when contract negotiations fall short. These strikes can occur anywhere, reflecting the universal challenges healthcare workers face nationwide.    Bridging the Gap   At U.S. Nursing, we understand the complexities and emotions surrounding these job actions, and we prove that through our decades of expertise in strike logistics. Our mission is to ensure that hospitals continue to operate at the highest-level during strikes, with our dedicated clinicians stepping in seamlessly. We prioritize a positive outcome for the striking nurses and the hospitals, emphasizing that excellence in patient care remains the ultimate goal.  Have what it takes to be a strike nurse? Choose USN for your next strike assignment. Explore our job actions today.

Strikes among nurses have surged in recent years, and the reasons are more complicated than you may realize. The incredible individuals who make up nursing aren't striking without cause. They're standing up for their rights, well-being, and, most importantly, their patients.  At U.S. Nursing (USN) , we know firsthand the complexities of strikes and their emotional toll on everyone involved. That's why we're here, making sure hospital operations run smoothly even during these difficult times.  Understanding Why Nurses Strike  Understaffing : Nurses are overburdened and overwhelmed. Handling up to 20 patients at a time is not uncommon. Imagine a situation where you work on top of one another and waiting times stretch into hours. That's the reality for many nurses today.  Exhaustion and Burnout : The relentless pace, combined with long hours and emotionally draining work, has led to dehydration, exhaustion and even nurses admitting themselves to emergency rooms.  Inadequate Support and Pay : Despite nurses' critical role, many feel undervalued. They grapple with guilt and sleepless nights over patient care, sometimes wondering if their dedication and hard work are being truly acknowledged.    How Can You Be a Part of the Solution? Choose USN for your next strike assignment . With us, you're not just addressing the symptoms but contributing to a positive outcome for both the people on strike and the hospitals.   Together, we can:   Support Nurses : By understanding their plight and supporting ethical staffing and pay policies.  Ensure Quality Care : With USN's expertise, hospitals can continue to provide excellent care even during a strike.  Build a Better Future : By standing together, we can create a healthcare system that values everyone.  Let USN Help You Thrive.   The time for action is now.   Contact USN today