Frazzled Nurses Skirting Disaster

Re “Maternity Staff Shortage Found at St. Joseph,” March 12:

As a working registered nurse in Orange County for the past 10 years, I am angered the media is just now addressing the critical shortage of nurses.

The fact that St. Joseph Hospital staffing procedure was reported only after a near tragedy is maddening to those of us who work understaffed and stressed on a daily basis.

Nurses consistently work 12-hour shifts with a heavy patient load, no breaks, and are told by management to “just do the best you can.”

Laboring mothers-to-be, new moms and their babies deserve more than an exhausted, overworked nurse. St. Joseph Hospital is no exception; short staffing is the absolute norm throughout the county.

There is a serious shortage of registered nurses that continues to worsen, as many nurses are choosing to leave the profession. We have simply lost the battle with management and pray our way through the day that a costly mistake is not made.

The voices of concerned, frustrated nurses have been ignored for many years. Why must it reach the breaking point before the public is aware?

CONNIE BARRY

Placentia