It depends! If that hospital has a union that "protects" the nurses, then its usually organized through the stipulations set by that union and hospitals previous agreement. Hospitals will hire travelers, local agencies and the like to keep their business running. I have to say, I was schooled by a nurse 10 years my senior about strikes. Because of that education. I do not cross picket lines!
Remember this:
1. Those nurses are fighting for a right that has been infringed upon, safe staffing, nurse safety, pay... or the like. If you were full time at a hospital and were fighting for a "right"- would you really want another nurse saying what you are fighting for is not as important as the money I'm getting paid?
2. What about the suffering patients during this strike? The patients are going to suffer. Unfortunately. One way or the other. Its a hard truth. The system is so messed up that they'll experience a shortage of care during the strike or after. Hopefully nurses can cohesively work together to recognize, if we can get this right at this hospital, we can get it right at mine!
Hospitals have capitalized on the premise that nurses do not work together. I think we need to change that narrative and begin fighting with each other one major cause at a time!
I hope this helps!
This is a great question. How do you know as a travel nurse that the nurses are on strike so you do not put yourself in this type of situation??
