Nurses’ union survey reveals lack of preparation for COVID-19, flu season

Editor's Note

A new nationwide survey by National Nurses United of more than 15,000 RNs finds that hospitals are failing to prepare for a surge of COVID-19 during flu season.

Among the nurses’ complaints:

• inappropriate pursuit of profits resulting in lack of proper infection control measures
• ongoing issues of both patients and nurses not being tested
• not being notified in a timely manner when they are exposed
• inadequate PPE
• unsafe staffing
• mental health impacts
• increased workplace violence.

The survey results were gathered from both union and nonunion nurses across the US and two US territories between October 16 and November 9.