The simple fact is: every hospital system is different.
I can only speak for Portland-area hospitals. I've had my share of hospital "vacations"...one of which began with an ER visit and several days of intensive care, two after short stops at urgent care, and one scheduled surgery. In addition, I've recently had three day surgeries on my eyes. Between surgeries, my life is a barrage of procedures and nonstop doctors visits.
These stays have involved four of the major Portland metropolitan-area hospitals.
My husband works at one of these (my eye surgeries were in a completely different area than that in which he works), so I've also had an inside view of how things work. (I only had day surgery at "his" hospital, and it was in a very distant department.)
My experiences with doctors, nurses, CNAs, and other staff have been, for the most part, outstanding.
One surgeon had tears in his eyes when telling me the positive outcome of my operation; a nurse who suspected I had contracted pneumonia while in hospital stayed after her shift to contact my doctor and make certain he knew why she was concerned (she was correct); CNAs who knew how much I hated the regular hospital coffee and went out of their way to get me the "good stuff." (OK, this last was not lifesaving, but it was of dire importance to me!)
The nurses, in particular, were amazing. With each stay, I was there long enough to witness some of what they put up with from nasty patients (some of whom are simply reacting out of pain and discomfort, but nonetheless take tremendous patience).
I did have one bad nurse, and she was a doozy (During a low blood sugar episode she wanted to check my blood sugar instead of just getting me food. Those who know me can guess how I responded
My experience with hospital administration and insurance are quite different, indeed.
The second-hand view I get through Keith's work in a day surgery unit is that no matter where you go, there are good people and bad. Sometimes the bad are simply exhausted from overwork.
Some doctors are amazing, others believe their own publicity. Some nurses are saints, others are basketcases.
With the hospital Keith works at, the further you get up the administrative ladder, the less connected with patient issues they become. Like many corporations, hospital top administrative managers place pressure on middle management to meet unrealistic budgetary goals. If, say, a nurse/manager objects to unsafe staffing, his or her supervisor suggests that perhaps they are not suited for management, or that they can always lay someone off to meet budget.
Keith's department is constantly overbooked with surgeries and severely short-staffed. Keith does the work that previously was done by three employees. The nurses are similarly overworked, rarely getting their scheduled lunches or breaks.
There are departments in his hospital where nobody wants to work, due to mismanagement and an unpleasant work environment. This sadly affects patient care. Keith's department, day surgery, is a coveted assignment, due to good management and teamwork. They frequently receive commendations from patients. Even in such a good department, however, there is the occasional rotten apple, including a couple of the surgeons.
I always go in expecting great treatment, and so far I've received it. I make a point of smiling and joking and treating all with respect and appreciation. The nurses in post-op teased me for thanking them as I came out of anesthesia.
I just wish upper management and insurance companies treated patients and employees as well as I've been treated by doctors and nurses.
