BGH needs to retain, support its nurses

Bonner General Hospital is a wonderful hospital.

When I had my cardiac arrest, experienced nurses in the Emergency Department performed life-saving action that literally brought me back to life. A critical care nurse volunteered to ride in the ambulance to Kootenai Medical Center so I could receive IV medication that was heart protective and life sustaining. I will be forever grateful.

We are blessed here in Sandpoint to have experienced nurses who work at BGH.

In the Intensive Care Department alone there is well over 200 years of experience. This professional experience is reflected throughout each of the nursing departments at Bonner General. It is the reason our community receives such excellent care.

Bonner General Hospital had a survey ad in the paper recently that stated they were “entering an exciting new chapter,” yet the registered nurses have been struggling to obtain a new contract for more than five months. During negotiations the nurses are battling against loss of income, forced increase in hours of work, loss of benefits and replacing core, experienced staff with “float” nurses.

Retainment of professional staff is crucial in our small community. These nurses are committed to providing safe, quality care to our community. We need to be able to retain our professional, experienced nurses.

As we enter this “new and exciting chapter,” Bonner General Hospital needs to keep its priorities straight. They need to support and retain our nurses by giving them a fair contract in a timely manner.

TERRY G. EGGERS

Sandpoint