The SEIU 721 nursing leadership — RNs, LVNs, and NAs — are calling on DHS to develop a system of competency testing that includes adequate preparation and training time for all nurses. While SEIU nurses support competency testing, we feel that the process should be fair and not punitive.
SEIU 721 nurses stand on the principle that that we can and will prove our competencies with full support from DHS. Our common goal is to provide optimal quality and safe nursing care to remain competitive in health care.
However nurses are concerned with the County’s process:
- Although DHS’s curriculum is reasonable, nurses have not received training, support or the chance to practice in a skills lab.
- Nurses have also found mistakes and inconsistencies in the testing materials that DHS needs to revise.
- The fact that nurses are required to pass testing or face discharge or discipline is a fundamental change in terms and conditions of employment that is subject to negotiation; the County cannot unilaterally implement this policy!
“This test was sprung on us too fast with no time to think or prepare. It’s a shock for all of us. We haven’t heard anything clear from management about the test and we need support to ensure we succeed.”
Sabrina Griffin, LVN, LAC+USC Medical Center