Reapply or be Fired

Welcome to NurseCafe, the newsletter where we would never ask you to reapply for the job you’ve held for 5 years.

In today’s email:

• Controversy in Oakland: An Oakland facility is mandating employees to reapply for their positions by July 2025.

• Agency Spotlight: We highlight the pros and cons of Nursa.

• Around the web: Seatle Storm offers discounted tickets to games for nurses.

P.S: If you want to read any previous editions of NurseCafe you can on our website and if you were forwarded this email you can subscribe here.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Reapply or Get Fired

A controversial restructuring plan at Oakland County's Children's Village has ignited a passionate response from the dedicated nursing staff who provide essential care to vulnerable youth in this unique juvenile detention and treatment facility. The county's February 2025 decision requiring all nurses to reapply for newly created "Public Health Nurse" positions—complete with bachelor's degree requirements—has raised serious concerns about continuity of care and staff stability.

Current nurses, many with years of specialized experience working with at-risk youth, face an impossible choice: obtain a BSN degree within an 18-month deadline or lose their positions by July 11, 2025. Even those who already possess bachelor's degrees must reapply, sacrificing their seniority rights and union representation under MAPE for mandatory membership in the MNA.

"This doesn't feel like progress but rather destabilization," one nurse testified at the March commissioners meeting, highlighting the potential disruption to the children who depend on trusted caregivers. County Executive Coulter's claims of a "progressive vision" have failed to address how this restructuring actually improves services or accounts for the invaluable institutional knowledge that could be lost.

As the July deadline approaches, nurses and community supporters have launched a Change.org petition urging county officials to prioritize workforce stability and the uninterrupted care these children desperately need. The question remains: Will Oakland County officials recognize that experience, compassion, and established relationships with vulnerable youth cannot be replaced by academic credentials alone?

AROUND THE WEB

Patient violence causes concern: Nurses support a bill to help reduce workplace violence in Boston.

Nurse appreciation ticket: Get discounted tickets to Seatle Storm games and win prizes here.

Night shift getting the best of us: Have you ever had trouble switching to night shifts?

Nursing Agency Spotlight: Nursa

Reviews

• Nursa is good at picking up shifts on the app. The only downside is that you'll have to wait to be accepted for a shift. Sometimes the pay is not reasonable for the time and commute. 4 Star Rating

• This company is good for per diem, not if your looking for consistent shifts. You have the opportunity to pick up shifts at various facilities throughout the city. 5 Star Rating

• Pay is good but not many available shifts in my hometown. Issues with getting paid on time the last shift I worked for them. This is the only time it has occurred thus far. 3 Star Rating

Pros

Flexibility and Control: Nursa provides exceptional flexibility, allowing nurses to essentially be their own boss and pick up as many shifts as desired through their user-friendly mobile and web app. The platform enables healthcare professionals to craft their ideal work schedule by selecting shifts that fit their availability, offering a level of schedule control rarely found in traditional nursing positions.

User-Friendly Technology: Nurses praise Nursa's easy-to-use app with clear facility information and visually appealing interface, which outperforms competing agency platforms. The intuitive design makes finding and securing shifts straightforward, enhancing the overall experience for busy healthcare professionals.

Responsive Support: The professional attitude of Nursa's staff whenever nurses call or need help is frequently highlighted as superior to other agencies. Customer service remains available until 10 PM, offering extended support hours compared to many competitors.

Payment Efficiency: Nursa offers quick payment processing, with funds available immediately after shift completion for those using their provided payment cards. This rapid payment system addresses a common pain point in the nursing agency world.

Skill Development: Working through Nursa exposes nurses to various healthcare environments, helping them develop diverse skill sets and gain valuable experience across different specialties. This variety can be particularly beneficial for career advancement and identifying preferred practice settings.

Cons

Shift Availability Fluctuations: Long-term users report that while Nursa initially offered abundant shifts across numerous facilities, availability has declined in some regions over time as facilities switch between different staffing agencies. This inconsistency can make it difficult for nurses relying on steady work.

Strict Attendance Policies: Some nurses have reported stringent attendance requirements, including a policy where missing more than one day of work in 30 days results in a two-week suspension. This inflexibility contradicts the freedom Nursa promotes in its marketing.

Limited Geographic Coverage: In certain states, Nursa works with only a limited number of facilities, restricting options for nurses in those areas. This uneven coverage means the experience can vary significantly depending on your location.

Shift Cancellations: Multiple nurses have expressed frustration with Nursa canceling previously confirmed shifts, creating uncertainty and potential income loss. This unreliability undermines the platform's convenience benefits.

Not Ideal for Consistent Employment: While excellent for per diem work, Nursa may not be suitable for nurses seeking consistent schedules or guaranteed hours, as the platform prioritizes flexibility over stability.

To find out more about Nursa visit their website.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Your profession is not what brings home your paycheck. Your profession is what you were put on Earth to do with such passion and such intensity that it becomes spiritual in calling." —Vincent Van Gogh

That’s it for this week’s newsletter. If you have any feedback or story you would like covered, reply to this email. We read every response. 🤓 

See you next Monday! ☕️