Current mood:

drained

A staff meeting was held yesterday at work, and we were told that our entire staff was to be laid off. The hospital in its infinite wisdom, has decided to expand the mental health inpatient unit at Centenary site, and close down our unit. They feel they will save 1/2 million dollars a year by doing so. Myself, I don't see it. There will be the same number of beds, they will need the same number of staff to operate safely (this is mental health after all, there is violence that occurs in a routine basis). If they chose to operate on lower staff numbers, they will make an already unsafe work environment even more unsafe. Plus, they will have the costs to build a new 66 bed unit.  To add to the insult of the layoff, we have been informed that there will be jobs for us on the new unit, but that they will be open to everyone hospital wide to apply for, and we must interview all over again.  
The result of all this is a lot of unhappy, stressed out nurses at Ajax hospital. Did I mention that the government has just announced the creation of 1200 new nursing jobs over the next 3 years in Ontario? HAH!  
There is a silver lining to this dark cloud.  I can take early retirement in 5 years time. Plus, they will be offering some packages for staff who take retirement or voluntary exit packages. Since I have been there 10 years, it comes to a nice sum. If I invest it directly to my RRSP, I can deposit the entire amount PRE taxes.  When next year income tax rebate comes around, I will have a full year of university payment for my daughter given to me.  I can accept this. Plus., I have 4 weeks vacation time saved up- when the pink slips come out next week, I can say thanks, nice knowing you, please give me the nice package, I will take all my 4 weeks vacation time starting NOW and please consider this my 4 weeks notice. BYE-BYE! I have also dropped off a lot of resumes at Whitby Mental Health Centre this morning, for about 14 different openings, all of which I am very qualified for. I stand a good chance at getting something there in the near future. 
Considering that I have been increasingly stressed by the unsafe workplace where I am, this whole situation is now not looking so bad to me.  For some of my co-workeres whoare single or are single parents., it is not good. They are good people and don't deserve this.  Please think good thoughts their way, as I am. For me, something will work out, it 's just the shock of the whole thing that has hit hard.
Sorry for venting, thanks for putting up with it. 
FilKONtario very soon! Music and friends will make for a very good weekend!!