Tell Atlanta VA Health System Management to Stop the Nurse Exodus!

Send the email message listed below to Atlanta VA Health System Executive management. Please also consider typing a personalized brief note at the end of that letter to management. Once you place the cursor at end of the letter you will be able to type any personalized note about why you support Atlanta VA nurses' efforts to achieve flexible work schedules.

(example: I support the Nurse “Respect, Recruit, Retain Campaign because…)

Make your voice heard

Dear Dr. Hampton and Ms. Ann Brown of the Atlanta VA Health System,

Flexible work schedules for Nurses, combined with respectful and equal treatment of all nurses are a critical tool in preventing nurse burnout and have been proven to be effective for Nurse recruitment and retention.

It is disheartening that nearly 1 out of 3 nurses leave the VA Health System due to the lack of flexible work schedules, such as the 72/80 flexible schedule for bedside nurses and other successful flexible scheduling methods for non-bedside nurses.

It is equally disheartening that Atlanta VA Health System RNs, who have suffered greatly throughout the pandemic and the VA’s chronic short staffing, are losing their retention bonus pay. This loss is compounded by an inadequate and insultingly small wage increase at a time when the Nurse turn-over rate has not stabilized for long enough and RN vacancy levels are at 25%.  It’s like moving an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patient out of the ICU before they have fully stabilized. We must prioritize the preservation of nurse morale to prevent any further decline, for the well-being of both our dedicated nurses and the veterans they tirelessly serve.

I wholeheartedly support the Nurses of the Atlanta VA Health System in their “Respect, Retain, Recruit” campaign to achieve stability including flexible work schedules to keep Nurses from leaving.

It is crucial for the Atlanta VAHS to follow in the footsteps of VA hospitals like Miami and Biloxi, among others, which have recognized the importance of lifting nurse morale and protecting their health. By implementing flexible work schedules like 72/80 for all bedside nurses, despite the state of their vacancy rate, these hospitals have made significant strides in retaining and recruiting nurses.

It is time to improve working conditions for and support our dedicated nursing staff, so they continue caring for our nation's Veterans.

Background Information about the Nurse Exodus

Nurses are leaving due to unsafe staffing and a lack of flexible work schedules. Nurses are critical for providing veteran patient care and scheduling flexibility is important for nurse retention

Other VA health systems like Miami, FL and Biloxi, MS listened to their nursing staff and successfully implemented flexible schedules that helped them retain and recruit nurses even when their nurse vacancy levels were high. Atlanta needs to do the same!

Use the form below to send your message to Atlanta VA Health System management. Thank you for standing with us!

Not ? Click here.

First name

Last name

Email address*

Phone*

ZIP Code

Postal code

Are you a nurse?

Unit/CBOC (Atlanta VAHS Nurses only)

Check any that apply I work at the Atlanta VAHS I am a Veteran I am a community supporter (not a VA employee or Veteran)