I recently interviewed for a day traveler position in a Texas hospital. The RN manager was very nice. When I heard that the nurse to patient ratio was 6 or 7, I didn't blink an eye. Been there, done that. BUT when I heard that the nurse does it all: baths, wound care, glucose checks, vital signs, etc. as well as general nursing duties and few if any CNAs available, I backed off like lightening. I will not challange my license with a load like that. I wonder how any RN can do the job well and safely at this hospital. By the way, the nurse manager called me back twice.
I don't know if a union would help, but nurses have to stand up for themselves sometime.