“The hospital cut 70% of the IV team, leaving a few of us to cover too much and patients to suffer. Floor nurses were already overwhelmed and forced to do IV insertions – many unprepared – causing delays, pain and repeated sticks. Admin said it was about the budget, but it was really about cutting corners, and patients ended up paying the price. We stayed late, pushed through burnout and did our best. And not because we had to, but because we made a promise to care even when the system failed us.”
