Nurses at St. Luke's Hospital Demand Better Staffing and Wages
Nurses at St. Luke's Hospital Demand Better Staffing and Wages
Nurses at St. Luke's Hospital are taking a stand for safer working conditions and equitable compensation. They are seeking contractually enforceable staffing limits that will help ensure patient safety, along with competitive wages to attract and retain skilled professionals.
Upcoming Informational Picket
After a recent round of negotiations that ended without an agreement, St. Luke's nurses, represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), will hold an informational picket. This event aims to raise awareness and support for their demands.
Picket Details
The informational picket is set to take place on a designated date from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., outside the main entrance of St. Luke's Hospital. While this event is not a strike, it encourages nurses to participate during their breaks or off-duty time. Friends, family, and community members are invited to show their solidarity for the nurses and for quality patient care.
Nurses’ Demands for Better Staffing Conditions
In their ongoing negotiations with Southcoast Health, the owner of St. Luke's, the nurses are insisting on crucial staffing improvements, especially in the Family-Centered Unit (FCU). Currently, nurses are being asked to float between different areas such as labor and delivery or postpartum, which compromises the quality of care they can provide. The need for specialized training and ensuring that nurses can work within their areas of expertise is paramount for maintaining high standards of patient care.
What Nurses Are Seeking
The nurses have clearly articulated their priorities, emphasizing two main aspects:
- Safe Staffing: They advocate for enforceable limits to protect patient safety and to mitigate nurse burnout. This includes better resource nurse staffing and appropriate limits for those providing care to intermediate care/stepdown patients, particularly during night shifts.
- Competitive Wages: Wages that align more closely with regional standards are critical. Nurses at nearby hospitals such as BI Plymouth and Cape Cod Healthcare earn significantly higher salaries, creating challenges in attracting and keeping staff at St. Luke's.
Addressing Staffing Shortages and Patient Care
The nurses voiced their concerns through a petition delivered to the Southcoast Health CEO, containing signatures from over 600 nurses. This petition urges the hospital system to reach an agreement that not only protects patients but also values the hardworking nurses who contribute to the provision of safe, high-quality care in the community.
In a heartfelt statement, Kim Beaulieu, RN, and Co-Chair of the St. Luke's MNA Bargaining Committee, expressed the need for appropriate staffing and wages at St. Luke's, positioning it as a premier institution in the region.
Terri DeMedeiros, RN, and the other Co-Chair echoed these sentiments, emphasizing their commitment to patient care and the importance of addressing the essential priorities within their contract negotiations.
About the Massachusetts Nurses Association
Founded over a century ago, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the leading union representing registered nurses in Massachusetts, with a membership of 26,000. The organization strives to uphold high standards of nursing practice and advocate for the welfare of nurses in the workplace. They actively work to promote the interests of nurses and healthcare issues impacting the public, ensuring that both nurses and patients receive the best care possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the purpose of the informational picket?
The picket aims to raise awareness about the nurses' demands for better staffing and wages, emphasizing the need for patient safety and nurse retention.
2. When is the picket scheduled?
The picket is scheduled to take place from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the specified date.
3. Who can join the picket?
Community members, family, and friends are encouraged to join the nurses in solidarity during the event.
4. What are the main issues the nurses are advocating for?
The nurses are advocating for safe staffing limits and competitive wages to ensure quality care for patients and improve retention rates for nursing staff.
5. What is the Massachusetts Nurses Association?
The Massachusetts Nurses Association is a union representing registered nurses in the state, dedicated to advancing nursing practice standards and advocating for nurses' rights and public health issues.
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