Nurses in NYC are taking a stand for better patient care and improved working conditions. Over 17,000 nurses at 12 hospitals have voted for a massive New York City nurses strike for the new year if their contract negotiations are not finalized by December 31. The nurses are demanding safer staffing, better pay, and health benefits.
Working Conditions
The current situation is dire as nurses are feeling undervalued and are struggling to adequately meet the needs of their patients due to a lack of resources.
Benny Matthew, a Registered Nurse at Montefiore Medical Center, expresses his concern regarding the current situation of patient care in the ER. He claims he is currently handling an unprecedented 15 to 20 patients at a time instead of the typical 5 or 6. Undoubtedly, it makes that that the union voted for a New York City nurses’ strike. As nurses face jail time for medical errors. These testimonies demonstrate the dire situation nurses endure as they’re expected to provide adequate care with such a high ratio.
“Our pediatric emergency room is overflowing and we’re short-staffed every single shift,” says Aretha Morgan RN, MSN at NY-Presbyterian.
These issues are not unique to New York City; they have been prevalent across America for some time. The pandemic in 2020 was a critical point that exposed these issues even more clearly. Nurses are actively searching for long-term solutions as the flu season has put them under tremendous pressure presently. One nurse describes their current situation as a ‘tripledemic’ due to the flu, RSV, and Covid-19 running rampant at their hospital.
The cost of these decisions is ultimately paid for by those who need care most – patients.
Nurses Unions Take Action
In response to these challenges, nurses have been fighting for improved work conditions and quality patient care for quite some time. Their number one demand is adequate staffing by recruiting and retaining existing workers. In New York City, over 17,000 nurses of the union have voted for a NYC nurse strike if an agreement cannot be reached before their contracts expire on December 31st. Subsequently, a strike would be in effect 10 days later.
This move demonstrates just how serious they are about improving conditions. As a result, making sure that patients receive the best possible care. They recognize that without changes, both now and into 2023, there will be further harm caused by overcrowding and understaffing.
Hospitals Response
In response to the union’s announcement, so far, 2 hospitals have expressed a commitment to working together to find solutions. NY-Presbyterian and Mount Sinai told abc7 that they are diligently working towards a resolution. Ultimately, they’re hoping to avoid any potential nurse walkouts. They also share that they remain fully dedicated to negotiating in good faith. Furthermore, they maintain a clear commitment to positively engage in good-faith negotiations.
Takeaway
With just days left until 2023 arrives, it remains unclear whether or not an agreement will be reached between NYCNU and NYC hospitals before then. From overcrowded rooms to lack of resources, it is clear is that there are real problems facing nurses in NYC.
A NYC nurse strike represent a larger issue faced throughout healthcare institutions nationwide. These hazardous conditions can lead to compromised patient safety and quality of care. As negotiations talks continue, it is important that they reach an agreement that ensures safe working conditions. Ultimately, any resolution must meet both parties’ needs in order to ensure long-term success within our healthcare system while avoiding patient care.