#USA #Plymouth #Beth Israel Deaconess #nursing care #staffing levels

Nurses at BID Plymouth Advocate for Patient Care

In a tireless effort spanning several months, the 420 registered nurses at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth (BID Plymouth) are engaged in negotiations aimed at improving staffing conditions that have critically deteriorated. A recent review of the hospital’s publicly available staffing plans has highlighted a concerning trend: a marked reduction in nurse staffing levels, which directly translates into patients receiving less nursing care. This alarming situation can lead to increased risks for poor medical outcomes and detrimental health effects for patients.

Liz Taylor, a seasoned medical surgical nurse at BID Plymouth and the co-chair of the nurses’ bargaining unit affiliated with the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), expressed deep concerns reflecting the commitment that nurses uphold within their community. "We became nurses to serve our community, to advocate for individuals in their moments of need. However, the staffing plans being implemented are undermining our ability to provide the necessary care our patients deserve," Taylor stated. She noted that the administration’s decision to cut back on nursing services was a deliberate budgetary choice, directly impacting patient health and safety.

Staffing Plan Analysis

The MNA’s findings are not merely personal observations; they are rooted in a comprehensive analysis of BID Plymouth's publicly available staffing plans, which can be found on the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association’s "Patient Care Link" website. Each year, BID Plymouth reports its planned staffing configurations, showcasing expected nurse-to-patient ratios and the total hours of care each unit should provide. However, a contrasting analysis between the staffing plans for 2024 and 2025 reveals significant reductions in nursing positions across several units, which means patients are projected to receive up to two hours less care from nurses daily.

Some critical numbers illustrate this alarming decline:

• - In the 2 East Medical-Surgical Unit, the hours of care per patient dropped from 9.0 to 7.2.
• - 3 East saw a decrease from 9.38 to 8.26 hours per patient.
• - The Critical Care (CCC) unit experienced a reduction of 2.11 hours per patient, now down to 15.66 hours.

These reductions inherently strain nursing resources, as fewer available hours translate into less time for nurses to adequately attend to each patient. This reality increases the likelihood of delayed interventions, medication errors, and poorer overall patient results.

Escalating Patient Loads

As if the reductions in care weren’t troubling enough, several units are facing increased patient loads while simultaneously receiving fewer nursing hours. For example, the 2 East's patient census rose from 41.77 to 48.92, while the nursing hours available per patient decreased. Such trends not only overwhelm the nursing staff but also jeopardize the quality of healthcare provided.

Critically, hospitals often rely on 'budgeted staffing plans' that do not accurately reflect daily staffing realities, leading to a disheartening gap in care quality.

The adverse effects of these changes are becoming tangible. Nurses have been reporting unsafe staffing conditions through "Objection to Unsafe Staffing Reports"—official documents raised during shifts indicating any threat to patient health due to inadequate staffing. Since the introduction of the new staffing plans, reports have quadrupled, highlighting an urgent call for action to ensure patient safety.

The Fight for Improved Staffing Levels

In addition to advocating for reinstated staffing levels, the nurses are utilizing their ongoing negotiations to demand enforceable staffing regulations within their upcoming contract renewal. This includes seeking competitive wages that will attract and retain adequate nursing staff at BID Plymouth.

Taylor emphasized the stakes involved in these discussions: “For us as nurses, this isn’t just about our jobs. It’s about the trust our patients place in us when they’re calling for help. Their lives might depend on timely and effective care, which we are unable to provide under the existing staffing conditions.”

As the nurses continue their campaign for change, their resilience reflects a deep commitment to not only their profession but also the patients and families they serve. The next negotiation session is slated for March 12, with hopes that the administration will respond positively to the critical needs articulated by the nursing staff.