#USA #Massachusetts Nurses Association #nursing care #St. Luke's Hospital #New Bedford

Nurses at St. Luke's Hospital Hold Informational Picket

On September 17, nurses at St. Luke's Hospital, represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), will hold an informational picket outside the main entrance of the hospital in New Bedford. This decision comes after recent contract negotiations failed to reach an agreement. The aim of this event is to raise awareness about the critical issues at stake, including enforceable staffing limits and fair wages.

Context of the Picket

Negotiations on a new contract took place into the evening on September 16, but unfortunately, no agreement was reached. The nurses are advocating for enforceable staffing limits to ensure patient safety and to address the pressing need for competitive wages that will support recruitment and retention efforts. Currently, many nurses in the region make more at other local hospitals, complicating staffing at St. Luke's.

One major concern is the Family-Centered Unit (FCU), where the current staffing model forces nurses to work in areas outside their expertise, thus compromising the quality of care. The management's latest proposal regarding FCU staffing fails to address these issues adequately, leading to a call for better training and specialty care.

Details of the Informational Picket

The informational picket is set to take place on September 17 from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. It is important to note that this is not a strike; nurses can participate while off duty or on breaks. Friends, families, and community members have been encouraged to join in solidarity to support the nurses' demands for safe staffing levels and fair wages.

The Stakes for Nurses

In a petition delivered to CEO David McCready earlier this month, over 600 nurses signed their commitment to pushing for improvements in patient care and workplace respect. The petition highlights the challenges faced by nurses, especially since the pandemic started, which has worsened staffing shortages and lowered morale. The commitment to delivering high-quality care must match the support and recognition given to nurses as essential workers.

Kim Beaulieu, a nurse and co-chair of the St. Luke's MNA Bargaining Committee, provided insight into the situation, saying, "St. Luke's Hospital should have staffing levels and RN wages that reflect its position as the largest hospital and leader of patient care in the region." Both Kim and Terri DeMedeiros, another co-chair, emphasized their dedication to ensuring that St. Luke's is not only a safe haven for patients but also an attractive workplace for nurses.

Nurses’ Key Demands

• - Safe Staffing: The nurses are calling for enforced limits to protect patients and reduce burnout, especially regarding intermediate care and step-down patients.
• - Competitive Wages: They are advocating for wage increases that align more closely with what nurses are receiving in other healthcare facilities, such as BI Plymouth and Cape Cod Healthcare, making it difficult for St. Luke's to retain qualified staff.

In their communication to management, the nurses reiterated, "Our efforts are integral to the care provided by Southcoast. However, the current conditions are unsustainable, and we are in dire need of a fair contract that values and supports our efforts." The community is urged to come together in support of St. Luke's nurses as they strive to advocate for both their profession and the quality of care provided to their patients.

Conclusion

The upcoming informational picket signifies more than just a labor dispute; it is a crucial moment for St. Luke's Hospital to reflect on its commitment to its nursing staff and the community it serves. As the nurses stand united for their rights and for better patient care, the support from the community could be a pivotal factor in influencing negotiations moving forward.