Candlelight Vigil for Safe RN Staffing at Terence Cardinal Cooke Medical Center

18 RN positions could be eliminated, seriously affecting the quality of patient care

New York, October 31, 2008 — Community members and the registered nurses of Terence Cardinal Cooke Medical Center (TCC) will hold a candlelight vigil on Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. to protest proposed cuts in nursing positions. The vigil will be held outside the hospital on Central Park East (Fifth Avenue) between 105th and 106th Streets.

The facility is planning on eliminating 18 RN positions, leaving very fragile patients with fewer skilled nurses to care for them. TCC plans to replace the RNs with LPNs, who by law cannot assess the condition of patients, develop and adjust nursing care plans, administer certain treatments and medications, or function independently of an RN or other authorized professional.

“Many TCC patients require the level of care that only a registered nurse can provide,” Christina Terranova, RN, New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) nursing representative “We are concerned that this could be the first phase in a long-term plan to replace RNs with LPNs, to the danger of the patients we serve.”

TCC is a long-term care facility treating patients with Alzheimers, Parkinson’s Disease, AIDS, and Huntington’s Disease; and also children and adults with severe developmental disabilities. TCC is a member of the Catholic Health Care System.

The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for nursing in the Empire State. With more than 36,000 members, it is the state's largest union and professional association for registered nurses. It supports nurses and nursing practice through education, research, legislative advocacy, and collective bargaining.

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