100 meet in Capital Region Bargaining

NYSNA members and non-member RNs gathered on August 27 to share what many termed a “staffing crisis” in the capital district area, so pronounced that patient safety and positive patient outcomes are considered in serious jeopardy.

One hundred nurses attended the session where NYSNA President Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez spoke about the staffing crisis throughout the state, as well as the revenue/reward model that drives New York hospitals. President Sheridan-Gonzalez provided information on hospital industry consolidation, through mergers, that often undercut care, reduce staffing and lead to layoffs.

NYSNA nurses from Nathan Littauer Hospital, Ellis Hospital and Bellevue Women’s Hospital were present. Nurses from St. Peter’s Hospital and Albany Medical Center, both in Albany, joined them. Both union and non-union contingents agreed that staffing shortfalls were prevalent throughout hospitals – in ORs, Med-Surg, ERs and other units.