Hundreds of NYSNA Nurses Rallied at the State Capitol to Sound Alarm on Staffing Crisis in Hospitals and Nursing Homes
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Contact: Eliza Bates | press@nysna.org | 646-285-8491
Kristi Barnes | press@nysna.org | 646-853-4489
HUNDREDS OF NYSNA NURSES RALLIED AT THE STATE CAPITOL TO SOUND ALARM ON STAFFING CRISIS IN HOSPITALS AND NURSING HOMES
Nurses from across New York State united to call on Albany to invest in quality care for all New Yorkers and to prioritize safe staffing enforcement, fair hospital funding, a plan to recruit and retain nurses, and a moratorium on maternal health closures
Albany, N.Y.– On Wednesday, March 5, hundreds of New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) nurses and healthcare professionals held their annual lobby day. Nurses visited elected leaders and then held a press conference calling on Albany to invest in quality healthcare for all New Yorkers and to address the continued staffing crisis.
Nurses were joined by Senate Health Committee Chair Sen. Gustavo Rivera, Sen. Robert Jackson, Assembly Health Chair Amy Paulin, Sen. Jessica Ramos, Assemblymembers Harry Bronson, Aileen Gunther, Karines Reyes, and Phara Souffrant Forrest, and Local 1199 SEIU Political Organizer, Alizandra Garri.
NYSNA President Nancy Hagans, RN, BSN, CCRN, said, "NYSNA nurses and healthcare professionals are on the frontlines, and we know what our patients need. Our patients across New York State need and deserve quality care, regardless of their zip code, race or ethnicity, income, or whether they live in a big city or rural area. Patients need more access to healthcare, and they need more nurses to care for them safely. Instead, we’ve seen hospitals cut services and fail to hire and retain enough nurses at the bedside. It’s time for Albany to listen to nurses and to invest in quality care for all New Yorkers."
Margaret Franks, BSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC at Vassar Brothers Medical Center and NYSNA Lower Hudson/NJ Regional Director, said, "I don’t always feel hopeful as I look around the state and see hospitals closing down maternity and other services, and as I see nurses at my own hospital leave the job within a year because the conditions are too stressful. Now Northwell, the state’s largest healthcare system, has announced that it plans to take over our hospital. My coworkers and I are concerned because we’ve seen time and again that hospital expansion and consolidation in search of profits leads to cuts in essential healthcare services for our communities. We need legislators to join NYSNA in our fight to protect patient care."
Sonia Lawrence, RN at H+H/Lincoln and President of NYSNA’s NYC Health+Hospitals/Mayorals Executive Council, said, "Throughout New York State, our public health nurses play an essential role in keeping families healthy. Yet our public hospitals and safety-net hospitals are always struggling financially because we take on a larger share of unpaid and underpaid care. Instead of cuts to Medicaid, we need Albany to fully fund Medicaid, so it reimburses hospitals for the true cost of care. And hospitals serving mostly low-income communities need their fair share of additional funding to support quality care. Fair funding is a matter of healthcare justice."
While nurses continue to care for all New Yorkers regardless of ability to pay, Albany’s underfunding of Medicaid strains the state’s healthcare system. Instead of cutting Medicaid in the New York State budget, nurses are calling on Albany to fully fund Medicaid.
NYSNA members are calling on legislators to listen to nurses and to prioritize:
- Holding hospitals accountable for safe staffing.
- Solving the nurse staffing crisis through education, loan forgiveness, recruitment, and retention programs
- Fixing tier 6 of the New York State pension fund to help retain our public hospitals' most experienced nurses and ensure that they can retire with dignity.
- Protecting quality care by safeguarding New York’s nursing practice standards.
- Fairly funding underserved communities and prohibiting hospital closures of maternity and other essential healthcare services.
More nurses means better care, but New York’s broken healthcare system has created a staffing crisis in hospitals and nursing homes. Many healthcare facilities are failing to staff facilities with enough nurses and frontline caregivers to ensure safe, quality care for all.
"I am proud to join NYSNA to call for the final state budget to fully fund the Medicaid program, include Coverage For All to expand healthcare coverage for our State's undocumented population, and secure investment to ensure safe staffing levels and stability in our local healthcare facilities for patients and workers alike," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "New York’s healthcare institutions are facing many challenges in recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals, including our nurses, and we must address these issues to guarantee accessible, high quality care to every New Yorker."
"Nurses know what ails our healthcare system and how to remedy it, because they are on the frontlines. Understaffing in hospitals continues to be endemic and harms patient care. It's time to listen to the nurses and invest in New York healthcare through safe staffing, fair hospital funding, and a robust plan to recruit and retain nurses," said Assemblymember Aileen Gunther, RN.
"In the face of a health crisis that has stretched our healthcare system to its limits, the need for increasing the number of nurses in our state has never been clearer. As a nurse myself, I have stood alongside my colleagues on the frontlines, witnessing firsthand the dire consequences of understaffing and how it endangers both patients and healthcare workers. I am proud to stand with NYSNA and my fellow nurses across the state to say we need more nurses, and we need them now. We must enforce safe staffing levels, prevent hospital closures, and invest in programs and policies that protect and uplift the New York nursing workforce. By investing in our nurses, we invest in the health and future of every New Yorker. Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, the heart and soul of medicine, and it's high time we treat them like they deserve and ensure that the support and protection they are given matches their incredible significance for patients and families all across New York State," said Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest, RN.
Amy Paulin, Chair of the NYS Assembly Health Committee, said, "The pandemic taught us the importance of listening to frontline caregivers. As the chair of the New York State Assembly Health Committee, I know that nurses are the experts in patient care, and I'm calling on my colleagues to join me in listening to what nurses are telling us. It's time to invest in quality health care for all New Yorkers. We need fair funding for public hospitals and safety-net hospitals across our state, and we need to make sure that there is always an experienced nurse at the bedside of every New York patient."
State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, "I am proud to stand with and support the incredible nurses of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) to fight for state investments to alleviate the staffing crisis in New York’s hospitals and the resulting consequences. Anyone who has been ill or has had a sick loved one knows that nurses are a critical part of our healthcare system. These important workers deserve a safe and sustainable work environment that is fair to them and also ensures the best outcomes for their patients. It is critical that our hospitals are fully funded, that they invest in recruiting, training and retaining nursing and other related staff and that essential health services such as maternity care are available in every community in our State."
"Supporting our nurses supports our patients. Our hospitals and nursing homes would cease to function without hardworking nursing staff and frontline caregivers. We must address the budgetary shortfalls that have contributed to this floundering system which is placing an unfair burden on nurses and patients alike. And paying the highest price are our underserved communities, who are faced with reduced healthcare options and lack of essential services. The time is now to demand safe staffing and increase hospital funding so we can not only recruit but retain New York state nurses," said Assembly Labor Committee Chair Harry Bronson.
"Safe staffing, nurse recruitment, and health equity aren't just talking points; they're the pillars upon which our healthcare system stands. As Senator, I stand committed to championing the cause alongside NYSNA, ensuring our nurses have the support they need, our communities receive equitable care, and our healthcare system thrives. Investing in our nurses is an investment in the vitality of our communities and the dignity of every patient they serve," said Senator Robert Jackson.
"I stand here today in solidarity with the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) to highlight the great work of Nurses throughout the state. They serve as the frontline guardians for patient’s well-being to ensure quality healthcare. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to invest in our nurses and hospitals; healthcare is a fundamental human right, regardless of an individual’s background. We must prioritize programs and funding for adequate and safe staffing and plans to retain nurses so that they can have the skills and tools needed to deliver excellent care," said Assemblymember Maritza Davila.
"In the face of an unprecedented staffing crisis that jeopardizes the ability of our hospitals and nursing homes to deliver quality care, the upcoming budget presents an opportunity to address these challenges head-on," said Senator Nathalia Fernandez. "We need robust student loan forgiveness and education initiatives to attract and retain qualified nurses who are entering the profession. By investing in our nurses, we can guarantee that every hospital and nursing home in New York is adequately equipped to deliver the high standard of care that our communities expect and deserve."
Assemblymember Dinowitz said, "New York's healthcare system faces a staffing crisis in hospitals and nursing homes. To address this, we must prioritize fixing the nurse staffing crisis through education, loan forgiveness, recruitment, and retention programs. Additionally, we must protect nursing practice standards, hold hospitals accountable for staffing, and prevent closures of essential healthcare services. It's crucial to fully fund Medicaid and enact the NY Health Act into law to ensure safe, quality care for all."
“As the backbone of our healthcare system, all of us will depend on a nurse’s expertise, caring manner, and professionalism. But nurses have been forced to work long hours in understaffed hospitals for far too long. It’s exhausting and stressful for the nurses and can lead to poor health outcomes for patients. For the health and safety of everyone, we must ensure that nurses have what they need to perform their jobs at the highest level, including safe staffing levels and adequate hospital funding. I’m proud to stand with our nurses in New York as they push for better working conditions," said Senator Rachel May.
"Healthcare workers are heroes," said Assemblymember Harvey Epstein. "I am proud to stand beside the New York State Nurses Association today to call for safe staffing, nurse recruitment and retention, fair funding for safety nets, and health equity."
"If we want New York to continue to be a great place to live, we need to back our healthcare professionals and invest in healthcare for our most vulnerable citizens. That means taking steps to prioritize safe staffing levels and fully funding Medicaid. Giving New York's nurses the support they need is an investment in the health and wellbeing of every New Yorker," said Senator Sean Ryan.
"Our nurses show up for New Yorkers when we need them most, and now it’s our turn to stand with them in their fight for safe staffing and the resources necessary to care for their patients," said Assemblymember Patricia Fahy. "Across New York State and especially in high-need areas and our disadvantaged communities, we’ll need to hire and retain more than 40,000 nurses by 2030 just to meet current healthcare demand and needs. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Higher Education committee and in the Assembly to continue supporting our nurses and healthcare workforce more broadly."
"As a steadfast supporter of healthcare workers, I stand in solidarity with nurses both in my district and statewide. Their requests are just common sense— safe staffing and increased nurse recruitment are essential for delivering quality patient care. Our nurses tirelessly provide support during life's most challenging moments and deserve our support in return. Now, more than ever, it's crucial to join forces with NYSNA to advance health equity across New York State," said Senator Scarcella-Spanton.
"The New York State Nurses Association plays a crucial role advocating for healthcare equity and justice. With over 42,000 united nurses on the frontline, promoting high standards of nursing practices and patient care, they are truly the backbone of our healthcare system. The advocacy of the NYSNA has a long historical significance starting in 1901, and since then they continue to empower nurses as leaders, fostering emotional well-being and workplace wellness. I am honored to champion besides the New York State Nurses Association, as we continue to fight for a greater New York," said Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs.
"A few years back, when many of us were staying inside and keeping our distance from each other, nurses were walking into work every day to help the sickest among us. The best way to share gratitude for the frontline work done by nurses is with action, which is why I strongly supported legislation addressing staffing shortages among other critical issues - new laws that now need to be properly and fully enforced. I am proud to stand with NYSNA as they advocate for safety and equity for their members and patients alike," said Senator James Skoufis.
"In the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear our government is failing New Yorkers and our front line workers, the nurses that care for us and keep this state going. If the pandemic taught us nothing else, we know without a doubt we cannot skimp on healthcare. We lost so many nurses because of the strain they experienced during the pandemic. The shortage of staff in hospitals has created a dangerous environment for both healthcare workers and patients. We can’t keep risking people’s lives. This is why we need to fully fund Medicaid. We need to pass Coverage for All and the NY Health Act," said Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas.
"Supporting nurses rises all tides. It means that everyone – regardless of ability to pay – has access to essential and life-saving health services; it creates a better continuum of care across systems; and significantly helps overburdened health workers to manage large caseloads and ensure safe, quality care," said Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi. "The Assembly is prioritizing the workforce this year. Despite pandemic surges and a chronic under-resourcing from state government, nurses and caregivers have continued to step up and keep us afloat. It’s time we recognize that, and that we compensate and resource them accordingly."
"Hospitals are being run like corporations that want to maximize profits and minimize costs. And we know all too well that our nurses are the individuals who bear the brunt and carry the abuses of this system. It is inconceivable to believe, that 4 years out from the pandemic, we are still having the same arguments about safe staffing, health equity, and wages when we passed legislation to protect both patients and workers. You clapped for them, threw a parade for their heroism. Now enforce our laws so we can protect them," said Assemblyman Ron Kim.
Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, "The staffing shortage faced by our state’s hospitals and nursing homes poses an enormous threat to the safety and sustainability of our healthcare system. Without nurses, and frontline caregivers, the support that these facilities will be able to provide our loved ones will degrade to a point beyond recognition. We must fully fund Medicaid, hold hospitals accountable for safe staffing assurances, and create a system of education and retention programs for nurses. I stand in solidarity with the New York State Nurses Association as they continue to fight for much-needed changes within a healthcare system that we cannot afford to let fail."
"New York's nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, providing compassionate care to patients day in and day out. As they head to the state capitol for NYSNA Lobby Day, it's crucial that we listen to their calls for more nurses and better staffing. Investing in our healthcare workforce is essential for ensuring safe and quality care for all New Yorkers. I stand with our nurses in prioritizing safe staffing, fair funding for underserved communities, and protecting nursing practice standards. Together, let's work towards a healthcare system that truly serves the needs of our communities," said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara.
"I proudly stand in solidarity with New York's nurses and NYSNA. Together, we must expand the safe staffing of nurses, promote recruitment and retention, increase public hospital funding, and foster health equity through a robust safety net. This will ensure our state's nurses can deliver vital public services while receiving the support they need," said Assemblymember Rebecca A. Seawright.
"As a New York State legislator, representing the 71st Assembly District, my unwavering support for our NYSNA nurses is grounded in a deep respect for their tireless dedication to public health. Standing in solidarity with them, I wholeheartedly support efforts to ensure safe staffing, enhance nurse recruitment & retention, and promote health equity. Together, let us continue our steadfast commitment to supporting and empowering our NYSNA nurses as they tirelessly advocate for a healthier, more equitable future for all," said Assemblymember Al Taylor.
Assemblyman Fred Thiele said, "I stand in solidarity with our State’s nurses and support NYSNA’s legislative and budget priorities for 2024. We must invest in these dedicated healthcare heroes who continue to be the backbone of our healthcare system."
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The New York State Nurses Association represents more than 42,000 members in New York State. We are New York’s largest union and professional association for registered nurses. NYSNA is an affiliate of National Nurses United, AFL-CIO, the country's largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses, with more than 225,000 members nationwide.