Henry Mayo RNs to Hold Candlelight Vigil for Patient Safety and Unity

Henry Mayo Nurses Organize Candlelight Vigil for Patient Safety

In Valencia, California, registered nurses at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital are planning a candlelight vigil to advocate for patient safety and improved working conditions as they negotiate a new union contract. The nurses, represented by the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU), have been in discussions since December 4, ahead of their current contract's expiration on January 22, 2025. The union represents over 600 nurses at the hospital.

The vigil, scheduled for Monday, December 16, aims to emphasize the nurses' commitment to patient care and their solidarity with the hospital community. The RNs are urging hospital management to address critical concerns regarding patient safety, staffing, and the recruitment and retention of skilled nurses.

Amber Richardson, a registered nurse in the labor and delivery unit and member of the bargaining team, emphasized the importance of hospital support. "We do this work because we love providing quality care to our patients, but we need a commitment from Henry Mayo to support us with safe staffing, resource nurses, and a strong contract to recruit and retain experienced staff nurses," she stated. "Henry Mayo is our community’s only hospital, and we value the quality of care we provide."

Event Details:

Who: RNs at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital

What: Candlelight Vigil for Solidarity

When: Monday, December 16, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, 23845 McBean Pkwy, Valencia, CA (at the intersection of McBean Pkwy. and Orchard Village Rd.)

Danielle Shearer, another registered nurse from the definitive observation unit and part of the bargaining team, shared her personal connection to the hospital and the community. "I’ve been a nurse at Henry Mayo on-and-off since 2018," she said. "My mom was a nurse here for 16 years. My family has lived in Santa Clarita for 29 years. This is a wonderful community. Nurses are holding this vigil to express how much we love serving our patients and want to provide the best possible care now and in the coming years."

California Nurses Association/National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the nation, with more than 100,000 members in over 200 facilities throughout California and nearly 225,000 RNs nationwide.