Nurses at Adventist Health to Hold Informational Pickets Over Staffing

Nurses to Stage Informational Pickets at Adventist Health Central Coast Hospitals

Nurses employed at Adventist Health Twin Cities and Sierra Vista in Central Coast are organizing informational pickets scheduled for Tuesday, June 24. These actions are being taken in response to Adventist Health's stance on addressing crucial issues related to safe staffing and patient care. Represented by the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU), the nurses are voicing their concerns over potential threats to their healthcare benefits.

Since March, negotiations have been underway for a new contract aimed at retaining skilled nurses, a critical component for maintaining safe staffing levels and ensuring high-quality care for patients.

Twin Cities Picket Details

When: Tuesday, June 24, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Where: 1100 Las Tablas Rd., Templeton, Calif.; on the sidewalk in front of the Emergency Department

Sierra Vista Picket Details

When: Tuesday, June 24, 12-1:30 p.m.

Where: 1010 Murray Ave., San Luis Obispo, Calif.; at the intersection of Murray Ave. and Santa Rosa St.

Amber Wiehl, RN, chief nurse representative for Adventist Health Sierra Vista and CNA Board member, stated, “At the bargaining table, Adventist Health has yet to meaningfully address critical concerns raised by nurses, including staffing, work-life balance, and retention — issues that directly impact both nurse well-being and patient care.” Wiehl emphasized the need for a fair contract that aligns with Adventist Health's mission to promote “health, wholeness, and hope.”

Heather Baker, RN, serving as the chief nurse representative at Adventist Health Twin Cities, expressed her initial optimism about Adventist Health's presence in the community, stating, “I was excited to have Adventist Health come to our community, and the initial positivity in the workplace felt like a good culture change.” However, she noted that the proposals from Adventist Health do not adequately address fundamental issues affecting both nurses and patients.

The nurses informed their employer on June 13 about their intention to hold these informational pickets.

The California Nurses Association represents nearly 550 nurses at Adventist Health Central Coast’s two hospitals, with about 250 nurses at Twin Cities and more than 300 at Sierra Vista.

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