Nurses Demand Hospital Action Against Authoritarian Threats to Democracy

Nurses Advocate for Election Protection Amidst Rising Authoritarian Concerns

On Tuesday, October 27th, registered nurses across six U.S. cities called upon the nation’s leading hospital groups to play a role in safeguarding free and fair elections. These demonstrations, organized by National Nurses United (NNU), emphasized the need for healthcare institutions to act against authoritarian threats.

Inspired by South Korea’s Light Stick Revolution, participants highlighted their grievances against the Trump administration, such as the perceived negligence of healthcare and hospital executives in addressing human and civil rights violations. The protestors wielded light sticks to symbolize their commitment to shining a light on these issues.

Jamie Brown, RN, President of NNU, stated, “For far too long, nurses have singlehandedly fought to care for our patients in a broken, profit-driven system while our employers refuse to invest in safe patient care conditions.” She criticized healthcare corporations for their alleged complicity with the Trump administration, mentioning incidents like allowing ICE agents into hospitals and using controversial technology firms like Palantir.

See photos from the nationwide protests here.

Brown further emphasized the responsibility of healthcare corporations to support nurses and working people to ensure every vote is counted. She underscored, “We need free and fair elections, so we can take on the billionaire class, improve our patients’ lives, and win a society where everyone is guaranteed a healthy life.”

The demonstrations occurred in several cities, including Washington, D.C.; Chicago; Englewood, Colorado; and several California locations, outside the offices of major healthcare organizations like Risant Health, CommonSpirit, and Kaiser Permanente. Allied groups such as immigrant rights organizations and health advocacy bodies joined the nurses in their protests.

Celi Tamayo-Lee of Bay Resistance noted the Bay Area's role in defending democracy, stating, “Authoritarians have historically been stopped across the globe because people mobilize en masse and shut down the economy.”

Gladis Ibarra, co-executive director of the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, added, “The ruling class wants you to believe that immigrants are the source of all our problems.” She highlighted economic exploitation as the true issue facing the nation.

The Center for Health Progress expressed support for the nurses, urging hospital systems to oppose authoritarian threats. The organization joined NNU in calling upon healthcare giants to defend democratic principles.

Dr. Allison Whitaker, co-president of the Housestaff Association of the University of Colorado Hospitals, praised the nurses' advocacy, saying, “We stand with all the nurses advocating for themselves so they can serve patients with the excellence and rigor we all aim to deliver.”

The Colorado AFL-CIO reassured voters of their commitment to facilitating a free voting process, emphasizing Colorado's secure election laws.

Dr. Olivia Ladd-Luthringshauser, a pediatric resident physician in Washington, D.C., voiced concerns over the impact of profit-driven politics on patient welfare, urging hospital leaders to join in safeguarding democracy.

See photos from the nationwide protests here.

The NNU has pledged vigilance against any election malpractices, including interference with voting processes or intimidation tactics at polling places. Previously, NNU was involved in legal action against the federal government, resulting in a court injunction that halted certain voter intimidation activities by the Department of Homeland Security.

National Nurses United represents over 225,000 members across the United States, making it the largest union and professional association of registered nurses. It includes affiliates such as the California Nurses Association, DC Nurses Association, and the Michigan Nurses Association.

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