RNs at Good Samaritan Hospital Rally Against Unsafe Staffing Practices
RNs at Good Samaritan Hospital Organize Rally Over Staffing Concerns
Registered nurses employed at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, California, are set to hold a demonstration on Wednesday, October 30. The protest is aimed at highlighting management's shortcomings in tackling persistent understaffing and insufficient break relief, as reported by the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU).
Over recent months, nurses have submitted more than 100 assignment despite objection forms (ADOs), which detail inadequate staffing and missed meal and rest breaks. The nursing staff claims that hospital management is not complying with the state's safe staffing law. This law mandates that patient acuity, which measures the severity of a patient's condition, should be considered. Despite ongoing discussions with management about unsafe staffing practices, the hospital continues to overlook nurses' recommendations in staffing decisions. Title 22, the RN-to-patient ratios law, specifies the minimum required RN-to-patient ratios for acute-care hospitals.
Stephanie Landry, RN, from the float pool unit, who has been with Good Samaritan for 16 years, stated, “It is critical that RNs have input in how staffing is done at the hospital to ensure the safety of patients.” She emphasized the increased need for nurses when patients are very sick and criticized understaffing as a dangerous practice that compromises patient care. Landry added, “We expect HCA to do better for the community and patients. That’s why we are holding a rally to bring the public's attention to these unsafe practices and foster change.”
Details of the Rally:
Who: Registered Nurses at Good Samaritan Hospital
What: Rally advocating for patient safety
When: Wednesday, October 30, 8:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Where: Good Samaritan Hospital, 2425 Samaritan Dr, San Jose, CA 95124 (sidewalk on Samaritan Drive, between ER and East Entrance to the hospital)
Lydia Vasovich-Gmerek, RN, from the neonatal intensive care unit and a 37-year employee at Good Samaritan, remarked, “State law requires that registered nurses have input in how the hospital is staffed.” She stressed the importance of nurses' voices in ensuring safe patient care, criticizing HCA for prioritizing profits over patient safety. Vasovich-Gmerek stated, “This hurts the community and puts patients at risk. We rally to change these dangerous staffing practices that HCA tries to normalize. Patient safety and proper care should be in everyone's best interest. HCA needs to do better.”
The California Nurses Association represents over 900 registered nurses at Good Samaritan Hospital.
The California Nurses Association/National Nurses United stands as the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the nation, boasting more than 100,000 members in over 200 facilities across California and nearly 225,000 RNs nationwide.
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