Nurses always provide notice 10 days in advance before announcing a strike so the hospital system can make a plan for patient care, according to the NNU. Ascension Seton Medical Center representatives said the hospital has a contingency plan in place to ensure patient care won’t be disrupted during the strike.
The background
The move to strike followed contract negotiations regarding pay levels and improving retention that have dragged on since at least November, according to the union. On June 2, the NNU announced the strike had passed with 98% support.
Nurses have recently come forward demanding solutions to the hospital's ongoing staffing issues.
Matthew Clark, a registered nurse in the intensive care unit and a member of the negotiating team, said there are daily requests to pull staffing from other departments to handle incoming patients. He said low staffing levels mean nurses often work longer shifts than scheduled and are drained by the work. He also said the frequent turnover means a lack of experienced staff.
What nurses are saying
“Ascension management pushed nurses to this position by failing to listen to or implement our solutions to address the staffing crisis,” said Monica Gonzalez, a registered nurse in the neurology unit at Ascension Seton Medical Center in Austin, in a news release. “Ascension management has the power to settle a strong contract now, if they are serious about staffing up and improving nurses’ ability to provide safe patient care.”
What Ascension Seton officials are saying
“We are disappointed National Nurses United has made the decision to proceed with a one-day strike, especially given the hardship this will present for our associates and their families, and the concern this action may cause our patients and their loved ones,” Ascension Seton representatives said in a statement. “Patient safety is our top priority, and Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin is well-prepared to remain open and care for our patients during this work stoppage event.”
Community Impact will update this story as details emerge.
