For Immediate Release: November 23, 2021
Contact: Kristi Barnes, kristi.barnes@nysna.org, (646) 853-4489
Nurses speak out about dangerous understaffing throughout the hospital
“Stop silencing our voices”: nurses highlight labor law violations and intimidation as they fight for a fair contract that protects patient safety
Peekskill, NY - Nurses at NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital (NYP-HVH) will carry out an informational picket in front of the hospital on Tuesday, Nov. 23, at 8:00 – 10:00 AM and 12:00 Noon – 2:00 PM, to protest conditions at the hospital.
WHO: Nurses of the New York State Nurses Association; community advocates; and elected officials, including State Senator Peter Harckham, Westchester County Legislator Colin Smith, Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie, Peekskill City Council Member Ramon Fernandez, Peekskill City Council Member Rob Scott, District Leader Nicola A Demarco, and District Leader Michelle Keller.
WHAT: Informational Picket for Patient Safety at NYP-HVH
WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 23, 8:00 – 10:00 AM and 12:00 Noon – 2:00 PM
WHERE: NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital, 1978 Crompond Rd, Cortland Manor, NY
The RNs are speaking out about continued understaffing throughout the hospital, which puts patient safety at risk. Nurses point to the ICU, where an RN may be assigned four patients, instead of the safe, professional staffing standard of one or two patients per nurse. In the ER, patients are held for hours, even days. On the Labor and Delivery night shift, there are often only two nurses working when there should be five, putting mothers and babies at risk.
Nurses want a greater voice in safe patient care but have faced intimidation instead. NYP-HVH administration continues to interfere with the nurses’ union rights — from illegally firing a union activist nurse at the beginning of the pandemic, to harassing nurses for distributing union literature outside the hospital — a right protected by federal labor law.
NYP-HVH nurses are united in demanding safe staffing for their patients and a real plan to recruit and retain nurses.
Renee Mauro, RN, a 25-year veteran nurse at NYP-HVH said: “This is supposed to be a Magnet hospital where nurses’ voices are respected and heard and where quality patient care is the top priority. Nurses will continue to speak out when we believe patient safety is at risk, and we will continue to fight to make this hospital the best it can be.”
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The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) represents more than 42,000 members in New York State. We are New York’s largest union and professional association for registered nurses. For more information, visit nysna.org.
