Op Ed: Tacoma nurses say strike is preventable, but feel-good hospital mission statements aren’t enough
Published by TACOMA NEWS TRIBUNE on 7/6/19 (Source)
BY JANET STEWART AND LINDA BURBANK
St. Joseph’s nurses are considering a strike vote, a rare step we do not take lightly. While compensation is part of the discussion, our top priority is safety: for patients and the community we serve.
Hospital administrators should be acutely aware of what we need to deliver quality care. Our nurses have consistently communicated what we need, in multiple venues throughout the year in addition to contract negotiations.
If nurses are expected to take care of more patients who are sicker, we simply need more nurses to do that.