As a result of a staffing dispute filed by our Union, SEIU Local 121RN, a team of West Hills Hospital & Medical Center RNs and Union staff negotiated with management in front of a federal mediator on Nov. 16-17, 2016, to address chronic staffing and equipment issues.

“We as nurses need to take a stand and advocate for safe patient care and to protect our nursing license. We need to unite and get ready for upcoming contract negotiations. Make sure you speak up and have your voice heard. We are the UNION. Let’s make it strong by enforcing our contract and filling out ADO forms when staffing isn’t what it should be. Together we can accomplish much more!”

Carmen Soto, ICU

Results:

• The hospital will post 5 full-time CNA Float Pool positions prior to Dec. 1, 2016. The Hospital is working to fill the positions by Feb. 1, 2017.
• By May 1, 2017, the Hospital will develop a process by which a Phlebotomist or other appropriate staff member may be contacted by ED RNs to provide scheduled AM blood draws. The Hospital will also work to ensure that STAT labs are analyzed and results delivered within 1-hour of the blood draw.
• The Hospital will purchase 30 to 35 additional Computers on Wheels (COWs) by Feb. 1, 2017.
• The Hospital will purchase 50 to 55 additional Vital Sign Machines by Feb. 1, 2017.
• The hospital will work on posting vacant positions within 45 days after commencement of the approval process.
• The Labor Management Committee will schedule additional meetings in January, March and May of 2017 for the sole purpose of discussing training for new graduate nurses and preceptors.
• Within 60 days, the Hospital and our Union will schedule an additional meeting of the Staffing Issues Committee in order to discuss the Hospital’s retention issues. One additional participant from each Nursing Unit will be allowed to participate.

Special thanks to the RN members who participated in these negotiations!

• Brian Williams, ICU
• Marie Spaner, 5W
• Yolanda Tominac, ICU
• Jennifer Beausoleil, ED
• Carmen Soto, ICU

"Working equipment and the increase in work stations will greatly improve the quality of care for our patients. Having more staff will definitely decrease the stress on the staff, improve retention, and increase overall morale." Jennifer Beausoleil, ED

“Our goal as RNs is always to provide the highest quality care for our patients. In this case, vacant RN positions were not being filled fast enough and staff RNs were stretched too thin. We hope this agreement will alleviate the staffing and equipment issues.”

Brian Williams, ICU

"It was extremely satisfying fighting for our nurses and our patients. If we truly want to achieve patient satisfaction, then we have to start with providing the basic necessities for our nurses to provide quality care.”

Yolanda Tominac, ICU