El Paso nurses rally, begin union negotiations with HCA
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Nurses in El Paso will hold a rally as they begin contract negotiations with the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA).
Nurses from Las Palmas Medical Center and Del Sol Medical Center will have a rally with the National Nurses Organizing Committee (NNOC) at 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 25 at Las Palmas Medical Center, located at 1804 N. Oregon St.
“People in El Paso look out for each other, and for us as nurses, that means speaking out for our patients at the bedside and at the bargaining table. We’re ready to fight for a strong contract that improves our hospital, and we’re not alone here in El Paso or across the country,” said Ariana Lucio, an registered nurse at Del Sol Medical Center.
The NNOC union are having rallies across Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Kansas, Missouri and Nevada, according to the news release by the NNOC.
According to a survey done by the NNOC of hospitals in contract negotiations with HCA, 68 percent of nurses said that they have insufficient staffing coverage, that nurses can’t take their meal or rests breaks. Also, 84 percent said that their responsibilities had increased in recent years and 72 percent of nurses said patient care quality has decreased.
The NNOC represents over 450 nurses from Las Palmas and 460 nurses from Del Sol, totaling over 900 nurses in HCA facilities in El Paso, according to the news release.
“All the nurses from Del Sol and Las Palmas are proud to stand together, and we’re not alone because nurses across the country are bargaining with HCA right now. Together, we’re united in the fight for better patient care and better working conditions at HCA hospitals,” said Juan Anchondo, a registered nurse from Las Palmas Medical Center.
Here is statement from Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare
“We are proud of our caregivers and the culture of compassion we have developed at our hospitals, which is based on open communication and a shared commitment to providing the highest-quality patient care. Activity like this often occurs when a union and employer are engaged in contract negotiations, as we are with this union.
“Our staffing is safe, appropriate and in line with other community hospitals and applicable regulations. Additionally, we continue to provide a competitive total compensation package for a hospital system in El Paso. This includes supporting our colleagues and their families by providing a generous and flexible benefits package designed to support our colleagues’ families and careers, with expanded family leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, dependent scholarship program and financial wellness coaching. We value our colleagues and are committed to helping them learn, grow and enjoy a rewarding career.
“Las Palmas Del Sol Healthcare is one of the leading healthcare providers for El Paso and the surrounding region. Additionally, Las Palmas Medical Center and Del Sol Medical Center were recently recognized among America’s 250 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades, and both facilities were named among the top 5% in the nation for patient safety by Healthgrades for the 5th consecutive year.”
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