The nurses, represented by the Michigan Nurses Association, are currently in negotiations with UPHS–Marquette, which is owned by Brentwood, Tenn.-based Duke LifePoint. In the petition, nurses call for “an agreement that ensures guaranteed minimum RN staffing levels that are safe for patients, in every department and on every shift.”
UPHS-Marquette nurses plan to deliver petition results to hospital management and hold a news conference to raise awareness for conditions at the hospital, the union said in a news release obtained by The Mining Journal. The nurses allege understaffing persists at the hospital.
“We have very talented, very smart, very caring nurses that work at this hospital,” Stephanie DePetro, chief grievance steward on the UPHS-Marquette RN Staff Council and member of the bargaining team, told The Mining Journal. “But when your concerns are constantly being downplayed by management about staffing problems and the number of hours you are working and the number of patients you are taking care of — that tends to weigh on you. Because you are caring for a human being, you are caring for a person in that bed, they are not just a number to us.”
Hospital administrators in an emailed statement to Becker’s Hospital Review pointed to its efforts for patients and employees.
“UP Health System – Marquette takes very seriously our commitment to deliver high-quality, safe and compassionate care close to home, and we strive daily to create excellent workplaces for our employees,” the statement reads.
Hospital administrators added they are unable to comment on this situation “because we are currently negotiating with the Michigan Nurses Association union to develop a contract that meets the needs of our nursing staff and hospital.”
More articles on human capital and risk:
Nomad Health nurse staffing tool takes cue from online dating sites
Mayo Clinic nurses in Albert Lea, Austin reach labor deal
NewYork-Presbyterian sees backlash over ties to furniture company
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
