The California Nurses Association/National Nurses United represents almost 1,000 county registered nurses, nurse practitioners and public health nurses.
Striking Contra Costa RNs converge at Board of Sups mtg, where they will speak out for safe care. #Nurse power! #1u pic.twitter.com/5gswVrb1K6
— California Nurses (@CalNurses) October 6, 2015
"Nurses power!" 100s of striking RNs march 2 Contra Costa Cty Bd of Sups mtg 2 advocate 4 safe #PatientCare @KGOdesk pic.twitter.com/YKTfiUh5ga
— California Nurses (@CalNurses) October 6, 2015
In a written statement they called on the County to immediately, "improve working conditions in order to stop the hemorrhaging of experienced nurses to private hospitals."
They say there is a 30 percent wage gap for County RNs compared to the nearby private hospitals, adding that over 100 nurses have left the County in the last year.
"We would, of course, rather be at the bedside, providing care," said Liz Isenberg, an RN. "But the loss of experienced nurses has resulted in deteriorating conditions for our patients at the County hospital and clinics. We can't stand by and let that happen. We are walking out for a short time to advocate for improvements that will help our patients in the long run."
.@CalNurses fight for safe patient care. Contra Costa 4th cry richest count needs to take care of the RNs #rnstirke pic.twitter.com/4kqH6dzw2N
— Carolyn L Bowden (@CbowdenL) October 6, 2015
In a written statement, Contra Costa Health Services Director William Walker said, "The care and safety of our patients is our top priority and we hope to be able to resolve this as quickly as possible."
Walker said professional nurses were recruited as replacement workers to ensure essential services are available during the work action.
CCRMC and Health Centers provide comprehensive medical services to the residents of this County including services to the County most vulnerable and CCRMC is the only public hospital in this County.