ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — While union nurses at Mission Hospital prepared for an informational picket Tuesday, it was work as usual for other nurses in the health care facility.
“There is a substantial group of Mission Nurses who oppose the strike and are deeply concerned about the biased nature of current local reporting,” said a nurse who did not want to be identified because of a fear of retaliation.
“The concern is that many reports from the NNU (National Nurses United) are either exaggerated, misleading or entirely false,” the nurse said. “This misinformation has serious consequences: our pre-op nurses frequently encounter patients who are visibly terrified, fearing for their lives due to the alarmist nature of these reports. This unwarranted fear makes it incredibly challenging to provide the high standard of care we are committed to delivering.”
MISSION NURSES’ UNION TO HOLD ‘INFORMATIONAL’ RALLY
Mission Hospital and Mission Nurses United, the union representing the nurses, did not reach an agreement on a new contract before an earlier labor deal expired on July 2, increasing the possibility of a strike.
Mission Hospital employs about 1,600 nurses, all of whom are represented by National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United in contract negotiations, an NNU spokesperson said. However, not all nurses at the hospital are participating members.
AS STRIKE LOOMS, WEBSITES SET UP TO HELP MISSION NURSES
A news release from NNU said Tuesday’s rally was being held to “protest management’s refusal to address RNs’ deep concerns about safe staffing and patient care.” Mission Health has continually refuted claims of unsafe staffing.
“The NNU’s actions are not only creating unnecessary anxiety among patients but also perpetuating a negative image of Mission Health that is far from the reality we witness daily,” the nurse said.
“We have countless stories of patients who, after discharge, express their gratitude for the excellent care they received at Mission. These positive experiences are overshadowed by the NNU’s campaign, which fosters a culture of fear and intimidation both within and outside the hospital. We all refrain from publicly supporting Mission due to fear of retaliation from NNU leadership, who have a track record of bullying and intimidation.”
The nurse said the union had flooded hospital breakrooms with flyers and bumper stickers, calling the efforts “a disregard for both the rules and the well-being of our community.”
‘NOBODY WANTS STRIKE TO BE THE END GOAL’ NURSE SAYS
The ultimate goal is to prevent a strike, the nurse said.
“If they genuinely cared about our patients, family, and community, they would never even consider threatening to strike. Patient safety is not an issue at Mission Hospital as evidenced by numerous prestigious awards and another successful TJC (the Joint Commission) inspection last month,” the nurse said.
“As dedicated health care professionals, we firmly believe that striking is not in the best interest of our patients or the community,” the nurse said. “Furthermore, we must consider the financial well-being of the nurses and their families at Mission. Many are at risk of severe financial distress if they heed the NNU’s call, potentially missing up to five shifts.”
BY THE NUMBERS: CLOSER LOOK AT MISSION NURSES’ NEGOTIATIONS
The nurse urged the groups to continue to talk and work through the issues.
“Instead of fostering division, let us focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration to address our concerns and uphold the well-being of our community,” the nurse said.
Mission Health issued the following statement:
“We have many nurses, from those who have just started to those who have been here for many years, who are proud to be part of the Mission Hospital team. We support everyone’s right to have their voice heard and are saddened to hear that some feel they can only speak anonymously due to potential harassment from union-supporting nurses. Our nurses can decide for themselves whether to support or oppose the union and its practices, including their decision to pay dues or not, and we neither reward nor retaliate against anyone for their personal decisions.”