Over 3,000 nurses from six Oregon hospitals continued their strike for a second day, holding signs that advocate for patient safety and fair compensation, emphasizing the need for improved staffing levels.

Oregon Nurses Association Negotiates Long-Standing Providence Contract

There is currently a strike taking place at six Providence medical facilities across the state, spanning from St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland to the Medford Medical Center in the south.

According to organizers, this strike is the biggest ever seen in the state. Providence, on the other hand, wants to assure everyone that patient health is not in danger, as they have hired temporary workers to cover the gap.

Scott Palmer, the chief of staff with the Oregon Nurses Association, said negotiations with Providence have been ongoing since December, but a fair contract has yet to be reached.

According to Palmer, the main focus of the negotiations revolves around addressing concerns related to recruitment and retention. This includes discussions about wages, benefits, and ensuring adequate staffing levels.

Jennifer Gentry, the chief nursing officer for Providence's Central Division, emphasized the organization's commitment to maintaining high-quality patient care by contracting with a company to provide replacement workers, AP reported. 

Gary Walker, a company spokesperson, assured that the strike has had no impact on their facilities. On Tuesday, approximately 800 individuals received treatment in their Emergency Departments, and there have been no delays in elective surgeries.

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Striking Nurses Demand Better Wages, Health Benefits from Providence

The nurses currently on strike are advocating for an increase in wages and improved health insurance benefits from Providence. 

According to certain individuals in the nursing profession, they have encountered significant personal expenses, with some having to pay as much as $1,000 per month for health insurance to meet the medical requirements of their family members.

According to the Washington Examiner, Gentry mentioned that they provide 82% coverage for healthcare expenses for their employees, which is higher than the national industry average of 70%.

Even though nurses have concerns about the increased staffing ratio, Providence claims that they are following the state's safe staffing law, which was signed in August.

Last year, a significant number of nurses at Providence Medical Center participated in a five-day strike. After weeks of negotiations, a contract was finally reached with the hospital. 

This agreement will result in a significant increase in wages, ranging from 17% to 26% over the course of two years.

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