Over 200 Jefferson Health nurses announce plans to unionize

More than 200 nurses in the Jefferson Health Network announced their plans to unionize and join the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals, also known as PASNAP. Kiersten McCalmant, a nurse at Jefferson Bucks Hospital, says one of the biggest issues is a lack of consistency in direction from management. "Money is being funneled into anti-union efforts and advertising, when those resources could be going directly toward patient care, adequate staffing, supplies and supporting the nurses who keep this hospital running every single day." Ashley Bupp, a nurse in the emergency department at Jefferson Bucks, says understaffing is also a major issue. Nurses at Jefferson's Center One and Willowcrest facilities in Philadelphia are also joining the effort. "We see the ER waiting room back up because there aren't enough nurses to staff all the inpatient beds. We see nurses pulled away from inpatient care because there aren't enough support staff or clerks to even answer the phones in the hospital when people call." Earlier this year, nearly 1,200 nurses at Jefferson's Einstein Hospital in North Philly fought for and won a new contract that strengthened staffing language, secured protections against forced shift rotations, and preserved pensions, among other wins. In response to the current unionization effort, Jefferson called PASNAP's claims misleading and designed to create headlines instead of "constructive solutions." The health networks says it remains committed to supporting its nurses, caring for patients and meeting the healthcare needs of its communities. (Photo: NBC10)