California RNs to protest CommonSpirit layoffs at 17 hospitals
Registered nurses will hold a press conference and rally Monday, Aug. 3, at California Hospital Medical Center (CHMC) in Los Angeles to protest CommonSpirit Health's planned layoffs at 17 California hospitals, according to the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU). More than 175 health care staff at CommonSpirit facilities across the state have received layoff notices.
At CHMC, CommonSpirit has proposed eliminating 82 positions, including all pediatric unit nurses. Most layoffs target ancillary staff such as transporters, therapy aides, telemetry technicians, and unit secretaries, but nurse educators, wound care nurses, and pediatric RNs also received notices. Nurses say the cuts will force them to take on non-nursing duties, reducing bedside care time.
CNA President Sandy Reding accused CommonSpirit of "putting profits before patients," noting the system's nonprofit status. Nurses at several facilities held prior protests in June and July. The rally is scheduled for 8–9 a.m. at CHMC's Grand Avenue entrance.