The Rochester Union of Nurses and Allied Professionals released a report on Tuesday that it said shows there was not a single 12-hour shift in this first quarter at Rochester General Hospital that was adequately staffed.
And as a result, it is pursuing penalties against the hospital, which argues that it has met its staffing obligations. RUNAP is asking the nonprofit American Arbitration Association to enforce a $100,000 fine against the hospital that would be paid directly to the nurses working under these conditions.
Union officials said their contract with the hospital contains clauses requiring the hospital to follow minimum staffing standards and making that obligation enforceable through third-party arbitration and federal labor law.
“We're calling on the administrators of this hospital to stop taking shortcuts with people's lives and instead see with clear eyes what it means to the people of Rochester to receive quality care,” said Claire Gardner, a neonatal intensive care nurse at RGH.
Gardner said although her unit is often staffed adequately for patient care, the move is also about supporting the families.
“The families, the parents, the first-time parents are the ones who need that extra tender, loving care,” she said. “When we don't have enough people to really support them, you notice a difference in the families that feel confident.”
Emilly Pike has been a nurse at Rochester General for seven years. She said some of the units are only staffed with travel nurses on temporary assignments.
“They don't care about this community,” Pike said. “Whereas we who work here and are staff here, we truly care for this community and want to see the best for them.”
But Pike said it’s not about the money. She said it’s about providing quality care.
“What we're looking for is to be adequately staffed so we can take care of each and every patient that comes through these doors and not leave anyone in a hallway, missing care," Pike said.
Rochester General said in a statement that they “disagree with the union's recent claims” on understaffing and that, based on their calculations, they believe the hospital has met previously agreed upon staffing levels.
The statement also said “RGH remains committed to working in good faith” with the union to resolve any staffing concerns.
