The issues of US nurses mirror those of healthcare workers in the UK.
Nurses in the US have won a massive 19% pay rise after just three days of strike action.
Thousands of nurses across two New York City hospitals won a multi-year pay deal totalling 19% over three years and the guarantee of safe minimum staffing levels after just three days of all-out strike action.
The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) identified safe staffing levels as a key concern, claiming that those who worked through the peak of the coronavirus pandemic are now stretched far too thin because of unfilled vacancies.
Nurses also say they have been caring for twice as many patients as they should and often skip meals and even bathroom breaks.
It comes as UK nurses battle for fair pay and working conditions, with the Health Secretary suggesting just a 2% for the 2023 – 2024 financial year.
Safe minimum staffing levels.
On top of the pay deal, they won safe staffing ratios for all inpatient units with firm enforcement so that there will always be enough nurses at the bedside to provide safe patient care, not just on paper.
The changes were implemented immediately, and the striking nurses swiftly returned to work.
NYSNA President and registered nurse Nancy Hagans explained, “NYSNA nurses have done the impossible, saving lives night and day, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and now we’ve again shown that nothing is impossible for nurse heroes. T
“hrough our unity and by putting it all on the line, we won enforceable safe staffing ratios at both Montefiore and Mount Sinai where nurses went on strike for patient care.
Ms Hagans concluded, “Today, we can return to work with our heads held high, knowing that our victory means safer care for our patients and more sustainable jobs for our profession.”
