Informational pickets will take place across six facilities in Bay Area, Central Valley, and Inland Empire

Thousands of registered nurses at six Tenet Healthcare Corporation (Tenet) hospitals in California will hold informational pickets on Thursday, July 31, announced California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU). RNs hope to raise awareness in their communities about management’s refusal to ensure appropriate staffing and training, and the impact it has on the quality of patient care and the retention of experienced nursing staff.

“Tenet nurses across California are fighting for their patients and their communities,” said Sandy Reding, RN and a president of CNA. “Tenet’s multibillion dollar profits are made on the backs of nurses who give tirelessly day-in and day-out and the patients who they are shortchanging. Tenet can afford to provide its nurses the necessary resources to improve both the retention of experienced nurses and the quality of care at its hospitals. Union nurses across California stand in solidarity with their demands for appropriate staffing and training.”

What: Tenet Healthcare Corporation registered nurses informational picket
When: Thursday, July 31
Where: Desert Regional Medical Center (Palm Springs), Hi-Desert Regional Medical Center (Joshua Tree), Emanuel Medical Center (Turlock), Doctors Medical Center Modesto, Doctors Hospital of Manteca, and San Ramon Regional Medical Center

See here for more detailed local information, including times and locations.

Tenet nurses are in contract negotiations and are bargaining for safer working conditions, including:

• Staffing improvements:
  • Lift support so nurses don’t break their backs moving patients.
  • Rapid-response nurse scheduled on each shift to respond to emergencies.
  • Rest and meal break nurse scheduled on each shift so everyone can take a break during their 12-hour shifts.
• Training requirements:
  • Adequate orientation standards for new graduates (12 weeks) and new hires who have experience (10 days)

CNA notified Tenet on July 21 that nurses would hold an informational picket on July 31. This informational picket is not a strike.

California Nurses Association (CNA) represents nearly 3,000 nurses at these six facilities. ​​

California Nurses Association/National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the nation with 100,000 members in more than 200 facilities throughout California and nearly 225,000 RNs nationwide.