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Community Corner

Maryville Psychiatric Hospital Not Safe for Nurses

I am a nurse with the City of Chicago Health Department, and the President of the Illinois Nurses Association.  I recently attended a rally to support INA nurses at the Maryville Behavioral Health Hospital, in Des Plaines.  Nurses at this hospital contacted INA in April of  2012 seeking union representation.  What the nurses told me about the working environment, patient conditions, and administration’s neglect truly shocked me.

 

For over a year these nurses have been fighting for fairness, adequate staffing, and patient safety.  Management has buried its head in the sand. It has disciplined nurses for the crime of advocating for patient safety.  The National Labor Relations Board issued a complaint against Maryville for engaging in “surface bargaining” with the nurses. i.e. refusing to bargaining in good faith.  OSHA found Maryville took inadequate measures to maintain a safe work environment, fining the hospital for its negligence.  And yet, in the last month, there have been over 25 different work related injuries

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While at the nurses’ rally, here are just some of the things that I heard:

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“My nursing license, and my career, is “at risk” every day.”

 

“I feel like crying when I come into work.  I am afraid of what the kids might do to themselves, and each other.”

 

“Maryville says they are dedicated to the kids but their actions speak louder than their words.”

 

 

Maryville must move to work with the nurses, and now.  They need to stop delaying, and settle a contract that includes staffing and safety protections   The safety and security of the hospital staff depends on it.  The health and welfare of these vulnerable kids depends on it.  And the existence of Maryville as institution devoted to the well-being of children depends on it.

 

Sincerely,

 

Sandra Robinson, RN

President, Illinois Nurses Association

Cell Phone: 

312-919-9960

 

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