Desert Nurses March from Palm Springs to Protest

Staff nurses from Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs plan to stage a public demonstration on Thursday to highlight issues related to patient care and staffing levels.

The gathering will take place between 5:30 AM and 8:30 AM outside the medical facility located at 1150 N. Indian Canyon Drive, as stated by the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United.

The strike is an element of a broader initiative including nurses from four additional Tenet Health facilities, where union representatives claim leadership has not provided sufficient staff numbers or proper training for nursing personnel.

Tenet generates billions in profit from the hard work of nurses who consistently put their all into their jobs every single day, as well as from the patients whom they're neglecting," stated Sandy Reding, a nurse and president of CNA, in a press release. "Tenet has the financial means to offer its nursing staff the essential tools needed to enhance the retention of seasoned nurses and the standard of care within its facilities.

Officials from Tenet Healthcare were unavailable for comment.

Event organizers stated that the union informed Tenet on Monday of the upcoming demonstration and is demanding improved workplace safety measures, such as:

— Raise the support to make it simpler for nurses to assist patients;

- A quick-response nurse is assigned during every shift to handle urgent situations;

- Time off for rest and meals during 12-hour work shifts; and - Breaks for resting and eating throughout 12-hour shifts; and - Scheduled pauses for relaxation and food during 12-hour working periods; and - Opportunities for rest and dining during extended 12-hour shifts; and - Meal and break intervals during a 12-hour shift; and

— Proper training guidelines for newly graduated employees and those with prior experience.

"Although Desert Regional is a Level One trauma center and a certified comprehensive stroke facility, Tenet has openly informed nurses during negotiations that they refuse to hire based on 'what-ifs,'” stated Rachel Garcia, an ICU nurse at the facility.

Nurses require a specialized quick-response nurse to assist patients facing an urgent risk of dying, not only in certain departments but across all areas. Tenet is attempting to remove empathy from nursing, yet union nurses remain committed to preventing this deterioration in patient care.