Hundreds of nurses from Poughkeepsie, N.Y.-based Vassar Brothers Medical Center held a protest Aug. 21 to publicize their concerns over safe staffing ratios, according to Spectrum News.
The nurses said low nurse-to-patient ratios have resulted in longer nurse work days and lower-quality care for patients.
"Nurses are leaving because they are so stressed, their mental health is taking a hit," Robin Rule, RN, a Vassar Brothers nurse, told Spectrum News.
The nurses want their union, the New York State Nurses Association, to work out a contract with the hospital that addresses the staffing issues.
"Vassar Brothers Medical Center is committed to our nurses and the excellent care our clinical teams provide to our patients," said John Nelson, director of public and community affairs at Vassar Brothers. "We are confident we will achieve a positive long-term solution for all, which will address NYSNA's position and the community's needs."