BUTLER, Pa. — Nurses at Butler Memorial Hospital held three informational pickets Monday as they call for safer working conditions.
The Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses & Allied Professionals, the union representing nurses, said Independence Health System is “failing to respect and protect their front line.”
Nurses are asking management to put additional safety measures in place to protect workers, including metal detectors at every entrance and additional security inside the hospital.
“We should not worry if we’re going to have to fight for our lives as we’re trying to save yours every time we come to work,” said Jennifer Fencil, a telemetry nurse at the hospital.
The nurses held three separate pickets Monday, along with a rally with elected officials at noon.
“You are the backbone of the healthcare system. You are the essential components. You work tirelessly on the front lines,” said Butler Mayor Bob Dandoy. “You are not just advocating for yourselves. You are advocating for the health of our society.”
“Safety isn’t negotiable,” says Emergency Department nurse Cara Buckley RN. “It isn’t an option or a bargaining chip. Nursing is a team sport. If you hurt one of us, you hurt all of us and we stand united for each other and our patients in making Butler Memorial Hospital a safer place to work and to heal.”
The picketing comes as nearly 500 nurses negotiate for a new contract for the first time since Excela Health and Butler Health System merged.
A nurse was just injured by a patient Sunday.
“There was a nurse in the ICU dealing with a patient who was acting out. They were trying to restrain him for his own safety and theirs,” said Tammy May, an ICU nurse and president of the union.
May said the woman was headbutted and is suffering from concussion symptoms. She attended Monday’s demonstration but was unable to participate due to headaches, according to May.
“One of the first things her spouse said to her was ‘you should quit,’” May said.
Channel 11 has confirmed that Butler Township police are investigating the incident, and charges could be filed.
May said the situation has grown worse since the pandemic.
“It is so much worse, and it’s happening every single day, and it’s not OK,” she said.
Independence Health System sent Channel 11 the following statement in response to the picketing:
“Independence Health System and the PASNAP union of registered nurses at Butler Memorial Hospital are negotiating the PASNAP union contract. We’ve listened closely to members’ concerns, especially regarding a priority, mutual challenge - workplace safety.
“The safety and security of our patients, staff and visitors are our highest priorities. We are deeply committed to maintaining an environment where everyone feels safe and valued and welcome input from PASNAP and all employees. While we do not disclose specific details about our advanced security protocols, we continuously monitor, review, and enhance our security measures, as well as foster a culture of preparedness and collaboration with our staff, on-site security, and local authorities. Our goal is that all our facilities remain secure and welcoming places for everyone who walks through our doors.
“Like so many hospitals throughout the country, BMH has been forced to grapple with safety and financial challenges in the post-Covid era and we have asked PASNAP to partner with us on these priorities as we write the next chapter in our turn-around story.
“A PASNAP representative has informed us that they intend to engage in informational picketing outside of BMH today, Monday, March 24. This demonstration is not a strike and will not disrupt employees, operations, or patient care. We respect our nurses’ right to voice their concerns, and we remain committed to ongoing dialogue to ensure the best outcomes for our employees, patients, and community.
“We are working cooperatively and respectfully to find solutions to our shared problems are committed to reaching a fair and equitable agreement with PASNAP. To suggest otherwise simply is not the case. We and look forward to continued discussions.”
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