In the early hours of Thursday morning, four dedicated nurses from Corpus Christi Medical Center braved the chilly weather to participate in a peaceful protest. Standing along Rodd Field Road, just shy of 1,600 feet from Bay Area Hospital, they held signs declaring “Nurse Solidarity” and “Union Nurse Power.” Their demands were precise: better staff retention, safer staffing levels, patient protection, and guaranteed break reliefs for nurses.
A National Day of Action
This local demonstration was part of a more significant movement coordinated by the National Nurses United (NNU), a prominent nursing union representing approximately 225,000 members nationwide. The protest coincided with the union’s National Day of Action, where thousands of registered nurses nationwide marched and rallied to demand improved hospital policies.
The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) tech in healthcare has sparked concerns among nurses, as they believe it could compromise patient safety. Speaking on the cause, Paul Hirvasoja, a veteran of over 30 years in the medical field, emphasized the significance of the Corpus Christi gathering:
“As nurses, we have the power through collective action and collective bargaining to fight for improved standards of security,” Hirvasoja said.
Key Demands: Safe Staffing and Retention
One of the protest’s primary focuses was safe staffing. Hirvasoja explained that overloaded nurses, due to insufficient staffing, cannot provide the necessary level of care to each patient. This concern becomes especially urgent when nurses leave the workforce. Staff retention, another critical demand, ensures experienced nurses stay in their roles, preventing hospitals from relying solely on less experienced staff.
“It’s an everyday struggle,” said registered nurse Jana Rodriguez. “Our staff are quitting, moving up, or finding better opportunities. Our units are short-staffed, big time.”
Rodriguez also highlighted the challenge of managing a 40-bed unit with only seven nurses, which she described as unsafe for patients and staff.
Break Reliefs and Patient Protection
Another pressing issue raised by the nurses was the lack of proper break relief. Nurses typically receive a 30-minute lunch break off the clock and two 15-minute breaks on the clock. However, due to chronic staff shortages, many nurses forgo these breaks to attend to patients.
“It’s so easy to get caught up in one room, and other patients get neglected,” Rodriguez said. She added that the community must understand that these protests aim to ensure quality care for every patient.
AI Technology: A Growing Concern
While the integration of AI in healthcare promises advancements in staffing, scheduling, and monitoring, many nurses are wary. According to National Nurses United, AI cannot often perform hands-on assessments, can miss critical details, and may issue faulty alerts.
Hirvasoja expressed concern that some hospital executives prioritize cost-cutting over patient safety. “We’re not against using technology if it improves patient care and outcomes,” he said. “Our concern is that AI is being rushed in an attempt to save money rather than investing in safer staffing.”
Hospital’s Response
In a statement, Lisa Robertson, spokesperson for Corpus Christi Medical Center, called the union’s protest a “routine tactic.“ She maintained that the hospital ensures safe staffing and collaborates with doctors and nurses to adopt technologies that enhance workflows and patient care.
The nurses firmly assert their message: hospitals must not compromise patient safety and adequate staffing.
A Call for Change
Balancing technological advancements with human-centric care remains critical as the healthcare industry evolves. The Corpus Christi nurses’ protest serves as a reminder of the essential role of frontline workers in advocating for better conditions—not just for themselves but for the patients they serve.