Despite striking nurses outside, inside MyMichigan Medical Center Sault the atmosphere remains positive, safely staffed, camaraderie is strong, and the focus on patient care is greater than ever. The Michigan Nurses Association (MNA) strike will end on Saturday, April 20, at 6:45 a.m.
“There is something very special about working in health care. For one, we have the privilege to take care of our communities. But, in the case of our nurse’s strike, we have been given the unique opportunity to work alongside nurses and staff from across our health system and learn from one another,” Marissa, Palmer, D.N.P., R.N., strike staffing plan manager and system director trauma and critical/progressive care.”
“We continue to hear from support staff how they feel very comfortable and welcomed. Even greater, they’ve shared how that, while working arm and arm, together they are generating ideas, workflows and efficiencies to bring back to their units and have grown as teammates and nurses as a result of this process.
”Since Monday, MyMichigan Medical Center Sault has seen 97 patients in the Emergency Department, which is slightly higher than normal volumes, and has taken care of four urgent cases with no concerns from health care providers. On the inpatient side, the medical surgical floor has and continues to accept patients at full capacity and has had notable throughput with admitting, transferring, and discharging.”
“This week in the Sault we have celebrated the delivery of seven babies, one of which was a late-night stat C-section that was expedited with one Midland OB nurse and our previous Sault obstetric manager, now current clinical educator. The baby was delivered in just seven minutes, an incredible example of teamwork. Mom and baby are doing well,” said Tonia VanWierien, B.S.N., R.N., system nursing director, maternal child and women’s health. “This is the real stuff that matters. This is what makes working in health care so worthwhile. The camaraderie between the Sault and support staff has been amazing. You would think these staff members have worked together for years.”
The next negotiation between the MNA and MyMichigan is set for Thursday, April 18.
“It’s unfortunate both sides have not been able to come to an agreement. We have a passionate group of nurses who have been there for the medical staff providing great care,” said Jamie Adair, M.D., general surgeon and chief of staff, MyMichigan Medical Center Sault. “Since we have become part of the family of MyMichigan, I have seen the system support us in our staff, in our equipment, in our facilities, in our services and a considerable investment in our nurses. I have no doubt that both sides will come to an agreement soon.”
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