We recently voted to approve a strike as doctors and nurses at Providence Hospital. We would like to clarify why this choice was required. (Providence confronts probable walkout of over 5,000 health workers across Oregon, Dec. 4) It was not taken lightly, but rather out of great concern for the patients we care for and the conditions we work in.
First and foremost, there is a severe staffing deficit at our hospital. Doctors and nurses are overworked and frequently put in extra hours. Doctors do not have the same protections as nurses, whose contracts call for payment for the extra hours. We chose this line of work because we love helping people, but we can only perform at our highest level when we have enough staff and resources. Regretfully, that is no longer true. Our well-being and patient safety are at stake due to the unsustainable nature of the existing workload.
We are also losing experienced caregivers at a startling pace because Providence’s pay and benefits consistently lag behind those of other hospitals. As a result, caregivers are overworked and understaffed. Once more, this has an immediate effect on patient care.
We are defending our patients, our community, and the honor of our profession by voting to approve a strike. In order to prevent a strike, we hope Providence will present a serious offer that puts the needs of the employees and patients first.
Beaverton, Jahnavi Chandrashekar
Beaverton and Gina Ottinger
Ottinger, a registered nurse, and Chandrashekar, a physician, are employed at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center.
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