Registered Nurses at Olympia Medical Center in Los Angeles will gather Monday, April 20 for a candlelight vigil, speaking out against a management demand for unilateral changes in work schedules—in violation of their present contract—that they say could prompt many RNs to leave, depriving patients of access to experienced RNs.

What:  Candlelight Vigils at Olympia Medical Center
When:  Monday, April 20,  6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where:  Olympia Medical Center, 5900 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036

Management did not consult with the OMC nurses before proposing the shift changes, which would take place May 10 if implemented—disrupting the schedule many of the RNs have worked for years.
 
“The changes that Olympia Medical Center is planning are a gross violation of the CNA contract. It disrespects the voice and experience of the nursing staff and will lead to a mass exodus of experienced, trained nurses that will undoubtedly jeopardize safe patient care at our hospital,” says Belma Hartono, RN, who as worked at OMC for over 30 years.
 
Nurses say they hope the vigil will bring public awareness to their advocacy for retention of their current shifts, in order to protect their own family lives.
 
“Olympia Medical Center’s attempt to force schedule changes on its nursing staff is a thinly veiled attempt to pad the hospital’s financial coffers without regard to the mission of health and safety of the patients and the community that it claims to serve,” says OMC RN Marvia Miller.

California Nurses Association represents around 250 RNs at Olympia Medical Center.