For Immediate Release
February 8, 2010

University of Chicago Medical Center registered nurses will hold a press conference Tuesday to warn that hospital administration demands for sweeping reductions in RN and patient care standards erode safety conditions at the hospital and threaten the retention and recruitment of RNs.

The UCMC nurses, members of the 150,000-member National Nurses United, will be joined by nurse colleagues from other medical facilities in metropolitan Chicago, and other labor and community supporters.

What:     University of Chicago RNs Press Conference
When:  Tuesday, February 9, 11 a.m.
Where:  Corner of Cottage and 58th, University of Chicago

University officials are demanding substantial cuts in health coverage for the nurses that the RNs say could increase costs for nurses’ family coverage by up to a staggering $700 each month. 

“UCMC nurses are among the most experienced nurses in the City of Chicago, providing professional care to medically fragile patients. It is especially unconscionable for a health care employer to be demanding reduced health protections for nurses and their families,” said Jill Furillo, RN, NNU national bargaining director.

The nurses are also insisting that the hospital improve staffing levels to take into account a patient's severity of illness.

UCMC RNs have twice voted to reject the hospital’s demands, which overall they say would drastically undercut the ability of the hospital to retain its most experienced RNs and recruit new nurses.