Nurses in San Bernardino County are raising urgent concerns about staffing shortages and working conditions during a recent meeting with the Board of Supervisors. Erica Pickering, a certified nursing assistant and member of the nurse bargaining team, emphasized the need for a strong union contract that prioritizes safe patient care and enhances nurses' rights. With 13 years of experience, Pickering highlighted the ongoing staffing crisis, citing frequent unsafe patient care incidents at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) and the high turnover of newly trained nurses.

Pickering called for the county to invest in nursing staff to improve recruitment and retention, arguing that better working conditions are essential for attracting quality nurses. She urged the Board of Supervisors to support the nurses' demands for a contract that ensures safe staffing levels and a healthy work environment, stating, \"Safe staffing is what will attract and retain quality nurses.\"

Jeremy Daniella, another nurse from ARMC, echoed these sentiments, noting that negotiations for a new contract have been ongoing for six months. He warned that the current contract is set to expire soon, and a significant number of nurses are prepared to call for a strike vote if their demands are not met. Daniella urged county leaders to recognize that investing in nurses is an investment in the community's health and well-being.

The discussions reflect a growing urgency among healthcare professionals in San Bernardino County to address systemic issues affecting patient care and nurse retention. As the situation develops, the Board of Supervisors faces increasing pressure to respond to the needs of the nursing staff and the community they serve.