nurses Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

Nurses at St. Joseph in Tacoma seek staffing, safety changes

By Lauren Gallup November 4, 2024

Nurses picket outside St. Joseph Medical Center on Nov. 1 as they push for a contract that addresses their safety and staffing concerns. (Credit: Lauren Gallup / NWPB)

After their contract ended on Halloween, nurses at Tacoma’s St. Joseph Medical Center spent a rainy Friday morning picketing outside the hospital. The nurses’ union, Washington State Nurses Association or WSNA, has been negotiating with hospital management since August. But Pamela Chandran, director of legal affairs for the union, said there are sticking points. Read More

‘We used to be the doctor’s handmaiden’: Nurses share perspectives on career, future

By Rachel Sun May 17, 2023

When you go to the doctor, it’s likely they aren’t the first medical professional you'll see in the office. That’s because nurses account for the largest group of health care professionals. During National Nurses Week, health reporter Rachel Sun spoke with current and retired nurses about their careers and perspectives on the future of the profession.Read More

Nursing And War Require Alert Personnel. These Researchers Are Studying Fatigue Countermeasures

By Tom Banse September 29, 2021

WSU Spokane College of Nursing assistant dean for research Lois James poses beside the lab mannequin that tired nurses interacted with in a recent study.

Respiratory therapist Gina McCarthy cares for COVID-19 patients in overflowing MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital. Never in her 28 years in the profession has she worked hours like she does now.Read More

Think Health Care Workers Are Tested Often For COVID-19? Think Again

By NPR News December 7, 2020

A nurse holds a candle during a vigil in Los Angeles last month for health care workers who have died from COVID-19. The vigil was organized by California Nurses United. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

A majority of hospital nurses said they had never been tested for the coronavirus, according to a recent survey. Hospitals say they are simply following the CDC's guidance.Read More

‘You Can See The Regret’: ICU Nurse On Patients Who Failed To Take COVID-19 Precautions

By NPR News November 12, 2020

Medical staff treat a patient in the COVID-19 intensive care unit at the United Memorial Medical Center in Houston on Nov. 10. CREDIT: Go Nakamura/Getty Images

Lydia Mobley is a traveling ICU nurse. She describes how hard it's been treating patients during the current surge in coronavirus cases.Read More

Isolated But Not Alone: Nurses Help COVID-19 Patient Say Goodbye, Offer Comfort To The End

By NWPB News April 6, 2020

Carolann Christine Gann and family in photos over the years. Courtesy of Michelle Bennett. Illustration by Parker Miles Blohm/KNKX

Michelle Bennett couldn’t hold her mother’s hand in those final moments, 10 days after Carolann Christine Gann tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Bennett couldn’t even go through her mother’s belongings as she prepared to bury her. So two people in protective gear did what she couldn't.Read More