NurseWeek

Stanford hospitals, nurses still at odds

By Mary Elizabeth Hopkins
July 15, 2000


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Palo Alto. Since the nurses’ strike began June 7 at Stanford Hospital and Clinics and Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital, 15 striking nurses have accepted permanent positions elsewhere.

The strike could end July 17 if Stanford and the Committee for Recognition of Nursing Achievement can agree on terms for a two-year contract. Stanford has offered a 4 percent raise per year, while at the last meeting the committee demanded a 7.5 percent raise for each year.

About 500 substitute nurses sent by U.S. Nursing Corp., based in Colorado, have taken the place of striking nurses.

"I’m always hopeful [that Friday’s meeting will resolve the contract dispute], of course," said Kim Griffin, RN, spokeswoman for the committee. "We’re very concerned about the number of nurses who’ve already taken permanent jobs."

"There is limited flexibility. Four and four is not the hospital’s final offer," said Ben Drew, Stanford University Medical Center spokesman. "Our nurses are certainly very talented, which is why we want them back," Drew said. "We are offering a very competitive wage and feel we really have put an offer on the table that makes them some of the highest-paid nurses."