At a Moment’s Notice After months of negotiations, planning for a potential strike was paused when the client and union reached a tentative agreement. Unfortunately, ratification of the tentative agreement quickly fell through. With the strike notice looming, the client collaborated with USN to finalize plans and quickly assemble a large team of qualified nurses for every unit. 

USN Empowers Facility Through Unprecedented 157-Day Labor Disruption

Welcome to the ACT on Health: Virtual Wellness Symposium post-event session recordings. Held on February 27, 2025, this unique event for professionals in the healthcare industry was packed with insightful sessions on enhancing physical, emotional, social and financial health from a wide range of speakers and panelists. Watch the event from beginning to end , or skip to a particular session; the next step in your wellness journey starts here. Welcome from Ingenovis Health CEO Ben Mirtes Keynote Panel: Integrating Wellness into Everyday Life Physical and Mental Health: CNO Candid Conversation Panel Discussion: The Interconnection of Emotional and Physical Health Introduction to the ACT Program: Advancing Nurse Advocacy for Wellness Nutrition for Wellness The Importance of Sleep The Secret About Employee Assistance Panel Discussion: Building Healthy Social Networks Virtual Resources for Mental Wellness Reducing Financial Stress for Long-Term Wellbeing A special thank you to all attendees as well as our gracious speakers and panelists for their time and expertise. We look forward to seeing you at next years' event. Stay tuned for details on the 2026 Symposium. #ACTprogram 

2025 ACT on Health: Virtual Wellness Symposium Post-Event Session Access

When union contract negotiations break down and a strike is called, hospitals often scramble to find replacement staff. But this last-minute strike preparation can have devastating and far-reaching consequences for hospital operations and patient care. Here are just a few of the impacts: Patient Care Compromised: With insufficient time to recruit and credential staff, the quality of care may be compromised. This can lead to adverse patient outcomes and even increased mortality. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that hospitals facing healthcare strikes experience a 19% increase in patient mortality. This is a sobering reminder of the importance of proactive planning. Financial Burden: The cost of last-minute staffing can be exorbitant. This strain on resources can impact the hospital's ability to invest in other areas, such as technology or facility upgrades. Logistical Nightmare: Coordinating staffing, lodging and transportation for replacement staff can be a logistical nightmare. This can divert resources away from patient care and create chaos. Hospital leaders may find themselves spending hours arranging travel and accommodations, rather than focusing on leading their teams. Staff Burnout: If a strike drags on, the burden often falls on non-striking staff to pick up the slack. This can lead to burnout and further exacerbate staffing shortages. The long-term impacts on staff morale and retention can be significant. By proactively planning for potential strikes and partnering with a staffing agency like USN, hospitals can avoid the chaos of last-minute strike preparation. Our team will work with you to develop a customized staffing plan, so you can focus on what matters most – your patients. We'll handle every detail, from recruiting and credentialing staff to arranging lodging and transportation. With our expertise and resources, you can ensure your hospital is prepared, no matter what happens at the negotiation table.

Start planning now and secure your hospital's future. Learn more about how USN can support your hospital during union contract negotiations by scheduling a no-obligation consultation with our team. 

The Devastating Impact of Last-Minute Strike Preparation: A Scenario No Hospital Wants

Union contract negotiations can be a daunting and unpredictable time for hospitals. The outcome can have far-reaching implications for hospital operations, staffing and patient care. But with the threat of strikes and staffing shortages, the stakes are higher than ever. Here are the top 5 challenges hospitals face during union contract negotiations, and why proactive planning is crucial: Uncertainty: The most obvious challenge is the unpredictability of the outcome. Will negotiations result in a strike, or can a resolution be reached? This uncertainty makes it difficult for hospitals to plan for the future. Leaders must prepare for all scenarios, from a best-case resolution to a worst-case strike. This can be a heavy burden and divert resources away from other priorities. Don't wait until the last minute - the future of your hospital is at stake. Potential for Strikes: Even the threat of a strike can disrupt hospital operations. Staffing ratios may be impacted as clinicians participate in informational picketing or other union activities. Patient care and safety can be compromised if a strike were to occur. Hospitals must have a contingency plan in place to ensure care can continue uninterrupted. Financial Impact: Strikes can have a significant financial impact on hospitals, especially if proactive planning is not initiated. Not only is there the cost of hiring replacement staff, but also the potential loss of revenue if procedures and admissions are delayed or diverted.  Staffing Shortages: The nursing shortage only compounds the challenges of union contract negotiations. If a strike were to occur, finding sufficient replacement staff can be difficult. This can lead to further disruptions to patient care and operations. Hospitals may be forced to close units or divert patients, compromising access to care. Impact on Staff Morale: Contract negotiations can create tension among staff, both union and non-union. This can impact morale and create a challenging work environment. If a strike were to occur, the divisions between striking and non-striking staff can run deep, leading to long-term impacts on team dynamics. By understanding these challenges, hospitals can better prepare for union contract negotiations. But understanding is only the first step. Having a proactive plan in place, including a staffing partner like USN, can help mitigate the risks and ensure hospital operations run smoothly, no matter the outcome. Our team of experts can provide a customized staffing solution, so you can focus on what matters most – your patients.

The threat of strikes is real, and the consequences of being unprepared are severe. Don't wait until it's too late. Learn more about how USN can support your hospital during union contract negotiations by scheduling a no-obligation consultation with our team.
 

The Top 5 Challenges Hospitals Face During Union Contract Negotiations

When the potential of a labor disruption arises, the stability of a healthcare facility's staffing is put to the test. The continuity of patient care is paramount, and the need for a reliable staffing solution becomes urgent. U.S. Nursing (USN) has long been recognized as a trusted partner in providing replacement nurses during labor disruptions, but our expertise doesn't end there. We offer holistic staffing solutions, ensuring that every aspect of your healthcare services continues to operate with excellence. Here's why USN should be your first call when facing a potential labor disruption.

 Extensive Pool of Qualified Professionals 
USN has built a robust network of healthcare professionals across a wide spectrum of specializations. Our rigorous vetting process ensures that we only provide the most qualified nurses, lab technicians, radiologists, therapists and other allied health professionals. This diverse pool of talent means that we can fully staff your facility, not just with nursing personnel, but with the complete range of healthcare workers necessary to maintain your standard of care.

 Rapid Response and Deployment 
Time is of the essence during a potential labor disruption. USN is renowned for our rapid response capabilities. We understand the urgency and have the infrastructure in place to deploy healthcare professionals swiftly and efficiently. Our logistics are fine-tuned to handle the complexities of travel, accommodations and credentialing, ensuring that your facility receives the necessary staff support without delay.

 Commitment to Continuity of Care 
Patient care is a delicate and intricate process that relies on every team member's contribution. USN’s comprehensive approach to staffing ensures that no aspect of patient care is left unattended. By providing a full range of healthcare professionals, we help maintain the continuity of services—from emergency care to elective procedures—so that patient outcomes are not compromised.

 Experience in Crisis Management 
Labor disruptions can be unpredictable, and experience matters when managing such crises. USN brings decades of experience in handling labor disruptions of various scales. Our seasoned team of professionals is adept at navigating the challenges that arise, ensuring that your facility remains operational and focused on providing quality healthcare.

 Customized Staffing Solutions 
Every healthcare facility has unique needs, and a one-size-fits-all approach simply won't suffice. USN prides itself on offering customized staffing solutions tailored to the specific needs of your facility. We work closely with you to understand the nuances of your staffing requirements and develop a plan that ensures seamless service delivery during a labor disruption.

 Unwavering Support and Communication 
Throughout the duration of the labor disruption, USN stands by your side. Our team offers unwavering support, ensuring that communication lines remain open and responsive. We are committed to addressing any concerns or adjustments in staffing needs as the situation evolves. With USN, you have a partner who is invested in your success and the well-being of your patients.

 Compliance and Quality Assurance 
In the midst of staffing challenges, compliance with healthcare regulations and standards cannot afford to slip. USN takes this responsibility seriously, providing professionals who are not only skilled but also well-versed in the latest compliance requirements. Our quality assurance processes are stringent, ensuring that the care delivered by our staff meets the highest industry standards.

Labor disruptions can be a tumultuous time for any healthcare facility. However, with USN as your staffing partner, you can rest assured that your facility will continue to provide excellent patient care. Our holistic approach to staffing ensures that every department, every service and every patient receives the attention they deserve. USN is more than just a nursing staffing company—we are your comprehensive solution for maintaining the highest standards of healthcare during labor disruptions. Choose USN, and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your staffing needs are in expert hands. 