Nurses at Providence Medford Call for Action After Stalled Negotiations

Medford, Oregon- Nurses at Providence Medford Medical Center met with hospital management on Tuesday, November 19, for another round of negotiations, but discussions failed to yield progress. Represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA), the nurses entered negotiations following a unifying rally the day before, only to be presented with a compensation proposal that was reportedly lower than one offered in May and significantly less than what is offered at other regional facilities, such as Rogue Regional Medical Center.

The Oregon Nurses Association criticized Providence’s approach, stating that the hospital’s actions reflect a lack of commitment to respecting its nursing staff and fulfilling its mission to serve vulnerable populations. Providence, which operates as a $29 billion corporation, has been accused by the ONA of prioritizing profits over patients by failing to address critical staffing challenges and nurse retention issues. Recent reports indicate that over a dozen nurses have left Providence Medford Medical Center in recent weeks, exacerbating concerns over patient care quality and workforce stability.

The ONA emphasized that the nurses’ dissatisfaction is not solely about compensation but also about the hospital’s ability to maintain a supportive and effective working environment. Many nurses argue that they could seek higher pay and better working conditions at competing facilities.

ONA representatives noted that the ongoing staffing and retention challenges undermine the hospital’s ability to provide consistent care to the greater Medford community.

In response to the stalled negotiations, nurses plan to hold emergency meetings in the coming week to determine their next steps, with all potential actions under consideration. The ONA reiterated that the situation could be resolved quickly if Providence executives presented a fair and competitive offer.

The Oregon Nurses Association represents more than 20,000 nurses and healthcare professionals statewide, advocating for improved working conditions and equitable healthcare systems. As the impasse continues, the association calls on Providence Medford to prioritize its frontline caregivers and uphold its commitment to the community it serves.