Deadly Shooting at Hospital Raises Pressure on Nursing Union as Strike Looms
A tragic incident at Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in Park Slope has sent shockwaves through the nursing community, highlighting the need for increased security measures in private hospitals. On Thursday, a 62-year-old former NYPD officer, Michael Lynch, was fatally shot by police after allegedly threatening staff and patients with a sharp object.
The incident comes as nurses across New York City are gearing up to go on strike over safety concerns, including workplace violence. The New York State Nurses Association is demanding greater protection against violence in hospitals, including the implementation of panic buttons and metal detectors.
While some hospitals have taken steps to address these concerns, others seem to be dragging their feet. Richmond University Medical Center on Staten Island has committed to adding a Behavioral Health Rapid Response Team, but nurses say this is not enough.
The union's calls for action are being driven by incidents like the one at Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, which have left staff shaken and fearful for their safety. Hagans, president of the New York State Nurses Association, expressed relief that no patients or hospital staff were injured in the shooting, but also emphasized the need for hospitals to prioritize patient and nurse safety.
The union has already reached tentative agreements with several hospitals, including Richmond University Medical Center, which have committed to greater safety measures. However, nurses say hospital safety is still a major sticking point in contract negotiations, along with clashes over pay, health benefits, and staffing.
Nurses at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan were recently rattled after a man with a gun was apprehended by security, leading to the shooting of the suspect outside the hospital. The union has filed unfair labor practice charges against Mount Sinai Health System for disciplining three nurses who spoke out about the incident.
As the strike looms, hospitals are being pressured to take concrete action to address safety concerns. Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx has already taken steps to expand its safeguards against hospital violence, including installing panic buttons and armed police officers in hospital lobbies and emergency departments.
The situation is likely to get more tense in the coming days as nurses prepare to go on strike over their demands for greater security measures. With patient safety at the forefront of their minds, union officials are pushing hospitals to take action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
A tragic incident at Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in Park Slope has sent shockwaves through the nursing community, highlighting the need for increased security measures in private hospitals. On Thursday, a 62-year-old former NYPD officer, Michael Lynch, was fatally shot by police after allegedly threatening staff and patients with a sharp object.
The incident comes as nurses across New York City are gearing up to go on strike over safety concerns, including workplace violence. The New York State Nurses Association is demanding greater protection against violence in hospitals, including the implementation of panic buttons and metal detectors.
While some hospitals have taken steps to address these concerns, others seem to be dragging their feet. Richmond University Medical Center on Staten Island has committed to adding a Behavioral Health Rapid Response Team, but nurses say this is not enough.
The union's calls for action are being driven by incidents like the one at Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, which have left staff shaken and fearful for their safety. Hagans, president of the New York State Nurses Association, expressed relief that no patients or hospital staff were injured in the shooting, but also emphasized the need for hospitals to prioritize patient and nurse safety.
The union has already reached tentative agreements with several hospitals, including Richmond University Medical Center, which have committed to greater safety measures. However, nurses say hospital safety is still a major sticking point in contract negotiations, along with clashes over pay, health benefits, and staffing.
Nurses at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan were recently rattled after a man with a gun was apprehended by security, leading to the shooting of the suspect outside the hospital. The union has filed unfair labor practice charges against Mount Sinai Health System for disciplining three nurses who spoke out about the incident.
As the strike looms, hospitals are being pressured to take concrete action to address safety concerns. Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx has already taken steps to expand its safeguards against hospital violence, including installing panic buttons and armed police officers in hospital lobbies and emergency departments.
The situation is likely to get more tense in the coming days as nurses prepare to go on strike over their demands for greater security measures. With patient safety at the forefront of their minds, union officials are pushing hospitals to take action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Just thinking about that hospital shooting is giving me chills... all those people who work hard to care for patients and suddenly they're worried for their own lives? 
It's like, can't we just have a safe workplace?! 
I feel bad for the nurses who are having to fight for better safety measures. They deserve so much more than to be scared every time they go to work 
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I'm so worried about these nurses! They deserve better working conditions and total protection from violence in hospitals. The strike is a great way for them to stand up for themselves, but I hope no one gets hurt on either side of it 
. As a tech enthusiast, I think hospitals could use some cool tech solutions like AI-powered security systems or smart panic buttons that alert authorities instantly 
. We need to make hospitals safer for everyone, patients and staff alike! 
This is just great. Another reason for me to dread visiting the hospital - the chance of getting shot by a former cop with a grudge 
. I mean, who needs that level of stress when you're already trying to get better? 
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I'm surprised they didn't demand bulletproof scrubs too 
. Seriously though, hospitals need to take these concerns seriously before someone gets hurt 
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. Richmond University Medical Center is like the responsible cousin, and then you have Mount Sinai Health System being all like "nope, we'll just discipline our nurses for speaking out" 
. Great job, guys 
] Hospitals need better security 4 real 
] Who needs panic buttons when you got armed cops? 
[
] Montefiore Medical Center is doing it right, why can't others follow? 
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hospitals need 2 take this seriously ASAP! metal detectors, panic buttons, somethin needs 2 change. nyc nurses r speakin out loud & clear & i hope they get the recognition they deserve 
. I mean, adding a Behavioral Health Rapid Response Team is good and all, but it's not enough! We need real action here, like installing panic buttons and having metal detectors in every hospital lobby 
. And don't even get me started on the discipline taken out on those nurses who spoke up about the incident at Mount Sinai 
. Hospitals need to step up their game and prioritize nurse safety ASAP 
. This can't keep happening 
I'm really concerned about the state of hospital safety in NYC right now 
. The fact that some hospitals have already taken steps to improve safety, but others are dragging their feet, is frustrating 
so yeah, 3rd party security is def the way to go, cant have nurses running around worrying bout getting shot while tryin to help ppl 
. It's time for hospitals to take concrete action to address these concerns and prioritize patient safety. I hope the strike brings about some real change 
.
Disrespect from hospital management and zero support for their concerns? No way, Jose! 
Hospitals need to listen to the nurses and take concrete action to prevent these incidents from happening again. It's not that hard! 
. I feel bad for the nurses who are fighting for what's right, but at the same time... this is getting ridiculous 
. And yeah, some hospitals are doing better than others, but it's still not enough. I mean, what if that shooting had happened at a hospital with more lax security? We don't wanna even think about it 
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But seriously, the fact that some hospitals are dragging their feet on addressing these concerns is really frustrating 
. And I feel for Hagans and the rest of the union leaders who have to deal with this stress every day 
. This is just crazy! I mean, who expects to be shot at work? It's not like they're asking for much - some basic safety measures, like panic buttons or metal detectors, would make a huge difference.