On Thursday, June 9, 2022, SSM Health dispersed information to it's I-Choice Nurse Leaders regarding new requirements for I-Choice personnel. These new requirements consists of 48 hours in a 28-day schedule. Twelve hours must be a weekend shift beginning at 03:00 p.m. Friday through 07:00 a.m. Sunday and there will be one assigned holiday per year. With these new requirements comes NO form of compensation. We as other employed nurses as well as a community support Our SSM nurses!

We refuse to comply with these new requirements beginning August 14, 2022. I-choice is first and foremost a per diem position that does not receive benefits. The biggest benefit of this position is the CHOICE we have to work the days and shifts that fit the schedules of each nurse and are available throughout the hospital systems. These sudden, unforeseen changes do not represent the value, appreciation, or contributions of the flex/PRN employees throughout our ministry.

As a result, many nurses will be forced into resignation. With a large resignation of nurses the staffing shortage will continue to increase and the safety of our patients will be at risk.