Personal experience has taught us that the provision of individual, personal care is fundamentally important in healthcare. Kaiser Permanente, renowned for its commitment to patient care, is in jeopardy of shattering that commitment. A recent decision has been made to re-bid positions for registered nurses and clinical assistants, a move that potentially forcing staff to handle sensitive healthcare situations, in fields that they are not familiar with. This change undermines the customary patient's experience we have come to value.

This decision was orchestrated under the umbrella of our UFCW Local 400 union. Citing a clause in our contract stating “All the rights of management of the Employer's operations, except as limited by the specific provisions of this Agreement, shall remain vested with the Employer.”

The impact of this is twofold. Primarily, this will compromise the quality of patient care, ultimately endangering the health of the patients. Secondly, the years of experience and trust built by our dedicated nurses and clinical assistants risk being undervalued and discarded.

Statistics reveal that inexperienced clinical staff often lead to increased safety issues and potential threats to patient wellbeing. (NAON, Orthopaedic Nursing Journal, 2017.). If this decision is not reversed, the quality of care for thousands of Kaiser Permanente patients will be compromised.

We all have been working in the field that we have experience and familiarity with. Having us rebid for positions doesn’t allow equalization. Having a Dermatology RN work in OBGYN, with no maternity or L&D experience doesn’t mean you can move them just because positions are rebidded. The whole purpose of interviews and criteria of experience allows your patients to have the most optimal experience.

Sign this petition to let Kaiser Permanente know that its reputation for quality care cannot trade off against administrative maneuvering. Demand they reverse this decision that potentially disrupts the delivery of experienced, personalized care and maintain the integrity of patient healthcare that we have always known.