UCI Health Nurses Feel the Impact of Layoffs and Pediatric Unit Closures
UCI Health Nurses Seek Reinstatement After Sudden Layoffs
More than 150 employees at UCI Health have been affected by recent layoffs resulting from a significant organizational restructuring. These changes have left many workers, including nurses from the pediatric department, seeking their former positions.
On Monday, affected employees received notification via email about their layoffs as part of a system-wide strategy to address ongoing challenges faced by the healthcare provider. Notably, both the pediatrics department and the pediatric intensive care unit at Fountain Valley Regional Hospital were completely shut down.
Kaitlyn Bell, a registered pediatric nurse, expressed her shock at the abrupt decision. "All our patients that day had to get transported to other hospitals," she shared. "They said they were closing the unit." Following her layoff, Bell voiced concerns about her employment prospects, particularly as she is six months pregnant. "It’s scary because if I walk into a job interview tomorrow, they’re going to see a bump and not really want to hire anybody who is six months pregnant," she said.
Karen Escobar, another registered nurse with over 12 years at Fountain Valley, expressed her dismay at the situation. "I’m pretty distraught," Escobar stated. "Fountain Valley is the only place I’ve worked, so I’d still like to work here."
The healthcare system’s adjustments come amid pressures from federal funding shifts and changing insurance reimbursements. Despite the layoffs, UCI Health intends to continue creating and filling roles in areas that are deemed necessary.
In response to the closures, nurses are planning a rally set for next Wednesday, aiming to advocate for the reopening of the pediatric units.
