University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington rolled out a new policy in June that limits licensed nursing assistants from acting as bedside sitters, according to hospital spokesperson Annie Mackin. The shift prioritizes remote video monitoring and designated observation staff over bedside licensed nursing assistants to keep staff focused on direct care needs, sparking pushback from hospital employees and labor unions over patient safety risks.
Policy Changes and Staffing Limits at UVMMC
Under the updated guidelines, the hospital limits LNAs from filling the role. The hospital defends the shift by pointing to efficiency and resource management, though union representatives argue the policy change impedes the bargaining for new contracts both unions have been undergoing since April.
Union Pushback and Financial Pressures Amid Projected Losses
The support staff union, which includes LNAs, has been working on an expired contract since mid-August. These operational changes coincide with sweeping expense cuts across the UVM Health network.
Patient Safety Concerns and Remote Monitoring Flaws
While Mackin stressed that the hospital is still assigning in-person sitters for some very high-risk patients, workers maintain that removing bedside licensed nursing assistants creates unacceptable risks for falls and injuries.
Did You Know?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the UVM Medical Center change its sitter policy?
The hospital rolled out the new policy in June to keep LNAs staffed on more “direct” patient care needs.
How many patient safety attendants are currently staffed per shift?
According to hospital staff, the hospital now staffs 17 CSPAs each shift for all 14 inpatient units and the emergency department.
What are the primary concerns raised by hospital unions?
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