Nurses at Hutchinson Health, part of the HealthPartners system, overwhelmingly voted to join the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA). Hutchinson Health nurses provide a variety of care to patients in the birth center, emergency department, acute care units, primary care clinic, and specialty medical clinics. With more than 120 Registered Nurses in the bargaining unit, this decision reflects the need for nurses to have a meaningful say in decisions that impact patients and the nursing profession.
“We want to have a strong voice to continue to advocate and take care of families in our rural community,” said Janelle Beilke, RN at Hutchinson Health. “This is about standing up for our patients and community who rely on nurses delivering high-quality care at a regional hub close to home.”
Hutchinson nurses say their organizing efforts are about keeping care local for the unique patient population they serve. In 2018, Hutchinson Health was acquired by HealthPartners. Nurses say in the years since then, the acquisition has signaled a change which centers corporate priorities over patient care as hospital executives make decisions without frontline nurses and patients in mind.
“At Hutchinson Health we do not just care for patients – we care for our community. The people who walk through our doors are our neighbors, friends, family members, and the people we see in our everyday lives,” said Sunnie Borth, RN at Hutchinson Health. “Nurses need a seat at the table when it comes to things that affect how patients receive their care. We see firsthand what works, what does not, and what our patients need. Being part of the conversations that shape patient care means we can advocate not only for ourselves, but for the patients, families, and community we are here to serve.”
This vote signifies nurses having a collective voice and a seat at the table when decisions are made about the future of care in Hutchinson.
This unionization effort represents the power of nurses standing in solidarity to advocate for staffing, support, and resources their patients and community depends on.
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