Desert Regional nurses gather for candlelight vigil as contract negotiations continue

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Nurses in Palm Springs continue to fight for better working conditions, gathering Monday night to rally again.

Nurses gathered outside of Desert Regional Medical Center for a candlelight vigil as contract negotiations with Tenet Healthcare Corporation, which operates the hospital, continue.

Officials with the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United said the union members are pushing for safer working conditions, including more staffing, assured meal and rest breaks and stepped-up orientation requirements for new hires.

The nurses also conducted a food drive to benefit The Path, an outreach and engagement program for chronically homeless adults. Attendees were encouraged to bring non-perishable food items.

News Channel 3 reached out to the hospital about the demonstration. A spokesperson provided the following statement:

"Patients and their loved ones can be assured that Desert Care Network hospitals are appropriately staffed with qualified and experienced nurses. The California Nurses Association (CNA), the labor union that represents our nursing staff, is holding this demonstration due to the fact that the parties are currently negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement, rather than any substantiated concerns about patient safety. We continue to bargain in good faith with the union in hopes of reaching a fair contract for our nursing staff. Our focus has been and continues to remain on the excellent care we provide our community, as well as providing a safe work environment for our employees."

Desert Care Network