“Magee nurses are near and dear to my heart. I had my sons there 16 and 12 years ago, and one of my friends is a NICU nurse there now. I know these nurses are overworked and underpaid, and that impacts the quality of care you get. UPMC’s lack of response to their requests for better pay and staffing is part of this bigger societal tackle of money over people. They can build all these fancy buildings but not hire enough people to safely staff them. I think it’s a shame. These nurses take care of us in our most vulnerable moments, and it’s important they are taken care of now. Stand strong, keep fighting!”

“When I was a patient at Magee, I was a first-time mom who went from an uneventful pregnancy to being rushed into triage, labor and delivery. It felt like a free fall, with the walls closing in. And yet so many nurses extended themselves to keep me calm, in spite of the pressure and scrutiny they were under while simply trying to do their jobs. It was clear our nurses were stretched too thin to provide the care every woman deserves when she is at her most vulnerable. Thank you for holding the line. Thank you for fighting for fair treatment, and for standing against a system that chases bigger profits at the cost of your wellbeing and our care. I am with you.”

“I absolutely understand how vital it is what the nurses are doing — it’s a basic case of safety. The nurses make all the difference between a lonely, scary patient experience and an informed one.”

“Healthcare systems, especially ones like UPMC, need to do better when it comes to staffing and supporting their teams. Because at the end of the day, patient well-being — and the well-being of the staff caring for them — should always come first.”

“I delivered my son at Magee and I had a good experience, but I wish I had more time with my nurses to make the process go better and not feel so rushed. So, to the nurses: keep fighting and don't give up! You're fighting for a good cause and the patients need it. “

“UPMC must put their money where it belongs. They must put quality care as a top priority by putting money into staffing.”

“I’m happy to support the union so that other parents have a less lonely experience [in the NICU]. I am sure the nurses want that too.”

“The availability and energy of nurses and midwives is the number one resource Magee should be looking to preserve and improve. Having competent people taking care of you means everything during a life-changing medical event.”

“The people who really cared for me at Magee after gynecological surgery were my nurses. They listened to my concerns, tried to find solutions for me, and leapt into action when there was the possibility of a post-surgical complication. The only reason why I am still alive is because of their diligent, patient and thoughtful care. The first couple days after surgery, I was pretty immobile, and I felt like my nurses were pulled thin. I was on the med surg unit, and I felt like they never had enough time or people. I appreciated the time they were able to spend with me – they worked hard! – it just seemed like they weren’t totally available with the number of patients they had to get to, but they tried their best to fill in the gaps. Nurses are the key healthcare resource in every hospital, and if the nurses are saying they need better staffing and benefits, UPMC needs to work with them.”