by WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital workers are expressing concerns over stress, burnout, and staffing shortages as contract negotiations begin. The hospital employs over 1,450 workers, including nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNAs), who have voiced the growing strain they are under.
Annabella Passmore, a CNA at the hospital, has worked tirelessly for years but is feeling the toll of the job. Passmore, who has worked 12-hour shifts helping patients with daily activities like feeding and bathing, has struggled with the physical and mental demands. Despite her dedication to nursing, she finds herself contemplating a career change due to rising stress and stagnant wages.
“I love my job, but a cashier at Walmart makes the same amount with less stress,” said Passmore. She has already applied for a job at Walmart, highlighting her frustration with the current situation.
Passmore’s sentiments echo the concerns of other hospital workers. Brian Bearese, a nurse with over a decade of experience at WellSpan, expressed similar frustration. He explained that staff burnout is a result of severe understaffing while patient numbers have soared in recent years. The turnover rate at the hospital has been around 20% annually over the past three years.
Staffing Shortages and Financial Concerns
WellSpan has increasingly relied on temporary staffing, spending $29 million in 2023 to hire an out-of-state staffing agency. Bearese argues that this money could be better spent on retaining permanent, local staff. “Investing in our community and our workers will lead to better care and stronger patient outcomes,” he said.
Bearese suggested that WellSpan should focus on investing in local nursing and trade schools and improving benefits for its workers. He believes that ensuring the retention of local healthcare professionals will result in a more stable and effective healthcare environment for the community.
Union Supports Fair Pay and Better Working Conditions
The hospital workers are represented by SEIU Healthcare PA, which is advocating for better pay, improved working conditions, and a more sustainable workforce. The union has emphasized that these issues must be addressed to maintain the quality of care at WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital.
With contract negotiations underway, workers are hopeful that positive changes are on the horizon, though they remain cautious about the future. Nurses and healthcare staff are committed to ensuring that patient care remains the top priority, but they also need support in managing the heavy demands of their roles.
