Nurses at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, a Level II trauma center in Colton, Calif., began a 48-hour strike on Tuesday. The county hospital is now on diversion, with any injured patients being taken to nearby Loma Linda University Medical Center, according to a San Bernardino County Sun report.
Approximately 300 county-employed nurses are taking part in the strike, according to the Sun. Hospital leaders have been working since Monday to reduce the patient census through discharges and transfers. A county judge blocked 60 specialty nurses from participating in the walk-out, including nurses who staff the hospital’s burn unit.
The nurses are striking for better wages and improved working conditions. Representatives from San Bernardino County claim that Arrowhead nurse salaries are just over the median for the area, according to a Press-Enterprise report.
The strike will continue until 7 a.m. on Thursday. Loma Linda University Medical Center, a Level I trauma center, began preparing for a strike-related surge two weeks ago, according to the Sun.
