Protesters Gather Outside NYU Langone Hospital, Condemning Labor Nurse’s Termination New York, NY – Dozens of protesters gathered outside NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn on Thursday, March 9, 2023, to condemn the termination of a labor nurse, Ana Patricia Irwin. Irwin was fired on February 28 after she refused to perform a procedure that she believed violated the patient’s consent. According to the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), which represents Irwin, the patient had consented to a vaginal birth but had not yet consented to an episiotomy. Irwin’s refusal to perform the episiotomy without consent led to her termination. “This is a blatant violation of patient rights,” said Mary C. Harvey, president of NYSNA. “Patients have the right to make decisions about their own bodies, and nurses have a duty to advocate for those rights.” The protesters carried signs and chanted slogans such as “Reinstate Ana Irwin” and “Patients’ Rights Matter.” They called for the hospital to reinstate Irwin and to implement a policy that protects nurses from retaliation for advocating for patients’ consent. “Ana Irwin was fired for doing the right thing,” said protestor Emily Jacobs. “She stood up for her patient, and now she’s paying the price.” The hospital has defended its decision to terminate Irwin, saying that she violated hospital policy by refusing to perform the episiotomy. However, the NYSNA and the protesters believe that the hospital’s policy is in violation of patient rights laws. “We will not tolerate the silencing of nurses who advocate for patients,” said Harvey. “We will continue to fight until Ana Irwin is reinstated and patients’ rights are protected.” The protest was part of a larger campaign by NYSNA to advocate for patient rights and safe staffing levels in hospitals. The union has been negotiating a new contract with NYU Langone for more than a year, and the termination of Irwin has raised concerns about the hospital’s commitment to patient care.NYU Langone Protesters Demand Apology for Nurse’s Termination Over Gaza Speech
NYU Langone Protesters Demand Apology for Nurse’s Termination Over Gaza Speech On Friday afternoon, approximately 100 protesters rallied outside NYU Langone Health’s Tisch Hospital to demand an apology from the medical center to labor nurse Hesen Jabr. Jabr’s termination in late May sparked outrage after she spoke about the suffering of women in Gaza during her acceptance speech for an award for compassionate care. The group, which gathered across the street from the hospital’s main entrance, called on NYU Langone to recognize and condemn Israel’s alleged genocide in Gaza, commit resources to rebuilding its health infrastructure, and divest from companies with ties to the country. Protesters chanted and carried signs denouncing the university’s alleged complicity in the situation. Jabr addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of collective action and institutional accountability for speaking out against injustice. As she spoke, a pro-Israel counter-protester approached the demonstration and instigated a physical altercation, resulting in their arrest by police. NYPD officers were stationed on both sides of the road to maintain order and limit protesters to the sidewalk. Healthcare workers and other speakers expressed solidarity with Jabr and criticized the university’s actions. NYU Langone has faced criticism from pro-Palestinian groups, including NYU Palestinian Solidarity Coalition and Alumni for Justice in Palestine, since Jabr’s termination. The university has also contacted Healthcare Workers for Palestine about the alleged unlawful use of its logo in a post criticizing Zionism in healthcare. The protest occurred a day after NYU Langone CEO Robert Grossman and chairman of the medical center’s board of directors, Kenneth Langone, announced their impending retirement next year. Amid tensions over the war in Gaza, the medical center has faced workplace conflicts and disciplinary actions, including a doctor’s dismissal and the termination of a former director. Neither NYU Langone nor Healthcare Workers for Palestine responded to requests for comment.
Protesters Condemn Nurse’s Termination at NYU Langone Hospital Protesters gathered outside NYU Langone Hospital to denounce the termination of a labor nurse who had spoken out about understaffing and patient safety issues. The nurse, who has not been identified, was fired after she publicly criticized the hospital’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, claiming that inadequate staffing levels were compromising patient care. “This is a clear act of retaliation,” said one protester. “The hospital is trying to silence those who speak out for the safety of our patients and staff.” The nurse’s firing sparked outrage among healthcare workers and labor advocates. They argue that the hospital’s actions are an affront to free speech and a threat to patient safety. “We will not tolerate the silencing of nurses who advocate for their patients,” said a union representative. “We demand that NYU Langone reinstate this nurse immediately.” The hospital has not publicly commented on the nurse’s termination or the protests. However, it has previously stated that it is committed to providing a safe and supportive work environment for its employees. The protests come at a time when healthcare workers are facing unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic. Understaffing, long hours, and lack of personal protective equipment have taken a toll on their physical and mental health. The nurse’s termination has heightened concerns about the safety of patients and the need for greater protections for healthcare workers who speak out about workplace issues.
