Strike by County Nurses, Doctors

It is agreed by everyone that there is a shortage of nurses in Los Angeles, California as well as the entire country. When the strike began there was a 20% shortage of nurses in the county hospitals; if the strike is lost it is very possible that there will be a 40% shortage as many of the county’s most qualified and dedicated nurses accept the many offers made to them by the private hospitals in Los Angeles and elsewhere.

The reason a high percentage of the nurses have not previously left the county hospitals is because, like many persons in the social services field, they are motivated by their desire to serve and additionally they wish to serve in the area of greatest need--namely that of the patients of the county hospitals. The county is especially fortunate to have nurses that are so concerned about their patients. The county supervisors--at least three of them--fail to appreciate them and refuse to take the necessary action. The quality care the nurses wish to provide is at present not possible because of the shortage which is in turn caused by inadequate pay.

THURSTON DAVIS

Inglewood