Nurses union challenges NJ hospital's staffing strategy

The union representing nurses at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center (EHMC) charge that the facility's decision to lay off nurses is "shortsighted" and runs counter to a hiring trend at other New Jersey hospitals. It's unclear how many positions will be affected, although earlier reports put the number at 70. Jean Otersen, policy director for the Health Professional and Allied Employees Union (HPAE) based in Emerson, said that the layoffs are scheduled to take effect around September 26. HPEA claims that Englewood has had a relatively solid profit margin and says that the layoffs are not justified and will affect patient care. She adds, some of Englewood's short-term financial concerns have to do with their investment in physician practices.