Nurses walk off jobs over patient safety concerns, pay, then sued

In April of last year 26 Filipino nurses abruptly quit their jobs in New York State. They claimed they were cheated and low-balled by placement services and were asked to work in sparsely-staffed (one nurse per 30 bariatric patients) conditions that put patient safety at risk.

After taking action over their safety concerns and demands for relief from their alleged maltreatment, they have been sued. The American Journal of Nursing reported this story in August.

Sentosa Care, LLC, filed charges against the nurses for patient abandonment, but the charges were dismissed by the New York State Board of Nursing. Sentosa and at least one of the nurses’ placement services are owned by the same person.

Ten nurses were later indicted by a New York Court. Sentosa’s attorney said the nurses’ complaints “have no basis.” Lolita Compas, past president of the Philippine Nurses Association of America, said the suit is “designed to intimidate nurses still working for Sentosa.” The case goes to trial this fall. •