Nurses at Magee-Womens Hospital are pushing for the adoption of evidence-based staffing standards as they prepare to meet with leaders from UPMC, the state’s largest non-government employer. The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, aims to address concerns about nurse-to-patient ratios at the Oakland facility, particularly in the labor and delivery department.
Mariah Park, a registered nurse with nearly four years of experience in labor and delivery at Magee, emphasized the importance of adequate staffing levels. “In Labor and Delivery, we’re helping patients through one of the most monumental moments they ever experience, bringing new life into the world,” Park stated in a press release. She highlighted the need for personal attention, noting that mothers often seek reassurance during this critical time.
Park pointed out that Magee does not currently adhere to national staffing standards, which she argues are crucial for ensuring quality care. Citing UPMC’s reported profits of $643 million in 2025, she called on the $30 billion health care system to adopt staffing ratios recommended by professional organizations, including the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.
The nurses are also advocating for similar staffing standards across various departments, including the emergency department, adult intensive care unit, medical-surgical unit, oncology unit, lactation consultants, and outpatient clinics. Park referenced the model at Allegheny Health Network’s West Penn Hospital, where nurse contracts include staffing standards that align with those being proposed for Magee.
In response, UPMC has expressed reservations about implementing fixed staffing ratios. Paul Wood, Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at UPMC, stated, “At UPMC Magee, we share our nurses’ goal of providing safe staffing and excellent patient care in every unit and every shift.” He further explained that staffing is complex and involves factors such as patient acuity and team structure. Wood cautioned that rigid ratios could lead to unintended consequences, including reduced flexibility and limited patient access to care.
This negotiation comes on the heels of Magee-Womens Hospital nurses voting to unionize with SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania in August 2023. This decision reflects a broader trend among medical professionals across the country who are organizing to address issues such as burnout, working conditions, and the desire for greater influence over patient care. The nurses have been engaged in discussions about their first contract for several months.
“If we can elevate staffing standards, it’s only going to help to continue to elevate the care that Magee already provides,” Park remarked. She expressed hope that improved staffing ratios would benefit both the nursing staff and the community they serve. The ongoing dialogue between the nurses and UPMC leaders highlights the critical intersection of healthcare staffing and patient care quality at Magee-Womens Hospital.
