In this episode, Renae sits down with two frontline mental health professionals, psychiatric RN Gina Porter and hospice clinical social worker Dr. Jared Garcia, who are part of the NUHW Kaiser strike to uncover the challenges, hopes, and systemic changes driving their fight. 

Whether you're a mental health professional, an advocate for systemic reform, or someone passionate about equitable care, this episode will leave you informed and inspired to take action.

Join us to learn how you can support these efforts and help shape a future where quality mental health care is accessible to all.

Takeaways

• The mental health team at Kaiser is currently on strike.

• Psychiatric RNs serve as a crucial communication bridge between patients and psychiatrists.

• There is a significant disparity in pay and benefits for psychiatric RNs compared to other nursing roles.

• Many psychiatric RNs feel trapped in their positions with no upward mobility.

• The strike is focused on achieving equity for all union members, including social workers and therapists.

• Protected time is essential for clinicians to manage their workload and provide quality care.

• Kaiser management's practices are seen as detrimental to patient care and clinician well-being.

• The lack of support staff for therapists leads to increased stress and burnout.

• Clinicians are often penalized for patient no-shows, impacting their ability to manage their schedules effectively.

• Mental health professionals absorb trauma daily and need time to process and care for themselves. Mental health workers are under immense stress due to inadequate support.

• Kaiser Permanente's management is neglecting employee well-being.

• Chronic understaffing leads to compromised patient care.

• The ongoing strike is a response to years of neglect and poor treatment.

• Healthcare workers are advocating for fair compensation and working conditions.

• Patients are suffering due to the lack of adequate staffing and resources.

• Transparency from Kaiser is crucial for rebuilding trust with employees and patients.

• The strike aims to highlight the need for systemic change in healthcare.

• Healthcare professionals are committed to providing quality care despite challenges.

• Community support is vital for the success of the strike and improving conditions.

  Guest Bio: 

  Dr. Jarde Garcia, LCSW (he/him): is a 15-year Kaiser Permanente Clinical hospice social worker. His clinical experience has been focused on bereavement counseling, end-of-life care and leadership positions that advocate for improvements in the death and dying sectors.

  Gina Porter, RN is a 7-year Kaiser Permanente psychiatric nurse. Her experience focuses on general psychiatric care, client care coordination, and medical system navigation. 

  To find more about the NUHW strike and support the providers visit:

  Strike Support Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-care-providers-in-their-time-of-need

  NUHW Website: https://home.nuhw.org/