UCI Health nurses distraught after layoffs, closure of pediatric units

UCI Health nurses asked for their jobs back Friday after suddenly losing them earlier this week.

Employees were sent an email Monday notifying them that they were being laid off as part of a system-wide strategic restructuring. 

The pediatrics department and pediatric intensive care unit at the Fountain Valley Regional Hospital were shut down entirely.

Kaitlyn Bell, a registered pediatrics nurse, went into work only to find out she was no longer employed.

“All our patients that day had to get transported to other hospitals,” Bell said. “They said they were closing the unit.”

After getting laid off, Bell is worried about her future employment.

“It’s scary because if I walk into a job interview tomorrow they’re going to see a bump and not really want to hire anybody who is six months pregnant,” Bell said.

Karen Escobar, a registered nurse who worked at the hospital for more than 12 years, doesn’t want to work anywhere else.

“I’m pretty distraught,” Escobar said. “Fountain Valley is the only place I’ve worked, so I’d still like to work here.”

More than 150 UCI Health employees were impacted by the restructuring, according to a spokesperson.

The healthcare system is facing challenges like federal funding shifts and insurance reimbursements, and will continue to create and fill roles in needed areas.

Nurses planned a rally for next Wednesday to demand the reopening of the pediatrics units.