The New York nurses replaced by AI: ‘It should concern every patient who cares about quality of care’
Summary
Twelve nurses at Montefiore hospital in New York City were laid off and replaced by AI software in a nonclinical role after nearly four decades of work for some. Nurses’ unions argue that AI should assist, not replace, nurses and warn about the impact on patient care quality. Montefiore says the technology is used in paperwork areas and aims to improve patient care.Key Facts
- Marilyn Shuler, a nurse with 39 years at Montefiore, was among 12 nurses laid off due to AI replacement.
- The layoffs happened after a major nurses’ strike in New York City earlier in 2026, which led to new contracts with AI safeguards.
- Nurses and their unions claim the layoffs violate the new contract and raise concerns about patient care quality.
- Montefiore says the AI technology is used only in nonclinical tasks related to paperwork and claims union statements are misleading.
- Nurses emphasize AI should support nurses, not replace them, especially in complex patient communications.
- The unions have promoted an “AI bill of rights” to protect nurses and patients from unregulated AI use.
- After the strike and return to work, nurses noticed workflow changes but received little explanation from management before layoffs.
- Montefiore states it continues investing in technology to improve patient outcomes.
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