ST.PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota hospitals where nurses are on strike report minimal disruptions to patient care. Emergency rooms remain open, although some elective procedures have been postponed. Triage services have been prioritized to treat the sickest patients first. Meanwhile, shifts are being covered by non-union management nurses. Also: In preparation for the strike, 2,000 state-certified traveling nurses began orientation at some hospitals last week. At Twin Cities Hospitals Group, spokesperson Paul Omodt said an employment agency has helped fill staffing gaps.
