Media contact: Ed Gilhuly 305-807-6906 | egilhuly@leftcom.com

“As an organization of healthcare workers dedicated to providing the very best care to our patients, our members are deeply disturbed by the recent South Florida criminal case regarding nursing schools selling fraudulent certifications.”

“The operators of these bogus institutions put patients in further danger at a time when our healthcare system already is highly stressed due to critical staffing shortages. They also took advantage of a community of healthcare workers, largely immigrants, seeking to improve their skills and their ability to provide care; workers who may come from countries where such fees often are associated with the legitimate certification process.

“Anyone who knowingly broke the law should be held accountable, but for those caregivers who were duped, there must be a fair process to keep them in the workforce and receive the necessary training and credentials to properly care for patients. To attract and retain quality caregivers they also must be provided proper pay, protections, safe staffing levels and respect.

“Our 1199SEIU members are some of the most experienced, qualified and talented professionals in the industry, but they are challenged by an unprecedented staffing and retention crisis, especially here in Florida. From elected officials, employers and the entire system, our caregivers need earnest solutions, not scams.”

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Roxey Nelson is Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the largest union of healthcare workers in Florida.