Montefiore hospital in the Bronx terminated 12 nurses on Sunday, replacing their positions with artificial intelligence technology, marking one of the first significant AI-related layoffs addressed by a major nursing union. Marilyn Shuler, a utilization review nurse with 39 years at the institution, was among those affected. These nurses had been responsible for reviewing patient charts and coordinating with insurance companies regarding coverage decisions.
The layoffs occurred following a major nursing strike across New York City hospitals in January 2026, after which new union contracts were negotiated to include protections against AI implementation. The National Nurses United and its affiliated New York State Nurses Association contend that the terminations violate these recently negotiated contract provisions. Shuler reported that her department experienced unexplained workflow changes after returning to work in February, and management did not respond to inquiries about these modifications until May 28, when all affected staff received 45-day termination notices.
Nursing leaders argue that utilization review work requires complex clinical communications involving medication updates and discharge planning that cannot be adequately performed by automated systems. They emphasize that technology should supplement rather than displace clinical expertise. The unions have been actively developing patient and nurse protections against unregulated AI in healthcare settings and pushing for legislative safeguards.
Montefiore hospital stated that the technology changes involve nonclinical paperwork functions and denied that the implementation represents the replacement of clinical nursing roles. Hospital officials described the union’s characterizations as inaccurate and reaffirmed their commitment to investing in new technology to improve patient outcomes and care quality.
Originally reported by The Guardian. Read the full story →