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“Nursing shortage intensifies due to immigration policies” – ABC News, June 9, 2025

Michigan’s Nursing Shortage Worsens — Immigration Hurdles Add to the Crisis
A recent ABC News report (June 2025) highlights how the ongoing nursing shortage in Michigan is being intensified by restrictive immigration policies, which are limiting the arrival of internationally educated nurses. These skilled professionals often come ready to work — but face delays due to visa backlogs and state licensing requirements.

New bill passed in state House allows out-of-state nurses to work in Michigan - Jun 12, 2025

The Michigan State House just gave hospitals and staffing agencies a potential win — voting 57–52 in favor of joining the National Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If passed into law, this would allow nurses licensed in one participating state to work in any other compact state without obtaining additional licensure.

💡 Why This Matters:

Over 40 states currently participate in the NLC.

It’s a move designed to combat Michigan’s growing nursing shortage, streamline hiring, and support safe staffing levels in healthcare facilities.

Nurses Strike at Henry Ford Rochester Hospital Over Staffing & Pay - June 17, 2025 by WXYZ-TV Detroit | Channel 7

Around 400 nurses at Henry Ford Rochester Hospital have officially walked off the job amid ongoing disputes around pay, staffing levels, and nurse-to-patient ratios.

According to the nurses’ union, the strike was prompted by unfair labor practices and bad faith bargaining, leading to this three-day action meant to spotlight unsafe working conditions and undervalued labor.

University of Michigan Health‑Sparrow Nurse Strike Update – Jan 2025

The Professional Employee Council of Sparrow Hospital‑Michigan Nurses Association (PECSH‑MNA), representing ~2,000 nurses and healthcare staff in Lansing, authorized a 5‑day strike beginning January 20, with a 98.7% "yes" vote, citing stalled contract talks since October. They demanded higher wages, affordable healthcare coverage, and better staffing/safety conditions. Alleged unfair labor practices were filed due to anti-union actions.

Hundreds of Nurses and Staff Strike at McLaren Macomb Hospital Over Labor Conditions

On July 7, approximately 700 healthcare workers—including 500 nurses—at McLaren Macomb Hospital in Mount Clemens, Michigan, began a three-day strike organized by OPEIU Local 40. The strike centers around ongoing concerns regarding unfair labor practices, unsafe nurse-to-patient ratios, and inadequate compensation.

Nurses and support staff are calling for stronger protections, better staffing levels, and fairer wages. The union has rejected the hospital’s latest proposal, which includes a 15% wage increase over three years, nationally benchmarked staffing ratios, and enhanced retention bonuses. Despite these offers, workers maintain that current conditions are unsustainable and compromise patient care and staff well-being.

In response, McLaren Macomb Hospital has stated that it remains fully operational using temporary replacement workers during the strike. However, the tension highlights a broader and growing concern across the country regarding nurse burnout, staffing shortages, and healthcare worker retention.