New York Nurses Laid Off as AI Replaces Human Care at Montefiore Hospital

On May 28, 2023, twelve nurses at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx, New York, were laid off after being replaced by AI-powered software, according to the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA). Marilyn Shuler, a utilization review nurse with 39 years of experience, expressed her dismay at the layoffs, stating, "It’s disrespectful, and it’s very disheartening." The situation raises significant concerns regarding the quality of patient care.

Impact of AI on Nursing Jobs

The layoffs at Montefiore Hospital are among the first instances where nurses have been replaced by AI technology. National Nurses United (NNU), the parent union of NYSNA, has been vocal about the implications of AI in healthcare settings. Jamie Brown, president of NNU, emphasized that nurses have historically fought against the introduction of unregulated AI into patient care. "Nurses know from experience that hospital employers will find any opportunity to cut costs and cut corners on patient care and nurse staffing," Brown stated.

Shuler’s case highlights the broader trend of healthcare facilities increasingly relying on AI for administrative tasks. In a statement, Shuler noted, "AI should be a tool used in conjunction with the clinical expert, not to replace." She argued that many aspects of nursing, such as medication changes and discharge planning, require human expertise that AI cannot replicate.

Union Response to Layoffs

The recent layoffs have sparked outrage among the nursing community. Shaiju Kalathil, a fellow nurse at Montefiore and a member of the union executive committee, criticized the hospital for violating the new contract established after a significant nurses' strike in January 2026, which included safeguards against AI layoffs. Kalathil remarked, "We are outraged about these layoffs because these dedicated nurses are being replaced by AI." This sentiment resonates with many practitioners and patients who are concerned about the future of healthcare.

Despite the union’s efforts to secure protections for nurses, the transition to AI continues. Shuler and her colleagues reported changes in their workflow upon returning to work after the strike, but received no explanations from management. The lack of transparency has left many nurses feeling frustrated and uncertain about their future roles.

Montefiore's Position on AI Integration

Montefiore Hospital has not commented specifically on the layoffs but has defended its use of technology. Joe Solmonese, senior vice-president for government relations and strategic communications at Montefiore, stated that the hospital is committed to investing in new technology to improve patient care. He claimed, "As is often the case, the claims by NYSNA are inaccurate and misleading."

As AI continues to evolve in the healthcare sector, the implications for patient care and nursing jobs remain a critical area of concern. The integration of AI must be approached cautiously, ensuring that it complements rather than replaces the invaluable human touch in healthcare.