Jakarta, ThedailyID — A hospital in New York City has laid off 12 nurses after introducing artificial intelligence software to handle part of their administrative workload, prompting criticism from labor unions.
According to the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx replaced the nurses with AI-powered software.
Among those affected was Marilyn Shuler, who worked as a utilization review nurse at the hospital for 39 years.
Her responsibilities included reviewing patient medical records and coordinating with insurance companies over treatment coverage.
“I was always proud of the organization where I worked for so many years,” Shuler told The Guardian. “Being treated this way is deeply disrespectful and disappointing.”
Meanwhile, the National Nurses United (NNU), NYSNA’s parent organization, described Shuler’s case as one of the first AI-related nursing layoffs it has handled.
The union has repeatedly warned that AI could threaten nursing jobs and healthcare quality. In addition, it has proposed legal and contractual protections for both patients and nurses.
The layoffs came months after New York nurses staged a major strike in January 2026. As a result, the new labor agreement included provisions addressing the use of AI in the workplace.
However, NYSNA executive committee member Shaiju Kalathil argued the hospital violated that agreement.
“We are outraged because these dedicated nurses have been replaced by AI,” Kalathil said.
He also warned that replacing experienced nurses with AI could affect patient care and the future of the healthcare profession.
Shuler said management changed her department’s workflow after nurses returned from the strike in February. However, staff received no explanation for the changes.
The nurses reported their concerns to the union and contacted management. Still, they received no response until May 28.
On that day, all 12 nurses in the department received notices informing them they would lose their jobs within 45 days.
Shuler argued that much of her work involved complex discussions about medication changes and patient discharge planning. Therefore, she believes AI cannot fully perform those tasks.
“AI should be a tool that works alongside skilled clinicians, not replace them,” she said.
Instead of addressing the layoffs directly, Montefiore said it had introduced new technology for non-clinical administrative programs.
Meanwhile, Senior Vice President Joe Solmonese rejected the union’s claims and called them inaccurate and misleading.
He added that Montefiore will continue investing in new technology to improve patient care and clinical outcomes.
