Twelve nurses at Montefiore hospital in New York were laid off as they were replaced by AI-powered software. This marks a significant instance of AI directly affecting healthcare jobs, raising concerns about quality of care and regulatory safeguards.
Marilyn Shuler, a utilization review nurse with 39 years of experience at Montefiore hospital, is one of 12 nurses laid off after being replaced by AI technology. The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) indicates that this is among the first instances of AI-driven layoffs in the healthcare sector.
The National Nurses United (NNU), which oversees NYSNA, has expressed concern over the increasing use of unregulated AI in patient care. They have advocated for an AI bill of rights aimed at protecting both patients and nurses. Jamie Brown, NNU president, highlighted the risk of cost-cutting measures adversely impacting patient care and staff employment.
The layoffs occurred following a recent nurse strike that resulted in new union contracts believed to protect against unnecessary AI implementation. Union member Shaiju Kalathil stated that replacing experienced nurses with AI violates these safeguards. Kalathil emphasized the broader implications for healthcare quality, challenging the ethics of replacing human care with machines.
Upon returning after the January 2026 strike, nurses noticed unexplained changes to their work processes. After raising concerns, they received no response from hospital management until they were informed of their layoffs. This lack of communication adds to the frustration felt by the affected staff.
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Twelve nurses at Montefiore hospital in New York were laid off as they were replaced by AI-powered software. This marks a significant instance of AI directly affecting healthcare jobs, raising concerns about quality of care and regulatory safeguards.