Kaiser Permanente's Ongoing Nurse Layoffs Raise Red Flags

As nurses, we’re used to adapting under pressure but the recent wave of layoffs at Kaiser Permanente has many of us watching closely and wondering what’s next. While most bedside nursing roles haven’t been the direct target, the ripple effects are real. Whether you work at Kaiser, are considering applying, or are just trying to stay informed in a shifting healthcare landscape, here’s what you need to know, nurse to nurse.

What’s Happening at Kaiser?

Kaiser Permanente, one of the largest healthcare providers in the U.S., has been implementing multiple rounds of layoffs throughout 2025. These reductions have affected a range of roles—primarily in IT, business operations, administrative support, and some clinical support positions across California and Colorado.

Facilities impacted include Oakland, Pasadena, Pleasanton, and other locations in the Bay Area, as well as primary care nurse clinics in Colorado. While Kaiser has emphasized that most layoffs do not involve direct patient care roles, some clinic-based nurses and support staff have reportedly been affected.

An unconfirmed Reddit post from a Bay Area nurse claims that Kaiser is laying off clinical staff, especially those in clinic-based roles challenging the idea that healthcare jobs are “recession-proof.” The poster mentions that several colleagues have lost their jobs without being offered relocation, though no official confirmation has been provided.

Kaiser layoffs
byu/dishonestea1 innursing

Why Are These Layoffs Happening?

Kaiser cites financial pressures, rising operational costs, and the need to streamline workflows as the main reasons behind the cuts. These layoffs are part of a broader trend in healthcare, where systems across the country are facing similar challenges due to inflation, labor shortages, and changes in reimbursement models.

Even other major players like Blue Shield of California have announced layoffs in 2025, signaling that this isn’t just a Kaiser issue, it’s an industry-wide shift.

How This Affects Nurses, Even If You’re Not Laid Off

Here’s the hard truth: even if your role isn’t on the chopping block, you might still feel the effects. When administrative and IT staff are cut, their responsibilities don’t disappear; they often get passed along to clinical staff. Nurses are being asked to take on more non-clinical duties, like troubleshooting tech issues, managing scheduling, or tracking down discharge paperwork. This added workload can lead to burnout, frustration, and less time for what matters most, patient care.

Are Nursing Jobs Still Safe?

While nursing has long been considered “recession-proof,” recent reports suggest that may no longer be a guarantee. Some nurses in Kaiser clinics have reportedly lost their jobs or seen hours reduced, and not all have been offered relocation or reassignment.

That said, the majority of inpatient bedside roles have remained stable so far. But it’s a good reminder that no role is immune when systems are under financial strain.

@cjnlegalnurse Kaiser made $12.9B last year—so why are 42 nurses getting laid off? GI care cut. Patients delayed. Nurses demand answers. #KaiserPermanente #NurseTok #NurseLife #SafeStaffing #HealthcareWorkers #Layoffs2025 #PatientSafety #NurseNews #TikTokNews #ProfitOverPatients #TrendingNews #MedicalTikTok #GIcare #ColonHealth #creatorsearchinsights #fyp ♬ original sound - Cambria Nwosu, DNP, RN, LNC

What You Can Do If You're Affected

If you’re a Kaiser nurse impacted by layoffs, there are resources available:

• Kaiser’s internal displacement programs prioritize laid-off employees for open roles within the system.
• California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) offers job placement, resume help, and retraining programs.
• Professional organizations like the California Nurses Association (CNA) can provide legal support, job leads, and advocacy during restructuring.

Even if you’re not directly affected, this is a good time to update your resume, build new skills, and stay connected with your professional network.

@nursefounder Kaiser Nurses: Here’s your org weekly recap brought to you by @Adni App 🗣️ #kaisernurses #kaiserpermanente #nursesontiktok #greenscreen #greenscreenvideo ♬ original sound - Anthony, BSN, RN

Staying Proactive in Uncertain Times

Here are a few proactive steps we can all take:

• Cross-train or upskill in areas like informatics, leadership, or care coordination.
• Stay informed about your employer’s financial health and staffing trends.
• Be part of the conversation and speak up about how staffing changes are affecting your unit and your ability to provide safe care.

Advocacy Is Part of the Job

As nurses, we’re not just caregivers-we’re advocates. That means advocating not only for our patients, but also for ourselves and our colleagues. If layoffs are increasing your workload or compromising safety, say something. Bring it up with your manager, your union, or your professional association.

We know that safe staffing saves lives, and that nurses need support to do their jobs well. These aren’t just talking points, they’re realities we live every day.

These layoffs are a reminder that the healthcare landscape is shifting and we need to stay agile. But we’re also resilient. We’ve weathered pandemics, staffing shortages, and policy changes. And through it all, nurses have shown up.

Whether you’re at Kaiser or elsewhere, know this: you’re not alone, and your work matters. Keep showing up, keep speaking up, and keep leaning on your community. We’re in this together!

🤔Nurses, share your thoughts in the discussion forum below.