WORCESTER, Mass. - "Proud and dedicated SVH RN 34+ years not being replaced."

It's what was on Marlena Pellegrino's sign on the picket line.

Pellegrino, nurse and co-chair of the local bargaining unit of the Massachusetts Nurses Association [MNA], said, "Nurses are passionate and resolved and very proud of what we're doing out here. We want this to come to a settlement, but it has to come to a settlement that puts our patients first."

Saint Vincent Hospital announced they are looking to hire full-time replacements nurses. So far, they’ve posted more than 100 positions are available. 

"The fact that they're posting another 50 positions show just how strong our strike is. They have not been able to break us," Pellegrino said, while on the picket line Wednesday.

The hospital began making offers to potential replacements on Wednesday. 

Saint Vincent Hospital CEO Carolyn Jackson says they're grateful for those applying for jobs. In a statement, Jackson said, "While we hope for a resolution with the MNA bargaining committee, we are taking necessary actions to ensure our hospital remains safe and operational.”

Pellegrino said, "I think they're using this as a form of intimidation, a form of threat, and Saint Vincent nurses and nurses across the state are not buying that."

The last negotiating session between the two sides was May 5. Pellegrino says, right now, there are currently no scheduled meetings planned. ​