SPOKANE -- Sacred Heart nurses took to the streets outside the medical center Tuesday armed with picket signs and chants of “We are the nurses, mighty, mighty nurses” in protest of proposed changes to their union contract.

At issue is everything from break times to staffing levels. Contract negotiations between the hospital and union have stalled over issues including staffing levels, benefits and a proposal to change breaks from 15 minutes to intermittent breaks.

“Intermittent rest breaks means anytime we get a drink, use the restroom that's a rest break. We worked 12 hours shifts that level of fatigue could be very, very dangerous,” registered nurse Kathy Ormsby said.

“We feel this is unsafe. We need to have breaks,” Shawn Lockman said.

Sacred Heart administrators say they've offered the union a fair and competitive contract.

“Every nurse is entitled to a break and we do our best to give them a break every shift,” Providence Health Care Vice President of Human Resources Patrick Clarry said.

“We're confident our staffing and our nurses are giving quality care. That's our mission and our primary goal. While we respect all our nurses and how hard they work and we're confident that they are getting adequate breaks and we do provide adequate staffing and safety for our patients.”

Contract negotiations are heading to mediation Wednesday and neither the nurses nor administrators are able to predict when they might break the impasse and reach an agreement.