I agree with you. It should have never gone this far. The ceo of this hospital made $13M last year. So I'm pretty sure they can afford that contract - pay it out - and bring the staff nurses back.

Stockholm Syndrome - that's a good description for it! If I had shown up for work and been locked out, I probably would have given my notice. My time, education, and skills are too valuable to put up with this kind of treatment.