NY Nurse: May 2021

nurse New York

New york state edition | may 2021

The Legislature stands up for staffing! p. 5 Nurses at May Day rally, Albany

NYSNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION STATEMENTS, pp. 9-19

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Why we fight Even when the cards are stacked against us

By Judy SheridanGonzalez, RN NYSNA President

Advocating for patients. Advancing the profession.SM Board of Directors President Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez, RN, MSN, FNP judy.sheridan-gonzalez@nysna.org First Vice President Anthony Ciampa, RN anthony.ciampa@nysna.org Second Vice President Karine M. Raymond, RN, MSN karine.raymond@nysna.org Secretary Tracey Kavanagh, RN, BSN tracey.kavanagh@nysna.org Treasurer Nancy Hagans, RN nancy.hagans@nysna.org Directors at Large Anne Bové, RN, MSN, BC, CCRN, ANP anne.bove@nysna.org Judith Cutchin, RN judith.cutchin@nysna.org Jacqueline Gilbert, RN jackie.gilbert@nysna.org Robin Krinsky, RN robin.krinsky@nysna.org Lilia V. Marquez, RN lilia.marquez@nysna.org Nella Pineda-Marcon, RN, BC nella.pineda-marcon@nysna.org Verginia Stewart, RN verginia.stewart@nysna.org Marva Wade, RN marva.wade@nysna.org Vacant Regional Directors Southeastern Yasmine Beausejour, RN yasmine.beausejour@nysna.org Southern Sean Petty, RN sean.petty@nysna.org Central Marion Enright, RN marion.enright@nysna.org Lower Hudson/NJ Jayne Cammisa, RN, BSN jayne.cammisa@nysna.org Western Chiqkena Collins, RN chiqkena.collins@nysna.org Eastern Vacant Executive Editor Pat Kane, RN, CNOR Executive Director Editorial offices located at: 131 W 33rd St., New York, NY 10001 Phone: 212-785-0157 Email: communications@nysna.org Website: www.nysna.org Subscription rate: $33 per year ISSN (Print) 1934-7588/ISSN (Online) 1934-7596 ©2020, All rights reserved

Demoralization This is what I hear most often when speaking with nurses across the regions. We’re so demoralized that we don’t know where to begin to describe our alienation. And while staffing is the primary logistic reason for our frustration, the lack of respect for us, our dehumanization by employers and “systems” set the stage for our unhappiness and even patient outcomes.

Senior nurses mourn the loss of that sense of pride we felt, knowing we were part of shaping the future of an uplifting profession. Nursing is still respected, but we know that much of what we offer to our patients--and to new nurses--is shrouded in mandates built around checking boxes, scanning codes, endless “metrics” we’re hounded to meet, and new protocols to master—that change constantly.

Newer nurses are thrust into environments that violate what we’re taught in nursing schools, with subsequent culture shock so intense that many move out of hospitals, even out of nursing, within a year. Remember the maxim: “From Novice to Expert?” Nowadays it’s “From Idealistic Graduate to Survivor.”

Nurses in the “in-between” group have a love/hate relationship with our jobs. We recognize that something is terribly wrong. But just keeping people alive, trying to make a difference when staffing and support is lacking--is simply exhausting. We rarely have the energy to tackle big picture items, even our own exploitation.

We move from unit to unit, title to title, facility to facility, looking for satisfaction. Some try to capture a sense of accomplishment, knowing that we did make a difference. Sadly, others have given up, finding that so many roadblocks in our attempts to provide compassionate care that we surrender, mechanically doing “the best we can” until the shift ends.

And what about the patient?

Our patients get lost in this bureaucratic sea of red tape, supposedly to improve outcomes, but really engineered to ensure billing.

Nursing documentation is actu-

ally designed to capture charges to patients and insurers for services rendered. The cutthroat race for profits has now fully taken over clinical services.

How many administrators are MBAs, not MSNs? Clinical decisions about staffing, the physical plant, job descriptions, who does what and when—these are now under the purview of bean counters instead of clinicians. And while nurses and other caregivers are the victims of these poor and even dangerous decisions, it’s the patients who suffer at the end of the day.

The role of the union What is the role of a union and professional organization, committed to defending workers’ and patients’ rights, nursing practice, and the overhaul of a dysfunctional health care system? How do members see “the union?” Do we see ourselves as part of it, of shaping it, of utilizing its structures to rectify wrongs? Or do we see it as a thing apart, a “fixer” that somehow miraculously steps in to resolve decades of injustices?

Our employers want us to see the union as a “third party,” an interloper in what should be a “loving” labor-management relationship.

When the members obtain gains either through a contract fight, a grievance or a job action, the employers try to take credit for the very thing they fought tooth and nail against!

No employer ever “gave us” anything and neither did any “third party.” The members won these

things, because we are unionized, and we use that potent tool to achieve our objectives. Sometimes we win big, sometimes we win small, and sometimes we just make a dent in the power of the employer.

It’s hard to see that solutions are not manufactured overnight. We live in a society of impatient people wanting quick fixes and soundbites. But that’s not real. We’re many, but we are up against megacorporations whose influence goes beyond our hospital walls. They think they’re monolithi. They’re wrong. In spite of their power and manipulation, we’ve chipped away, brick by brick, at their fortresses.

Nurses and our unions won PPE that wasn’t forthcoming, saving countless lives of front-line caregivers during the height of the Pandemic.

Finally, we won the HERO Act that codifies workplace safety. We have a first ever Staffing Bill, that, just like the California law, will require very hard work on our part to fulfill its mandate.

We continue to wage our battles against our bosses’ cynical use of COVID to violate our rights. We’ve won some of them, but to win big, we must continue to connect the dots between nursing, a total transformation of our health care system and more just ways of creating revenue.

It’s scary to think the future is in our hands.

But it is.

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A solemn remembrance

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n May 1, residents of Queens, together with friends and families, politicians and others, gathered by the hundreds at the Forest Park Bandshell to grieve those they lost to the COVID-19 virus. The event provided a community space, a place to come together to talk to one another and to share stories about their loved ones who died.

It was the Queens Covid Remembrance Day, a solemn day organized by the Queens Covid Remembrance Committee (QCRC) and by a national organization, Covid Survivors for Change, whose mission is to “find community in isolation and unite to demand a responsible, data-backed approach to pandemic prevention.” www.covidsurvivorsforchange.org

Cathrine Solomon, RN

One family’s losses Cathrine Solomon, RN, NYSNA member and oncology nurse at Mount Sinai Hospital, sits on the QCRC. She has experienced far more than her share of loss. Her

mother, Estelita Atienza Solomon, RN, a retired head nurse from Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, died due to the virus on April 10, 2020. Her father passed away the month before, also from COVID-19. Her uncle died from the virus, on April 16, 2020. Cathrine was infected as well and continues to suffer the virus’s effect.

Queens resident and event organizer Brian Walter, who lost his father, John, to COVID, explained the day: “[M]any of us did not have that connection that often comes with losing someone—the funeral, the wake, the gathering.

All that was taken from us.”

By Pat Kane, RN NYSNA Executive Director

More than their share For Cathrine, who is of Filipino descent, nursing is a family tradition. “I was influenced by nurses.

Continued on page 4

Scenes from the Queens COVID Remembrance Day Yellow Hearts Memorial

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A solemn remembrance Continued from page 3

They were my aunts and best friends. I have been around nursing all my life.” The Queens Covid Remembrance Day was “a busy day, an emotional day” for her.

As of February 11, 2021, an estimated 314 registered nurses had died due to the virus, 83 were of Filipino descent — more than a quarter of all RN deaths from COVID were Filipinos, according to National Nurses United. “It really hit me when a retired Filipino nurse went back to work and passed away,” said Cathrine.

“We think of each other as a community.”

The body count is likely far higher. Only 18 states are providing infection figures for all healthcare workers.

The ceremony in Queens was extraordinarily moving. A dedication ceremony was held in the morning, rife with memories and cultural traditions. Families of the deceased brought bouquets of flowers and framed photographs.

More than 400 benches at the Forest Park Bandshell bore the names and images of residents of Queens who had died. The images were the work of a 16-year-old artist from New Jersey, named Hannah, who volunteered her services through Faces Of Covid Victims, a group she founded.

Others from NYSNA volunteered Also there volunteering was NYSNA nurse Rhea Marie Villavicencio, RN, of Bellevue Hospital, as were Mount Sinai Lead Program Representative Anne Naguit, RN, and NYSNA Mount Sinai Representative Loraine Tucay.

They, like Cathrine, are of Filipino descent. They gave us all a beautiful gift. Not only did they honor the dead, they brought healing to many.

Two installations from national organizations were on display. The Floral Heart Project, which seeks a national COVID-19 memorial to create “a living public memorial” was on display, as was the

Yellow Heart Memorial, bearing the names of COVID victims from across the world. Lynwood Wichard, Administrative Vice President of the Transit Workers Union Local 100, pointed out a heart inscribed with the name Peter Petrassi from Queens, the first transit worker to die from the virus.

Cathrine organized a Tribute to Essential Workers, made up of photos and quotes along the pathway leading up to the Bandshell. At the end of the pathway an audio presentation looped the messages and stories from essential workers, all of whom were invited to participate. This was, in Cathrine’s words, “a gift for all of us.”

Turning loss into healing The seven-hour proceeding, livestreamed and carried on Queens Public Television, concluded with a sunset vigil, a fitting memorial to the more than 3,000 Queens residents who we lost, a tribute to essential workers and a remembrance of those from around the world who died.

“There needs to be one of these in every community and every city in the world, not just Queens,” said Brian Walter.

Cathrine’s parents would be so proud. She turned profound loss into healing for others. That is what nurses do.

Essential but not expendable

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elita Glori-Feri, a critical care nurse at Montefiore Medical Center, became infected with COVID-19 while caring for her patients last year. Like many NYSNA members, she became severely ill. In fact, she nearly died. For months she was too ill to work and applied for workers’ compensation to cover her medical expenses and lost work time. “I did all the things I was supposed to do to claim workers’ comp,” Ms. Glori-Feri stated, “but a year later, I have still not seen a penny.”

Montefiore initially denied her claim. Then, armed with an attorney, she went to a NYS Workers’ Compensation Board (NYSWCB) hearing where a determination was made that she did, in fact, have a legitimate case and was awarded workers’ compensation benefits.

Montefiore’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier has appealed this ruling and still is not paying up.

Sadly, nurse Glori-Feri’s frustration in getting the benefits she is entitled too is all too common.

A recent report, authored by NYSWCB attorney Robert Grey, estimates that approximately 250,000 workers in NYS got COVID-19 on the job, but only 21,000 of them applied for workers’ compensation. And of that 21,000, only 1,000 have received a hearing. According to Grey, this dramatic difference in numbers “points to the fact that there are serious flaws in the system that must be addressed for it to be even arguably a meaningful remedy for workplace injuries and illnesses.”

Difficult to access benefits Both Glori-Feri, RN, and NYSNA President Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez spoke at a recent press conference about the extreme difficulty of accessing workers’ compensation benefits in NYS and, along with other unions, politi-

cians and injured worker advocates, demanded policy changes including: l The presumption that essential workers who become infected with COVID-19 were exposed on the job and, therefore, are entitled to workers’ compensation (S. 1241) l Improved outreach by the NYSWCB to help workers understand how to apply for workers’ compensation and understand their rights l A right to a NYSWCB hearing for every case l Expanded language access (S. 1721) l Better protection against retaliation As Glori-Feri so succinctly states, “I am essential, but I am NOT expendable.” NYSNA will continue to fight for New York’s essential workers to get the protections they need and the benefits to which they are entitled.

For more information refer to the March 2021 issue of New York Nurse.

staffing

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The Legislature stands for safe staffing!

As the May Issue of New York Nurse goes to press, we are urging Governor Cuomo to sign the staffing bills described in this column and stand behind frontline healthcare workers, patients and nursing home residents so the laws can go into effect on January 1, 2022.

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“Patients, nursing home residents, and their loved ones need to know they can come to any hospital or nursing home in the state and receive safe, quality care with enough health-care workers to do the job. Safe staffing will truly save lives. I want to thank all the nurses who fought so long and so hard for these bills.”

he New York State Legislature has listened and acted in behalf of nurses, healthcare workers

and patients!

On May 4, a pair of landmark staffing bills passed in the State Senate by a unanimous vote, following a vote that passed in the State Assembly.

The laws are the result of a decade of advocacy by NYSNA nurses and healthcare professionals. This persistent advocacy on behalf of patients brought legislators to the table to begin making long-needed reforms.

Joined by other unions NYSNA, CWA District 1 and 1199SEIU came together proposing solutions with state legislators and healthcare industry representatives regarding legislation that empowers all direct care staff in the determination of staffing levels and establishes a statewide, publicly reported enforcement mechanism when staffing standards are not met.

For the first time, a legal mandate is in place to set and enforce

(Above and below) NYSNA nurses at May Day rally, Albany

staffing standards at every hospital and nursing home in New York— regardless of whether the facility is public or private, not-for-profit or for-profit, union or non-union.

For hospitals, the Hospital Clinical Staffing Committees bill (A108B/S1168A) will usher in fundamental change. For one, the law calls for the establishment of clinical staffing committees, comprised of at least 50% frontline nurses and direct care staff to set annual staffing standards for each unit of a facility. Standards must be expressed in ratios or grids that meet or exceed those set in existing union contracts. Plans must consider census, acuity, skill mix, professional standards of care,

and coverage of breaks and benefit time.

These staffing plans are enforceable by the NYS Department of Health, with civil penalties against hospitals that fail to create standards or abide by them. This makes NYSNA-negotiated staffing provisions state law.

Special recognition belongs to Assembly Member Aileen Gunther and Senator Gustavo Rivera regarding their leadership in sponsoring these bills.

Intensive Care Units Up first, a requirement that NYS Department of Health is to establish new minimum staffing Continued on page 19

Bill sponsor and Chair of the Assembly Mental Health Committee, Assembly Member Aileen Gunther

“The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed extensive flaws in our adult care facilities. Unfortunately, we have seen that an understaffed nursing home is a dangerous environment that can lead to harm and injury to residents. Families put their trust in these facilities to provide their loved ones with high quality care, treatment, and compassion.

These New Yorkers deserve safe and appropriate levels of staffing, and my bill will do so by continuing to improve the way we serve our elder community. I thank Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for her leadership in advancing these critical bills.”

Bill sponsor and Chair of the Senate Health Committee, Senator Gustavo Rivera

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Nurses Week – challenges and May Day Celebration at Albany Med

bellevue hospital

A Lindenhurst School District

lbany Med nurses were joined by labor and community allies to honor the hardworking people in Albany and across the world for May Day, or International Workers Day. Approximately 300 people gathered in support of AMC-NYSNA nurses, calling on the hospital administration to respect their workers and deliver a fair contract. From union leaders and activists, to community and climate justice advocates, to elected officials, the message of the

day was that our struggles are connected — and only through our solidarity can we win respect, dignity and justice for ALL!

Widespread support Nurses were buoyed by the widespread support, at a time when negotiations are intensifying with the hospital. Speakers included Congress Member Paul Tonko, State Senator Michelle Hinchey, Assembly Member Neil Breslin, Asm. Phil Steck, Albany County

Legislator Sam Fein, Albany City Council Member Owusu Anane, Mario Cilento of the NYS AFLCIO, the Albany County Labor Federation, Capital District Area Labor Federation, Capital District Building Trades, IBEW Local 236, Albany Firefighters, Capital District CBTU, Citizen Action, Progress Schenectady, All of Us, and NYSNA President Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez, RN. Hospital management tried to smear the event as radical one day after nurses spoke out for safe staffing. Lenore Granich, RN, a nurse leader at Albany Med, said: “Albany Med has fought its nurses every step of the way, and this disgusting red-baiting is just the most recent example of union-busting.

This latest hysterical tactic shows how extreme and out of touch Albany Med leadership is with the people who make this hospital run.” Other speakers echoed the words of solidarity from firefighter Bob Mengel: “We’ll be out here for as long as it takes!”

Ellis nurses speak out for safe staffing

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ast Friday, Ellis Hospital nurses brought their Nurses Week celebration outside and were joined by supportive elected officials, including Assembly Member Angelo Santabarbara, Assembly Member Phil Steck (photo below, 3rd from right),

Montefiore weiler hospital

Nathan Littauer Hospital

and Schenectady Mayor Gary R. McCarthy. As Denise D’Avella, RN, said: “Forget the tchotchkes— we’ll take safe staffing any day!

If anything good could come out of this pandemic, it’s that it brought attention to conditions in our hospitals and nursing homes,

especially understaffing. NYSNA nurses have been on the front lines advocating for safe staffing for over a decade, so this movement—this progress—is huge!”

Recent cuts in healthcare Improved staffing enforcement can’t come soon enough at Ellis, particularly in the ICUs and critical care units. ICU nurse Elizabeth “Libby” Hart, RN, came off night shift and with only a couple hours sleep, came back to the Nurses Week celebration to let the community know what was going on.

Fred Durocher, RN, also spoke out about recent cuts to healthcare services at the hospital that have a negative impact on patient health, particularly in the low-income communities of Schenectady County. Ellis nurses plan to continue fighting for the safe staffing and essential healthcare services their community deserves.

around our union

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solidarity for NYSNA nurses

montefiore hutchinson hospital

ECMC and Terrace View nurses celebrate Nurses Week by speaking out

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n Thursday May 13th, Erie County Medical Center and Terrace View Long-Term Care nurses took to the streets and held a speak out to support the hospital and nursing home staffing legislation. Nurses celebrated the bills’ passage in the legislature and are ready to organize to ensure the bills are signed into law.

As nurses at ECMC and Terrace View will tell you, staffing is the issue. Nurse leaders Rachel Larkin and Lona De Nisco both spoke out about staffing conditions that put patients at risk.

Lona De Nisco, RN, said: “Working a 65-bed ER with 12 nurses is not okay. Having one nurse to an entire long term unit is not ok. Sending me transport help is like giving a whale a tic tac. Not all people come by ambulance. We drag gunshots, stabbings and overdoses from cars. We are asking you to give us the tools we need to save your life one day,” said

Negotiations ongoing Nurses are simultaneously pushing to gain safe staffing here and now. They won major gains in their last contract, including for the

AWARDS ACKNOWLEDGE NYSNA ACCOMPLISHMENTS

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n May 11, the several awards. NYSNA Metro NY Labor President Judy SheridanCommunications Gonzalez, RN, received Council held its annual First Place for Best Op convention at which Bill Ed. Her winning column Fletcher, Jr., activist and entitled The Cataclysm, Bill Fletcher, Jr. author was awarded appeared in the March “Communicator of the Year.”

2020 edition.

In Fletcher’s remarks he stressed Photographer Dave Sanders that progressives have to learn the won a First Place award for importance of narrative—something Excellence in Photography for the the right wing does very well. As Kingsborough BLM protest cover Fletcher said, “The facts never speak of the June 2020 issue (at right). for themselves, people speak.”

The New York Nurse, NYSNA In the category of unions with Executive Director Pat Kane, membership ranging 25,000 RN, editor, was awarded General and higher, NYSNA garnered Excellence.

first time, staffing committees and a financial commitment from the hospital to hire more nurses where they’re needed most. After careful consideration and data collection, the nurses’ staffing committee presented their staffing minimum ratios to management on May 11.

Nurses got support at the speak out from Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, who offered words of support and solidarity for the effort and honored the tremendous contributions of nurses throughout the COVID pandemic this Nurses Week.

chenango memorial hospital

Syosset hospital/ northwell health

Montefiore mount vernon hospital

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New York Nurse may 2021

St. Elizabeth hospital

Brooklyn Nurses Celebrate Nurses Week and Safe Staffing with AG Tish James

Saint Johns riverside hospital

garnett Health medical Center

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urses at NY-P Brooklyn Methodist Hospital were surprised and excited to be joined at their Nurses Week celebration by Attorney General Tish James and Assembly Member Bobby Carroll. The elected officials made a last-minute visit to wish nurses well and express support for safe staffing.

LBU President Allyson Selby, RN, said, “This Nurses Week is special is because the staffing bills that were passed give us a whole lot of power. Keep hope alive, safe staffing saves lives!”

In between picking up breakfast and giveaways, members had the opportunity to meet AG James and take pictures with her. Irving Campbell, RN, said: “The pan-

demic has made it a little more difficult to get together and celebrate as we do each Nurses Week. We are appreciative of AG James’s efforts.

She was the architect of the nursing home investigation that essentially blew the lid off safe staffing.”

“Tish James is on the case" Mineive Cantave, RN, took selfies with James and said: “Tish James is on the case. She’s putting pressure and fire to get things done.

I’m glad to see that union nurses are getting organized and getting recognized. We’ve been through so much during the last year. People realize how important healthcare is—and everyone needs healthcare.”

The nurses who came by the celebration had encouraging words for

all the NYSNA nurses around the state, including: “remember to feed your night shift nurses,” “remember to take some time to take care of yourself,” “nurses have a voice in our facilities, our communities, and around the world,” and “we’re strong and together.”

Campbell concluded, “To all the nurses throughout the state — keep doing what you’re doing. We have shown the power of nurses, we have shown through action, we have shown through our years of fighting for safe staffing and for our patients. We now have a bill that will help our patients. Just continue to do what you do for our patients every day — and every night.”

Horseheads Central School District

oneida health hospital

New York-Presbyterian hospital

SAmaritan Medical center

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Candidates in the 2021 NYSNA Officer Election The following candidates statements are published here in connection with the 2021 NYSNA officer election. Candidate statements are also available in the Members Only area of the NYSNA website (www.nysna.org/members-only). Ballots will be mailed on June 1. If you are a NYSNA member and do not

receive your ballot by June 7, or if you have any other questions about the election, please contact Global Election Services at (877) 455-9367. The individual candidates have provided the information below and NYSNA is not responsible for the accuracy of the content.

Nurses United for All Slate President Nancy Hagans Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position NYSNA RN Resource at Maimonides Medical Center Former Employment Position SICU (23 years) and PACU (6 years) at Maimonides Medical Center Education BSN at Long Island University and CCRN at AACN Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • Treasurer for NYSNA, LBU Chairperson at Maimonides Medical Center • NYSNA Benefits Trustee • AACN Member and NYSNA Member Part 2 – Statement of Views

All year we heard: “nurses are heroes.” But our hospitals treated us as numbers and our government didn’t protect us, even as we saved lives. Our very survival depended upon the actions we took— together, as a union--to demand PPE and other supports.

And now, our hospitals are using COVID as an excuse to violate our contracts and our rights. We must strengthen NYSNA—address the suffering of so many of us, involve more members in this important battle to once and for all win enforceable staffing ratios, ensure quality health care for all of our patients and address the economic and racial inequities that have existed far too long.

Nurses have the right to go to work without jeopardizing

our licenses and our own wellbeing. We are building a slate of dedicated caregivers, dedicating to leading the organization by listening to the members and challenging the powers that cause us harm.

In unity, in healing, in commitment, there is strength.

Nurses United for ALL!

First Vice President Judith Cutchin Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position Head Nurse, Specialty Practice, Woodhull Hospital Education MSN, RN, Doctor of Nurse Practice Scholar Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • Board of Directors, Board of Trustees (NYSNA Public Sector Welfare Fund) • Executive Council President Health + Hospital/Mayoral Nurses • LBU President, Woodhull Hospital Part 2 – Statement of Views

“Alone we accomplish little; together we can move mountains”.

The “Nurses United for All” slate was formed by a group of diverse and dedicated nursing professionals in unison to continue to build our union (NYSNA), by using a strong strategic plan to offset budget cuts to the communities we serve, advocate for our members to achieve safe staffing ratios, respect, and fair contracts. Our strong involvement in the nursing

profession and the political arena will enable our union (NYSNA) to achieve health care, racial, and economic equity for our patients, eliminate workplace violence, and enforcement of COVID-19 regulations to keep our patients and members safe.

Together, the “Nurses United for All” slate will join with our NYSNA Brothers and Sisters, in every sector (public/private/ downstate/upstate) to continue to spearhead campaigns that will positively impact our members and the patients we serve.

Second Vice President Marion Enright Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position Registered Nurse in PACU, Nathan Littauer Hospital Former Employment Registered Nurse in PACU, Nathan Littauer Hospital Education AAS, Nursing from FMU, BS from SUNY Oneonta Professional Activities & Union Offices Held President of LBU at Nathan Littauer Hospital, current Board Member of NYSNA Part 2 – Statement of Views

I would like to serve on the board of NYSNA to continue pushing forward our agenda for Safe staffing, health care for all, climate crisis, racial justice and other items for nurses. My goal is to unite nurses statewide to improve

conditions for all nurses which ultimately improves care to all patients. We need to educate and inspire nurses as to where we have been so as never to go back. In solidarity, we can do all things.

secretary Nella Pineda-Marcon Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position • Mount Sinai Morningside, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry • (ANCC) Assistant Nursing Care Coordinator Former Employment Position The Mount Sinai Medical Center, NY, NY Education Bachelor of Science in Nursing Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • Board of Director, Director at Large, NYSNA, Mount Sinai Morningside/West • Board of Director, Migrants Center of New York • Advisory Board, NY Riverkeeper, Steering Committee, NY Renews Part 2 – Statement of Views

I have been a member of NYSNA for the past 32 years. As a member, I participated in NYSNA lobby days, volunteered in NYSNA related events/rallies to fight for Safe Staffing, Climate and Environmental Justice, and Healthcare for all. As a member of the Board of NYSNA, I chair the Climate and Disaster Relief Committee. I led and took part in medical missions in various parts of the world that are greatly

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Nurses United for All Slate affected by catastrophic events as the effects of climate change. In the process I have met members from different facilities in New York and have developed strong working relationships with nurses. I spoke during NYSNA conventions and testified before the NY State Senate for CLCPA (Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act) which passed in 2019. One of my greatest joys to be part of NYSNA was when I helped organize and win NYSNA in Albany Medical Center. It was when I realized how powerful our voices could be if we all stand united in advocating for our patients and our communities. The strength of our Union is stronger if we empower all our members to become leaders to light for justice and the common good. We are NYSNA Strong!

Treasurer Jayne L. Cammisa Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position Full-Time Union Release Registered Nurse, Westchester Medical Center Former Employment Position Charge Nurse, Westchester Medical Center Education BSN Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • Westchester County Medical Center (WCMC) Welfare Fund Trustee; WCMC Local Bargaining Unit Secretary • NYSNA Board of Directors, Lower Hudson/NJ Region • NYSNA PAC Committee, Treasurer •F inance Committee Board Member • Vice President, Westchester Putnam AFL-CIO • NYSNA Delegate, NY State Public Employee Conference Part 2 – Statement of Views

It has been my pleasure to serve as the Lower Hudson Regional Director for the NYSNA Board of Directors, and I am now running for the treasurer of the Board to continue my commitment and advocacy. I have a strong financial background and experience serving as treasurer for several volunteer organizations.

I believe in fiscal responsibility, accountability, and transparency.

Thank you for your consideration.

directors at Large (vote for 10) Matt Allen Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position RN, Labor & Delivery, Mount Sinai Hospital Former Employment Position • RN, Medical-Oncology, Mount Sinai Hospital • Director of Foundation Giving, Lambda Legal Defense & Education Fund Education • BSN, Columbia University School of Nursing • BA, Political Science, Suffolk University Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • Shop Steward and Delegate • NRP Instructor • Co-Chair, Unit Practice Committee • Core Member, Professional Practice Committee Part 2 – Statement of Views

I want nurses to take back control of our profession, and feel empowered to stand up for ourselves. This is why I am running for a Board of Directors position with the “Nurses Unites for All” slate. In nursing school, we were taught how nursing is the most “trusted and respected profession.” But then I started working as a nurse and realized quickly how little we were respected by our employers.

Punitive punishments, understaffing, intimidation and scare tactics, is the default way management deals with us – the most respected professionals.

We should have stronger contracts protecting us from punitive and unjust punishment; every hospital should have safe staffing with enforcement mechanisms in place; nurses should be given the knowledge and tools to stand up for our rights in the workplace; and we should have a union that will help us fight for these needs. When nurses are united together, there is nothing we can’t do. When we stand together – we win.

Reginalt Atangan Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position I’m a full-time Night Shift Registered Nurse at NYC Health + Hospitals at Queens, where I’ve been since 2007.

Education Associate Degree, Queensborough Community College and am pursuing my Bachelors.

Professional Activities & Union Offices Held I’ve been an active member of NYSNA since my employment at Queens Hospital Center. I currently hold the Vice President position at Queens LBU. I also have served as a Convention Delegate for NYSNA, continue to do so.

Part 2 – Statement of Views

I’ve observed, watched from the sidelines as a member, and as a convention delegate, watching how we, when united under a common cause, can display and exhibit so much power to influence our community, civic leaders, and our politicians. I feel as if there is no better time than right now, with all that is going on in the world, to truly embody the example of our slate – “nurses united for all”.

From the pandemic, to a renewed battle to fight for racial injustice, to economic disparity, to even fighting amongst ourselves. All of our nurses in New York State, whether working in public sector or private sector, whether employed in a hospital, or a clinic, or the community, deserve a team that will fight for them all. It would be an honor to be able to help my fellow nurses, whether in the next patient room over, or 1,000 miles away.

Marie Boyle Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position South Shore University Hospital, formerly Southside Hospital, Bay Shore, NY Former Employment Position • Staff Nurse, Glen Cove Hospital,

Stony Brook University Hospital, Good Samaritan Visiting Nurse and Hospice • ANM-CCU • S taff Nurse-ICU/CCU, Cath Lab, EP Lab, Radiology, ER, presently Per Diem, Radiology, all at Southside Hospital Education •N YCCC, SCCC, SUNY Farmingdale •A AS, Nursing, SUNY Stoney Brook • BSN, Nursing • PALS & ACLS Certified Professional Activities & Union Offices Held •1 993-2017 Various Positions in LBU Southside Hospital, last position Vice President •2 021 Board of Directors, NYRN Medical Missions •P articipation in medical missions and conferences globally Part 2 – Statement of Views

I have been a nurse since 1972.

I have been an LBU Committee Member since 1993. We have been a NYSNA Union hospital at Southside since 1976. I have seen the behavior of administrations towards nurses when they were not protected by union contracts.

We endured hostile negotiations with Northwell when we were acquired. They wanted no union in their health system. We won, after many hardships, through perseverance. We are still here.

Now we fight a different battle with a virus that threatens us all.

During this pandemic, we have seen patient-staff ratios increase to unacceptable and dangerous levels.

Let 2021 be the year we pass the Safe Staffing & Quality Care Act. With the momentum and urgency of the pandemic, the public now realizes the inequities of our American Health Care System.

We must stand together, now to push this legislation through so all can have access to the same standard of care.

Seth Dressekie Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position I am a retired NYSNA member and an active retired member of NYSNA

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may 2021

Nurses United for All Slate Former Employment Position Woodhull Hospital, Staff Nurse, Psych. NP @ HRA Education • AS, Queensborough, 1989 • BSN, Dominican College • MSN, Molloy College Professional Activities & Union Offices Held President, LBU Woodhull Hospital, Release Rep QHC, Elmhurst, Woodhull Part 2 – Statement of Views

Nursing has been and will continue to be the most trusted profession, especially in these turbulent times. The Registered Professional Nurses of New York State will continue to be there have been and will continue to be there for the citizens of New York State before their lives begin providing pre-natal care, immediately after they are born providing Well Baby Care, across their-spans, at the end of their lives and then continue to be there for the families of the patients and loved ones of the patients we have cared for at the end of their lives.

I have been a nurse and a nurse advocate since 1989, I have served as a delegate, the LBU president at Woodhull Hospital and Mental Health Center, a Release Time Representative with H&H. I have always been and will always be an advocate for the patients we care for, for the profession of Nursing and for the Nurses of New York State.

Flandersia Jones Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position Staff Nurse, Telemetry Unit, BronxCare Health Systems Former Employment Position Director Nursing, Williams Bridge Manor Nursing Home Education • ASN, Helen Fuld College of Nursing • BSN, College of New Rochelle • MPH, Monroe College • DRPH currently enrolled at Capella University Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • Secretary Local Bargaining Unit at Bronx Care

• PAC Board Member, NYSNA Social Justice Community Member • Climate Community Leadership Team and NYSNA Member Part 2 – Statement of Views

Nurses are the front line of a growing movement in the fight for equality and justice during the worst pandemic in history of our time. It will take the effort of all the members and elected officials working together to get results in passing bills on safe staffing, New York Heroes Act to take care of every essential worker, therefore it is with great pleasure that I want to join the leadership team to bring about the changes needed.

Over the past year, I have been active, rallying, speaking on issues that affect the disparity and inequalities of our Black and Brown Communities on behalf of NYSNA. I look forward working alongside my union brothers and sisters as an advocate, educator fighting for safe staffing, proper PPE for essential and healthcare workers, Medicare for all New Yorkers, to ensure that everyone gets the same health services as health care in a human right.

Working with the team, we can change policies to ensure nurses are safe, protected and have a say in the safety within their place of work without retaliation to ensure the safety of themselves and the community they serve. NYSNA members are resilient and together we can win and make New York a beacon for other cities to follow.

Michelle Jones Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position Flushing Hospital Medical Center Part 2 – Statement of Views

I currently work as an adult Nurse Practitioner in Pre-Surgical Testing at Flushing Hospital in Queens, but I’ve also worked in the ICU, the PACU, Radiology and Cardiology at the hospital. I have been an active member of NYSNA at Flushing Hospital throughout my career and I currently serve as the Secretary of our Local Bargaining Unit.

We have seen challenges over the past year in our profession

as never before. We relied on our colleagues and the strength of our union to help and heal. As nurses we continually adapt but that does not mean we have to accept.

The strength of NYSNA allows members to become advocates and leaders who have a voice to preserve our profession, protect our patients and communities. I have spent most of my career at a small community hospital and share many of the same issues as nurses working at larger facilities.

As our struggle continues, we must come together as one standing in solidarity with a united voice, to become a stronger union that will continue to fight for safe staffing, equal access to care as well as racial and social justice for all. Let us translate advocacy into action.

My commitment is to uphold the integrity of NYSNA and be transparent to our members that rely on our leadership.

Sonia M. Lawrence Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position Staff Nurse, Lincoln Hospital Education • BS, Nursing Hunter College • AA, Liberal Arts, BMCC Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • President, Local Bargaining Unit, Lincoln Hospital • Vice President, Local Bargaining Unit, Lincoln Hospital Part 2 – Statement of Views

In order for us to affect change, we must look within ourselves.

Change must begin within, no longer should we be private vs. public hospitals. We must unite and speak with one voice, one objective, one directive. Our diversity is our uniqueness.

Solidarity is our strength; our professionalism is our innovation.

Our mission is to bring about awareness and change, by empowering our members and restoring respect to the most trusted profession. Collaboratively with our allies at the local national and global levels. Embracing opportunities that redefines and improves the quality of life and health care for our

patients, neighbors and families.

Challenges are what makes life interesting, overcoming them gives life meaning, perseverance will ultimately bring reward, “what we do in life – will echo in eternity”.

A safe environment a safe health care delivery system for all. United we stand!

Benny K. Mathew Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Employment Position & Facility • Staff Nurse Emergency Department, Montefiore Medical Center Moses Division Former Employment Position & Facility • Staff Nurse Positions, Long Island College Hospital Education: • AAS Nursing (Long Island College Hospital School of Nursing) • BS Nursing (Excelsior College) • MS Nursing (05/2021- Pace University) • CEN (Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing) • CCRN (Certification Organization for the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses) • SCRN (The American Board of Neuroscience Nursing) Professional Activities & Union Offices Held Current: Delegate at Large, Montefiore Medical Center Past: NYSNA Convention Delegate Part 2 – Statement of Views

A healthcare delivery system based on profits over patients and caregivers has failed New Yorkers’ well-being and beyond for the past several years. COVID-19 is just an example of when the federal, state, and local regulatory agencies in collusion with corrupted political leaders sacrificed hundreds of thousands of lives and compromised the lives of others, including the caregivers like us.

My goal is to align the current healthcare delivery system in coordination with social determinants of health while engaging with regulatory agencies and political leaders. My

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New York Nurse may 2021

Nurses United for All Slate commitment is to stand with the patients and the nurses to ensure healthcare equity and equality by winning Safe Staffing, Fair Contracts, Safe Working Conditions, and New York Health Act.

Ari Moma Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position • Staff Nurse, Interfaith Medical Center • Part-Time Staff Nurse, Brookdale Hospital Former Employment Position • Per Diem Psych Nurse, NYPresbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital • Chairperson, IMC Nurses Pension Trustee • Grievance Chairperson, IMC • NYSNA Political Action Committee Education • BS, Physics & Astronomy (Nigeria) • AAS, Nursing (IMC) • MS, Health Care Admin (CMU) GC, HR (CMU)

Jean Erica Padgett Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position New York Presbyterian Morgan Stanley’s Children’s Hospital: Pediatric Emergency Department CN1 since November 2009 Former Employment Position • May – September 2009, Pediatric Post Anesthesia Care Unit Staff Nurse, Duke University Hospital Medical Center Children’s Health Center, Durham, NC • December 2005 – April 2009, Pediatric Staff Nurse, St Charles Hospital/Rehabilitation Center, Port Jefferson, NY • July – October 2005, PICU Orientee, North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System, Manhasset, NY • September 1994 – October 1996, Outreach Coordinator/ Mentoring Mother’s Program Detector, Suffolk County Perinatal Coalition, Hauppauge, NY

Education Executive MPH, Policy & Administration, Gilling’s School Professional Activities & Union of Global Public Health University Offices Held of North Caroline at Chapel Hill, • Chairperson at Interfaith Medical in progress, expected Graduation Center (IMC) August 2021 • NYSNA Federal Political Action BSN, 2014, St. Joseph’s College Committee Member New York, Patchogue, NY • NYSNA Health Benefit Trustee ADN, 1996, SUNY Farmingdale Part 2 – Statement of Views Professional Activities & Union I am a firm believer that adequate Offices Held staffing saves lives and now, more Student Member, American Public than ever, is the time to pass the Health Association Safe Staffing for quality care act Member, Emergency Nurses’ bill into law. With the resurgence Association of the COVID-19 and its variants, Member, New York State Nurses we must unite as one strong body Association (NSYNA) to demand a better Member, Society of Pediatric health care system and Medicare Nurses for All. Spring 2008, St. Joseph’s Bachelor As a strong united body, we of Science Nursing BSN, cubcould fight against corporate greed, Secretary, Spring 2008 demand equitable contracts for all Farmingdale Student Nurse our members. Climate change is Association, President, Fall 1994 a reality! It’s our responsibility to change the way we live to preserve Part 2 – Statement of Views Nursing is a calling, career or job our planet – EARTH for our for many, but for me, it is not children and future generation. restricted to a lexiconic category in that it can ensconce all parts of speech: noun, verb, adjective, etc.

Nursing is everything.

We experience, endure and hope to exist in spite of the historical,

current and projected inequities that are inherent and ingrained social, health, justice and economic systems. We ponder: “What can I do to help?” The solution seems too large, daunting and life-altering to be effective, so it is just observed, so the “status quo” festers, proliferates and strengthens. An intangible concept becomes mentally concreted like borderlines!

There is no resolution in lamenting or reminiscing the 1960’s when the onus was on an assassinated, central, figure who took all efforts to their grave.

It’s imperative that a diverse and spread collective lead by employing the skills, tools employed by all fields of expertise. There is dignity in all labor, we can influence what we touch and have direct involvement. Nursing is the tool that I employ to empower others because if one is not now, eventually we all will be(come) vulnerable. I want to steer my advocacy ambitions from bedside to our shared community.

Central Regional Director Catherine Dawson Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position NYSNA RN, Ellis Hospital Former Employment Position • Total of 11 years at Albany Medical Center, OR • 5 years at Glens Falls Hospital, OR Education • AAS NCCC, Saranac Lake, NY • ADN, Columbia Presbyterian NYC • MSN, Walden University Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • Delegate, Executive Officer, NYSNA • ADRN, NYSNA • Member National Society of Leadership & Success Part 2 – Statement of Views

Our slate “Nurses United for All” is truly meant for all, no matter where we live/work – in New York (and yes New Jersey), our

continued solidarity and strength will help lead our union the way we as nurses need it to go.

We are united more by what we have in common than by what may seem to divide us.

This is our union let us keep working together and keep moving forward.

eastern Regional Director Bill Schneider Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position PACU Clinical Leader, Registered Nurse Adirondack Medical Center Former Employment Position ICU, Registered Nurse, Adirondack Medical Center Education • ASN, SUNY North Country Community College, • Currently Enrolled in BSN Program at SUNY Empire State College • CCRN at AACN Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • NYSNA LBU Secretary at Adirondack Medical Center • AACN Member • ASPAN, NYSPANA Member Part 2 – Statement of Views

I wish to unify NYSNA nurses around goals that fulfill our responsibilities to our patients, benefit our membership, and advance the common good for all members of or society.

These are goals that we can all agree nurses and our neighbors need: safe staffing ratios, quality healthcare that is available to all economic and racial equality, beating COVID-19 (and the socioeconomic recovery that must occur afterwards). We need to use the collective power of our union to persuade our employers and elected officials to make sure that we are ready for the next public health crisis, whether that is another COVID type emergency or ensuring adequate funding for our institutions. We simply cannot allow more closures of inner-city or rural/critical access

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Nurses United for All Slate hospitals – we need to protect our members and our patients!

We must find common goals of good that we can unify behind as nurses. When we stick together as union sisters and brothers, we are a force to be reckoned with!

I humbly ask for your vote – our “Nurses United For All” slate envisions a strong and united NYSNA, working to empower and protect our members, patients, and communities!

Lower Hudson & New Jersey Regional Director Zina Klein Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position ED Staff Nurse, Westchester Medical Center, 17 years, previous 13 years, spent time as Med/Surg, Stepdown, ICU and Telehealth RN. Former Employment Position Currently interim employee as a Supervisory Nurse Specialist for Health & Human Services/ National Disaster Medical System (HHS/NDMS) since 2002.

Education ADN from Westchester Community College, 1990 Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • LBU 1st Vice President, Westchester Medical Center • Previous Grievance Chair, Negotiating Committee Part 2 – Statement of Views

Diversity is what makes us unique and allows us to grow. It is our strength, not our weakness. All of us bring something of value to the table, giving a different perspective, leading to better understanding.

Our shared goals are making us stronger together. No time, can I remember than the last 14 months, has this been truer. We came together as a union exposing the truth of what was happening in our workplace, demanding safer working conditions for ourselves and our patients, holding accountable our hospitals and elected officials. We were the cause of change. We are a force to be reckoned with when we are united.

I want to help build this force. I want all to feel this union is theirs.

I want this union to grow across our state and continue to bring the change we need for better patient outcomes through safe staffing and healthcare equality. I want our RNs to feel satisfied at the end of their shift, knowing their patients got their best, not their least.

Southeastern Regional Director Yasmine Beausejour Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position Telemetry Unit, Northwell Health/Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Education Bachelor in Nursing and currently in school for my MSN Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • Vice President, LIF of Labor • MELD Committee Part 2 – Statement of Views

Nurses united is our platform.

Together we will continue to advocate to ensure that the safe staffing for quality care can become law. Through education and mobilization, we can have a lasting and positive impact in our community. As Alice Walker said, “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any”. Strength in numbers.

Southern Regional Director Aretha Morgan Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position 2010 to present, Pediatric Emergency Nurse at the New York Presbyterian Hospital/ Morgan Stanley Childrens Hospital Former Employment Position 1992-2009, Adult Emergency Nurse Montefiore Medical Center/ Weiler Division of Medicine

Education • MSN, Nursing Education, 2020 • BSN, 1992

years, Union Delegate for 4 years Part 2 – Statement of Views

I have worked over forty years in the medical profession. I started working with a mental health day treatment program at 15 years old. I have been a hospital orderly, a CNA, LPN, and drug counselor before becoming an RN in 1991. I was in three branches of the military, (the Navy, Army and Marines) where I was a hospital corpsman, combat medic, Part 2 – Statement of Views EMT, ambulance driver and a When nurses unite, we win! Our Neuropsychiatric technician.

“Nurses United for All” slate is focused on bringing nurses together, Through all these evolutions and especially during this time of global through my personal experiences, where my father suffered from pandemic and racial injustice. mental illness and PTSD as well Now more than ever, we must physical disabilities from having connect and combine our efforts been a WWII POW, I have to achieve healthcare goals. These developed a deep and lasting sense goals include ensuring equitable of empathy for those under my healthcare for all, strategizing for social justice, building our influence care. As I enter the later stages of my Nursing career, I find my to stop workplace violations, thoughts and energy turning to and optimizing our influences in mentorship of young nurses, and the legislative process. We need about what my legacy will be to incorporate innovations that when my career ends. I hope to enhance nurses’ ability to educate leave the profession, and maybe the public on health promotion the world, just a little better than and disease prevention that aligns I found it, working towards safe us with other unions and the staffing, universal healthcare, and communities we serve. Together, issues of social and economic, we can demand for optimal retiree justice, especially as it pertains benefits, enhanced salaries, safe to healthcare. I am a good union staffing, and workplace safety. brother, I don’t like bullies, and This vision is achievable in our I can’t stand by while others are solidarity! treated unfairly. I am outspoken, sometimes to a fault, but you will Western Regional never have to wonder where I Director stand. I understand how important the labor movement in general and Steven Bailey NYSNA in particular is to instill a Part 1 – level of accountability and fairness Biographical to an industry, and government Data that can and often does lose sight of these principles. If I am elected Current to the NSYNA board of directors, Position I promise to work hard with each • Erie County and every member to advance this Medical career that I have chosen as my Center, life’s work.

Terrace View LTC, RN (Western Regional Director) • Team Leader, Neuro Behavioral Unit Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • NYSNA Executive Committee 1st Lead Delegate • NYSNA Executive Committee 2nd Lead Delegate • Professional Practice Committee Member • Chair-Unit Practice Council

Former Employment Position USN Corpsman 1984-1990, 1st Lt. USAR 1990-1992 Education AAS, Nursing Niagara Community College Professional Activities & Union Offices Held NYSNA ECMC-Co-Chair for 2

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New York Nurse may 2021

Expect Better: Unite NYSNA Slate President Valerie Burgos Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position Clinical Nurse in the Medical Intensive Care Unit, The Mount Sinai Hospital Former Employment Position Registered Nurse in the Surgical and Trauma Intensive Care Unit at St. Vincent’s Hospital Education • Doctor of Nursing Practice, Felician University • Clinical Nurse Leader-City University of New York Hunter College • BSN, City University of New York at Hunger College • BS, Boston University • ASN, Mass Bay Community College Certifications CNL-Clinical Nurse Leader; CCRN-Critical Care Registered Nurse Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • Vice President of NYSNA LBU at the Mount Sinai Hospital, 2019-present • Grievance Co-Chair of NYSNA LBU at the Mount Sinai Hospital, 2016-2019 • NYSNA Convention Delegate; Member of AACN Part 2 – Statement of Views

I am running to build a better NYSNA. We as nurses will not stay silent and accept dangerous staffing conditions, hostile work environments and poor conditions for our patients. None of us will have the revenues of our hospitals or organizations but what we have is much more powerful. We have our solidarity.

If elected, I plan to redirect our union to focus on nursing and patient issues that are driven by the membership, for the membership.

We need to re-establish our power and efforts to be effective in Albany for all nurses and patients, restore truth, honesty, and transparency in this union. It should not have taken a crisis for the country to recognize the importance of nurses.

It is our job to inform the public

on what we do for them on a daily basis and form allegiances with our communities to achieve better healthcare for all.

First Vice President Curlean Duncan-Britton Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position Head Nurse, Kings County Hospital, Ophthalmology Practice Ambulatory Care, 2015 – Present Former Employment Position Staff Nurse, Adult Emergency Department, Kings County Hospital Education Associates degree, College of Staten Island Certifications • TNCC, Trauma Nursing Core Course • SANE, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • Kings County Hospital Labor Bargaining Unit President • Trustee on TCEF • Secretary of Health & Hospitals (H+H) and Mayoral Executive Committee • Member of H+H system wide Nurse Practice Committee • NYSNA Convention Delegate • Member of the Jamaican Nurses Association • Head Usher for United Community Baptist Church Part 2 – Statement of Views

I am running to build a better NYSNA. I am running on this slate because I want to bring back integrity, solid values and respect back to my union. Our union must focus on enforcing our contracts, uniting nurses, being member driven, and being truthful to its membership. We pay our dues monies for a service and that service in turn needs to deliver a product of quality and professional service with our involvement. Vote for our slate and we will ensure your voice is heard.

second Vice President Todd Schultz Part 1 – Biographical Data

President, NYSNA Local Bargaining Unit, NYC Health + Hospitals, Bellevue; NYSNA Convention Delegate Current Position Full-Time Head Nurse, PostAnesthesia Care Unit (PACU), NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Former Employment Position Head Nurse, Bellevue Hospital, 2017-Present Staff Nurse, Bellevue Hospital, 2012-2017 Education • Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Education-2020 • Bachelor of Science in Nursing-2014 • Certifications: CPAN-Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse Professional Activities & Union Offices Held Delegate at large: NYSNA LBU, Bellevue Hospital 2014-2017; Volunteer Experience: NYC Medical Reserve Corps (NYC MRC) Serv NY; Clinical PreceptorSUNY Delhi BSN Part 2 – Statement of Views

I am running to build a better NYSNA. I have the honor of leading the nurses at Bellevue Hospital as their NYSNA LBU President over the past several years. During my time as a NYSNA member, through Ebola, Superstorm Sandy, and COVID-19, I have witnessed our nurses as the consummate professionals, goal driven, and highly dedicated men and women. NYSNA nurses at all facilities, both public and private, deserve union leadership that is as professional, driven, and dedicated.

We all deserve a truly memberfocused, accountable leadership team that is dedicated to advancing our profession, not individual agendas. We need leaders that are actively practicing as nurses in our facilities, front liners. We need leaders with strong relationships with local, state, and federal politicians. We know the need for real support with signed contracts

and enforcement. We demand real results for Safe Staffing legislation.

NYSNA nurses are tired of the political infighting and expect and deserve better. We deserve better, the public deserves better, the state deserves better. NYSNA nurses hope for positive change, lets deliver this change with a new Board of Directors. Vote for change. Expect better: Unite NYSNA.

secretary Mary Simon Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position Supervisor of Nurses, Jacobi Medical Center Former Employment Position Head Nurse, Jacobi Medical Center; Staff Nurse, Jacobi Medical Center Education • AA, LaGuardia Community College • AAS, Manhattan Community College • BSN, Downstate University in Brooklyn • MS, Health Care Management from the New School University • 2011 New York University Fellow Leadership Institute for Black Nurses Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • President, Labor Bargaining Unit, Jacobi Medical Center • Member Social Justice • Labor Body Delegate, Westchester Putnam Central • Child/Eldercare Trustee • NYSNA Convention Delegate • NYSNA Delegate Assembly • NYSNA Council of Legislation Member • Member of Health & Hospitals system wide Nurse Practice Committee • Member POAs Sub-Committee • Chair, Jacobi Medical Center Magnet • Professional Development Council • Political Action Committee (PAC) Part 2 – Statement of Views

I am running to build a better NYSNA. I’m a Supervisor of Nursing at Jacobi Medical Center, an H+H public hospital, the best

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Expect Better: Unite NYSNA Slate public hospital system in the country. No patient is turned away.

I have been active in NYSNA since 1988, participated in campaigns including lobbying for safe staffing legislation. At Jacobi, I’m a member of the Ethics-Committee and Chair of the POA Sub-Committee.

I served as representative for NYSNA as a member of the Westchester Putnam Central Labor Body, I’m currently a member of many community organizations and community boards. The lives of our patients and union are at stake.

My goal is to unite NYSNA, have a board that is open and transparent, provide nursing care that patients deserve by winning the fight for safe staffing and health care for all, stop attacks on nurses by management, fight to keep hospitals open. This pandemic has proven our love and dedication for patients and community. I will work tirelessly to protect patients. Healthcare for all, regardless of ability to pay. We must have a board that listens to members, fights for members, and openly communicates. I would love to get your support and vote for our slate: #WEAREFAMILY. #WEARENURSES. #WEARENURSESSTRONG.

Treasurer Robin Krinsky Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position Full-Time Clinical Nurse-Electrophysiology Service, Mt. Sinai Hospital; Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing/ Lehman College; Adjunct Professor, Mount Sinai Phillips School of Nursing Former Employment Position • Nurse Educator-Clinician/ Education Specialist, Cardiovascular Service, Mount Sinai Heart • Nursing Service Associate, CSICU/SICU, Montefiore Medical Center • Critical care Nursing Instructor, Department of Nursing Education, Development & Research, St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center

Education • DNP – Case Western University, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP); Research Focus: Fatigue and Alarm Fatigue in Critical Care Nurses, Nursing Workload • MSN-Columbia University School of Nursing: Master’s of Science of Nursing, Acute Care Adult Concentration • BSN-Columbia University School of Nursing, Bachelor’s of Science of Nursing • B.X. Sate University of New York at Stony Brook, Bachelor’s of Science in Biology Certifications CCRN/Critical Care Registered Nurse Certified; NPD-BC, Nursing Professional Development Board Certification Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • President, Mount Sinai Hospital LBU, 2015-Present • NYSNA Delegate at Large, 2018-Present • NYSNA Board of Directors, Director at Large 2017-Present • Multiple membership on committees at Mount Sinai Hospital and NYSNA • Member of the following organizations: American Association of Critical Care Nurses. American Heart Association, American Nurses Credentialing Center, Association of Nursing Professional Development, Association of Nursing Professional Development New York City Chapter, Founding member, Case Western Reserve University Alumni Association, Columbia University-Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association, New York State United Teachers, Sigma Theta Tau, Sigma Theta Tau-Alpha Zeta Chapter, Delta Zeta Chapter, Society for Vascular Nursing, Society for Vascular Nursing-New York City Chapter Founding Member, Stony Brook University Alumni Association.

Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • Secretary, Mount Sinai Hospital, 2013-2015 • Multiple membership on committees at Mount Sinai Hospital

Part 2 – Statement of Views

I am running to build a better NYSNA. Union leadership must be in-touch with, and responsive to the concerns of nurses across New York State. COVID has showed that hospitals are no longer the charitable community organizations they once were. We as nurses deserve legislation that hold organizations accountable for safe-staffing and provide a safe environment, for us to work in and not just to focus on profit.

Inherent in our NYSNA community is a wealth of professional nurses with expertise and vision. Electing new Board members is only the beginning to achieving our common goals. We must bring both commitment and passion together to benefit patients, ourselves, this union, and the future of the nursing profession. No matter size, or where your facility is, I WILL fight for your needs. I WILL stand by you, I WILL make sure your voices are heard.

directors at Large (vote for 10) Ray Briggs Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position Staff Nurse, Coney Island Hospital, Health + Hospitals Education BS, BSC, Nursing Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • President, labor Bargaining Unit, Coney Island Hospital • NYSNA Convention Delegate Multiple positions on Hospital and H+H Committees Part 2 – Statement of Views

I am running to build a better NYSNA. Nursing is at a crossroad of great changes. Change that will make the future of nursing and the social welfare of nurses’ standout as a profession among other professionals. These changes are inevitable, as the social consciousness of nurses was aroused by the COVID pandemic.

If it was not for our dedicated and vigilant nurses, the mortality rate would have been higher.

The time is now for nurses to form grassroot movements in our communities, then rally around improvements in social, economic, and political reforms. We need better salaries, more flexible working options, better educational opportunities, and extended sick-time to heal from job related illness.

The use of technology to shape the landscape of nursing is more important to us than ever. This emphasizes the ease to organize the unorganized and rally around nursing issues. That being said, our labor movement will galvanize confidence in our nurses and promote the presence of nurses as a grassroot movement among communities.

Beverly Coye Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position CRNA, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, North Central Bronx, Jacobi Hospitals, and Staten Island University Hospital Former Employment Position RN at New York Hospital, Cornell Medical Center Education • MS, Albany Medical College • BSN, New York University BS, St. Francis College in Medical Technology Professional Activities & Union Offices Held Vice President, Local Bargaining Unit for CRNAs at PAGNY-Physicians Affiliate Group of New York Part 2 – Statement of Views

I’m running to build a better NYSNA. The main purpose of my candidacy is to work cohesively with my colleague to facilitate transparency within NYSNA. As the largest health profession worldwide, we number over 20 million and are a true force for change when we work together in solidarity. Together as Registered Nurses, Advanced Practice Nurses, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and other health care specialists, we hold the power to influence, to drive change and to call for action

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New York Nurse may 2021

Expect Better: Unite NYSNA Slate Rose Green

Medical Center

Part 1 – Biographical Data

Education RT, Registered Licensed Respiratory Therapist

Current Position Full Time Release Representative, Elmhurst Hospital, Queens Community Care Nurses

Certifications Certified ARC Pulmonary Educator

Former Employment Position Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Elmhurst Hospital Education • DNP Scholar, expected date of graduation (June 2022) • MSN, St. Joseph’s College • BSN, Rutgers University Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • President of Labor Bargaining Unit, Elmhurst Hospital • NYSNA Membership Chair; NYSNA Convention Delegate; Co-Chair Joint Labor Management Committee; Trustee-NYSNA Tuition Board; Member of Elmhurst Community Advisory Board; Member-Stand-Up for Social Justice; Member-NYC Black Nurses Association; Member ANA Part 2 – Statement of Views

I am running to build a better NYSNA. In the past year NYSNA Nurses have been faced with numerous challenges, the COVID pandemic, short-staffing, contract violations, burn-out of nurses and so much more. We need to transform NYSNA by moving forward and Empower our members by reminding them that this is and must be a member driven union, let us all be heard. We as leaders, must advocate for all our members and let their voices be heard. NYSNA needs to bring their focus back to the needs of its members, staffing, fair contracts with enforcement, and establish trust with its members, no more back-door meetings without members rights to be there.

I will work with all healthcare professionals to bridge these gaps.

Diane Groneman Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position Respiratory Therapist, Peconic Bay

Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • NYSNA Convention Delegate, Representative from non-RN within NYSNA • President, Peconic Bay Medical Center • Chairperson of LBU Membership, Peconic Bay Medical Center • ARC Pulmonary Educator Part 2 – Statement of Views

I am running to build a better NYSNA. We must have complete transparency with our NYSNA membership. This is not an option but a right of every union member.

We need to unify our members, union inclusive. This will allow all of members, no matter what their role or position is, to have an equal voice.

Vote for our slate to make our union not only better – but more powerful.

Patricia James Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position Very Active Retired MCH Nurse from Kings County Hospital Former Employment Position Registered Nurse, Maternal/Child Health, Kings County Hospital Education • AAS, Nursing, College of Staten • Island BSN, St. Joseph College Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • Vice President, Labor Bargaining Unit, Kings County Hospital • Vice President, NYCHHC and Mayoral Executive Council • Member of the Social Justice and Civil rights Committee • Member of the Negotiations Committee representing Health + Hospitals and the Mayorals • NYSNA Convention Delegate • Lobby Day Activist • Deaconess of Local ChurchOutreach • Medical Missions, multiple international sites • Church Missionary

Part 2 – Statement of Views

I am running to build a better NYSNA. Nursing is a very rewarding profession, where truth, honest and integrity blend to build confidence as migrate change, provide education, plan care, and achieve compliance for our patients. We work to save lives, rehabilitate to achieve the highest level of functional ability possible, keep our community safe and healthy through promotion of wellness programs and be culturally sensitive in the process.

My past experiences, integrity, decency, keen sense of professionalism, demonstrated skills in the ability to lead makes me the best candidate for consideration, for Director at Large of the NYSNA BOD. It is through this position that I can devote my time to continue the meaningful changes needed to maintain respect to the profession.

We are innovators as nurses, we are the change agents of health care in NYS, we are NYSNA.

Clifford Krinsky Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position Clinical Nurse in the Arrhythmia Institute, Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital Former Employment Position • Full-Time Clinical Nurse in Interventional Radiology Service, Mount Sinai West • Worked as Per Diem, Clinical Nursing staff in Critical Care (ICU, CCU), Interventional Radiology • Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), and in Ambulatory Surgery (AMS) • Full-Time Clinical Nurse in Coronary Care Unit, St. Luke’sRoosevelt Hospital • Full-Time Clinical Nurse Pediatric and Neonatal Critical Care, The New York Hospital Education • RCES, Pennsylvania College of Health Science, Professional Certification Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology • MBA, Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Baruch Collee of the City University of New York (CUNY) • BSN, State University of New

York, Downstate Medical Center • BS, Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and Psychology Certifications • CCRN, Critical Care Registered Nurse Certified • RCES, Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • Co-President Local Bargaining Unit of NYSNA, Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital, 2017-Present • Multiple memberships on committees at Mount Sinai Morningside • Member of the following organizations: American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) • American Heart Association (AHA), Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals (ACVP), Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) Part 2 – Statement of Views

I am running to build a better NYSNA. The current Board of Directors, except for a few dissenters, has lost sight of what is important to their constituents.

Transparency has been lost. The current board has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars filing nuisance lawsuits, only to see them all struck down. Additionally, the board has pushed former member of the BOD into the position of Executive Director, without allowing a proper search for the best candidate.

Indeed, the membership has been deprived of even seeing the current director’s resume.

As a board member, I will work to return transparency and accountability to our union.

Members will be advised of where their dues money goes and will have a say in these expenditures.

Additionally, I will act to ensure that members have access to BOD meetings.

Moreover, management has, with impunity, gotten away with violating our contracts. When a nurse violates the contract, there is immediate sanction. Therefore, I will insist that future contracts contain an enforcement clause.

And I will fight for staffing ratios.

Not “grids”, but ratios. We will, together, bring about the return of a NYSNA that is respected by our membership, and by management.

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Expect Better: Unite NYSNA Slate Rosemarie Mason Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position Head Nurse – Trauma Surgery & Surgical StepDown Unit, Jacobi Medical Center NYCHHC Former Employment positions & Facility • Staff Nurse-Medical Surgical, Jacobi Medical Center • Staff Nurse Adult Emergency Department, Jacobi Medical Center Education MSN, Certifications RN, BC, Trauma Nursing Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • Member of the Emergency Nurses Association-Certified in TNCC (Trauma Nursing) • Member of the Medical Surgical Nurses Association • Past LBU Secretary; Past LBU Vice President • Served as NYSNA Convention Delegate Part 2 – Statement of Views

I am running to build a better NYSNA. Nursing is the proven, most respected profession worldwide, hence we need to have a union leadership that will respect and listen to the valued views of its members. It is important to not just listen, but work towards rectifying the issues that concerns the members, across the regions. I aim, if appointed to the board, to push for a strong member driven union body, prompt attention to rectify inequalities and injustices to all our union members, transparency in all union affairs to give members informed decision making choices, assist in building contracts suitable to members to allow for a safe work environment and inclusiveness for our retired member retirees.

Marion Parkins Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position Staff Nurse, Harlem Hospital

Former Employment Position Family Nurse practitioner Examination management, in home assessment Education • MSN, FNP, State University of New York, Downstate College of Nursing • BSN, College of Mount St. Vincent School of Nursing Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • President, Labor Bargaining Unit, Harlem Hospital • Vice Chair, Maternal Child Health, Harlem Hospital • NYSNA Convention Delegate • Medical Missions, 2001 to present Part 2 – Statement of Views

I am running to build a better NYSNA. Our members need transparency because they deserve it. We have to work on nursing issues collectively, for all our nurses; upstate, downstate, public and/ or private. We have to be cautious not to leave any facility out in the cold. It is my belief that the heart of our union are the members, and the members are the union. NYSNA must be one union and all members treated with respect, and have a voice, and that voice needs to be heard. We need to concentrate on the issues that affect each facility, no matter how unique. Members should be informed on where their dues monies are going and have a say in where they should go. I will advocate for you, making sure there is Change, Respect, Transparency, and work collectively with each facility. We must do away with self-interest and have the interest of all at our core.

Kevin Smith Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position COVID 19 Operations Lead RN, Immunizations Action & Lead Poisoning Prevention, Health Services Coordinator, The County of Westchester Former Employment Position Saint John’s Riverside Hospital, CN; NYSNA AD, Westchester Medical Center, Critical Care Staff RN Education • Westchester Community College, 1989 Associates Social Science

• AAS, Nursing 1995 • BSN, University of Central Florida 1999 • MSN, Jacksonville University, Currently enrolled

Lower Hudson & New Jersey Regional Director

Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • Former NYSNA Co-President, Westchester Medical Center • Former ANA Delegate NY, 3 Terms • Former NYSNA Congress Member, Zone 7 • Former Co-Chair, UNITE HERE Local 19 • Former NYSNA Vice President, Count of Westchester • President NYSNA, County of Westchester

Part 1 – Biographical Data

Part 2 – Statement of Views

I’m running to build a better NYSNA. I am a third-generation RN. My mother and both of my grandmothers were RNs, my wife’s an RN, her mother & my grandfather were LPNs. I’ve lived nursing my whole life. I believe that we have made great progress as nurses, but we still have so much more to do.

I believe all registered professional nurses must be truly united. To achieve this, RNs must be afforded full, complete, and accurate information from their elected leaders. Such communication will ensure a fully educated voting body. This knowledge base is imperative for exploring all avenues, opportunities, and challenges that every RN faces today. Our words and actions must be the same in order to enable us to achieve whatever we set our signet on, we must be UNITED! Communication is the life blood of our success! Without it – we are lost. Everyday with new ideas and thoughts is a new day of actions, of energy and of passion for nursing.

The greatest gift we have is the ability to change and to create change. You are the UNION and I believe that together, we can make changes for the better.

Cynthia Caruso

Current Position Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Vassar Brother Hospital Education AAS, Nursing Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • Vice President, Labor Bargaining Unit • Secretary, Labor Bargaining Unit • NYSNA Convention Delegate Part 2 – Statement of Views

I am running to build a better NYSNA. As a union, we need to focus on the needs of our members as a whole. Although, being part of current affairs is a necessity, we must shift our focus to what our members not only need, but require. We must listen to all of our members, from all of our regions, and respond to their needs. We must assist members on contract enforcement, no matter what region they are from.

Southeastern Regional Director Bruce Lavalle Current Position • Retired • Per-Diem Registered Nurse, PACU Peconic Bay Medical Center Previous Employment Registered Nurse, PACU Peconic Bay Medical Center Education MSN, MS, BS, AD Certifications CCRN-Critical Care Registered Nurse Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • NYSNA Convention Delegate • Grievance Chairman

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Expect Better: Unite NYSNA Slate • President of Local Bargaining Unit • Vice President of Local Bargaining Unit • Contract Negotiator Part 2 – Statement of Views

I am running to build a better NYSNA. My vision for NYSNA starts with these goals: 1. Decentralize the Boards power and give upstate and western regions LBUs a greater voice and inclusion.

2. Mobilize non-RN professionals in NYSNA’s membership. We have already seen how extremely successful these professionals are in their LBUs. 3. Transparency of the membership

of the Political Action Committee (PAC), as well as their contribution This is just a start, vote our slate and only better will come because of that.

Southern Regional Director Alizia McMyers Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position Accountable Care Manager, Harlem Hospital

Former Employment Position Registered Nurse, Harlem Hospital

• Member, Bronx Community Board #9

Education • MSN, Candidate • BSN • MHA

Part 2 – Statement of Views

Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • NYSNA Delegate • LBU Membership Chair and current Vice President, Harlem Hospital • Advocated through testimony for Safe Staffing at NYC City Council and NYS Department of Health • Negotiating Committee for NYC Health & Hospital/Mayorals • Recipient of NYSNA Public Sector Advocate Awardee 2019

I am running to build a better NYSNA. If elected, I will continue my efforts to gain healthcare for all and safe staffing. I vow to listen to the membership body, focus on the issues that unite us as NYSNA members and lead by prioritizing what matters to the majority of our membership.

We know our system works better when staffing makes sense. Young nurses would remain on the job and the process of training newly arriving RNs would not have to be repeated over and over. The system needs to be improved and I will make every effort to be a leader in this process.

Independent Candidates First vice president Lilia V. Marquez, RN-BC, CCRN Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position 2016 to Present, NYSNA Board Member, Director at Large Former Employment Position • A seasoned RN worked in both Public and Private Sectors • Registered Professional Nurse, New York • 1983-2020, NYCH+H/Bellevue Hospital Center, primarily in Coronary Care unit • Other areas worked: MedicalSurgical Units; Intensive Care Units (Medical, Surgical and Neuro); Psychiatry (MedicalSurgical, Adult, Adolescent, and Prison Psych); Prison Ward: Visiting Nurse Service of New York, Mary Manning Walsh Nursing Home, and New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center CCU. • 2010 – Present: New York City Medical Reserve Corps (NYC MRC) Volunteer • 2015 – Present: American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) Ambassador in New York, AACN is an exceptional community of 100,000 acute and critical care nurses.

• 2018, 2019, 2021: Community

Board Training (NYSNA & NYC Central Labor Council AFL-CIO) • 2021: Civic Engagement and Leadership Development, CUNY school of Labor and Urban Studies • NYSNA Campaigns Joined and Advocated: Safe Staffing: Healthcare for All; Defend Public Hospitals; Keep Hospitals Open for Care; Climate Justice; Vite NO to Constitutional Convention; End Gun Violence, etc.

Skills/Qualities • Vision; Leadership; Courage; Passion; Communication/ Interpersonal Skills • Focus; Critical Thinking; Problem Solving Skills; Humility; Compassion • Confidence; Commitment; Dedication; Advocacy; Persistence; Humor Education • 1984 to Present, Registered Professional Nurse, New York • 1986 to Present, CCRN Acute and Critical Care Adult (American Association of Critical Care Nurses) • 1989-2020, Registered Professional Nurse, California May 2017: Basic Disaster Life Support (National Disaster Life Support Foundation) • July 2017: NY Renews Statewide Grassroots Training. A strong cohort of 60 Leaders from Buffalo to Binghamton to Albany to the Hurson Valley to NYC to Long Island • July 12 & 13, 2017: Climate

Leadership Immersion for Union Officers and Staff (Trade Unions for Energy Democracy) Education • May 2017: Basic Disaster Life Support (National Disaster Life Support Foundation) • May 2013 to Present: RN-BC Board Certified Medical Surgical Nursing (American Nurses Credentialing Center) • January 2016 – January 2019: Certified in Mental Health First Aid USA (National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare) • 2009: Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner (American Association of Drugless Practitioners) • 2008 – Present: Certified Consulting Hypnotist (National Guild of Hypnotists, Inc.) • March 2007 – March 2018: Registered Reiki Practitioner/ Teacher) International Association of Reiki Professionals) • December 2006: Certified in Holistic Nursing (New York College of Health Professions); Clinic Awards for Outstanding Clinical Performance & Honors in Academic Excellence (New York College of Health Professions) Professional Activities & Union Offices Held • 1983 – Present: NYSNA Member • 2016 – Present: NYSNA Board Member, Director at Large • 2016 – 2020: NYSNA Child and Elder Care Fund Trustee • 2016 – 2019: Bellevue Hospital Center (BHC), Local Bargaining

Unit, Executive Council Committee, Delegate at Large • 2015: Bellevue Hospital Center Local Bargaining Unit (LBU), Executive Council Committee, Vice-President; NYCH+H/ Mayoral Labor and Management Committee • 2014 – 2015: Bellevue Hospital Center LBU, Executive Council Committee, Delegate at Large; NYSNA’s Mayor’s Task Force on Immigrant Healthcare Access • 2013-2015: NYSNA Council on Nursing Practice, Adult Patient Focus Group, Member at Large • 2014 – 2020: NYSNA Steward trained in both public & private sectors.

• April 2017 – Present: NYSNA Committees-Membership Engagement and Leadership Development; Social Justice and Civil Rights; Disaster Relief and Climate Justice, etc.

• September 2014: The People’s Climate March (New York City) attended by 400,000 people, the largest climate march in history.

• April 2017: Climate March (Washington, DC) joined by more than 150,000 people calling for climate change.

• June 9-11, 2017: The People’s Summit (Chicago, Illinois) a historic convening of organizations and individuals committed to social, racial, and economic justice.

Part 2 – Statement of Views

I believe in Compassionate Leadership combined with

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Independent Candidates Wisdom. Compassionate leaders are those who lead from within.

These are leaders who have the ability to listen attentively without being judgmental.

Compassionate leaders inspire; engage; encourage; empower, and support their members. This is an amazing and exciting time of transformation and healing for oneself, community, and Mother Earth. The coronavirus pandemic exposed a dysfunctional healthcare system led by individuals who value profits, publicity, and greed over health and safety of nurses and other healthcare workers; a systemic health and social

inequities, and racial; economic; and environmental disparities to say the least. We Are All In This Together. United In Solidarity, Nothing Is Impossible.

Southeastern Regional Director Lisa Ferrara Part 1 – Biographical Data

Current Position Registered Nurse, Northwell Health System-Syosset Hospital Education BSN, SUNY Stoney Brook University, 2015

Part 2 – Statement of Views

I would love to be a part of NYSNA’s Board of Directors, I have been a part of NYSNA for almost 5 years and recognize the important role they play in giving nurses a voice. I would welcome the opportunity to continue to give nurses a voice in their profession. I am applying to be the Southeastern Regional Director, because I am very aware of the issues and need of this are, since this is where I live and work.

I also believe that my experience as Hudson Regional Director as a nursing student, will assist me in carrying out the duties necessary for this role.

The Legislature stands for safe staffing!

Continued from page 5

standards for ICUs and critical care units that must be incorporated in each hospital’s annual staffing plan. Actual staffing data, unresolved complaints and violations of the staffing plans will be publicly reported.

An independent commission will ultimately study the effectiveness of the new law in improving patient care and nurse staffing levels and make recommendations for further action by the Legislature.

The second law, A7119/S6346, applies to nursing homes, setting minimum nursing home staffing levels. It does so by requiring all nursing homes to meet minimum staffing levels set at 3.5 hours-per-resident

day. These include standards for CNAs, NAs, RNs and LPNs. The nursing home law requires at least 2.2 hours of care by certified nursing aides for each resident and at least 1.1 hours of care by RNs and LPNs.

Strong staffing committees What’s most immediate for NYSNA? Members will organize and strengthen staffing committees in each facility, enforcing safe staffing standards and monitoring progress.

Taken together, the laws will give nurses the tools needed to advocate for patients and bring more accountability and transparency to the healthcare system.

NYSNA is committed to use this law to push for equitable, universal minimum safe staffing standards for all hospitals and nursing homes— regardless of zip code.

“The pandemic has revealed just how critical it is to have proper and adequate staffing in nursing homes and hospitals. Without safe levels of staff, patients and residents are put at a greater risk of neglect, health complications, and an overall reduced quality in service.

Understaffing not only has negative consequences for residents, but for employees as well, who can become extremely overworked and stressed. By adopting these requirements and establishing staffing plans, we’re ensuring that nursing homes and hospitals invest in the internal structures they need to provide the care they promise to residents and their families. This legislation will put these facilities on the path to better quality of life for patients, residents, and staff.”

NYSNA President Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez, RN, speaks at May Day, Albany

Senate Deputy Leader Andrew Gounardes

“As legislators, we must support our nurses and healthcare workers who continue to work tirelessly to save lives. A year into this pandemic, It’s only right that our state finally mandates that healthcare facilities hire enough staff to properly care for their patients.

When it comes to nursing homes, that means setting benchmarks for care. For hospitals, it means giving clinical workers a say in the staffing plans. The bottom line is that all New Yorkers deserve safe, quality healthcare. My thanks to Senator Gustavo Rivera for his excellent work as our health chair and to all the advocates who helped get these bills across the finish line.”

Senator Robert Jackson

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131 West 33rd Street, 4th Floor New York, NY 10001

INSIDE

A solemn remembrance, p. 3

City & State acknowledged NYSNA President Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez, RN, and Executive Director Pat Kane, RN, placing them as 27th in 2021 New York State Labor Power 100!

NYSNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION STATEMENTS pp.

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