nurse New York
FALL 2023
NYSNA Members Celebrate and Build Power at Annual Convention, p. 8 NYSNA and NNU Elections Explained, p. 13
2
New York Nurse fall 2023
We Are Building a National Movement
T By Nancy Hagans, RN, BSN, CCRN NYSNA President
Advocating for patients. Advancing the profession.SM Board of Directors President Nancy Hagans, RN, BSN, CCRN nancy.hagans@nysna.org First Vice President Judith Cutchin, , DNP, RN, MSN judith.cutchin@nysna.org Second Vice President Marion Enright, RN marion.enright@nysna.org Secretary Nella Pineda-Marcon, RN, BC nella.pineda-marcon@nysna.org Treasurer Jayne L. Cammisa, RN, BSN jayne.cammisa@nysna.org Directors at Large Marie Boyle, RN, BSN marie.boyle@nysna.org Seth B. Dressekie, RN, MSN, PMHNP, BC seth.dressekie@nysna.org Flandersia Jones, RN, BSN, MPH flandersia.jones@nysna.org Michelle Jones, RN, MSN, ANP-C michelle.jones@nysna.org Sonia M. Lawrence, RN, BSN sonia.lawrence@nysna.org Benny K. Mathew, RN, MS, CCRN, CEN, SCRN benny.mathew@nysna.org Ari Moma, RN, MSA ari.moma@nysna.org Jean Erica Padgett, RN jean.padgett@nysna.org Regional Directors Southeastern
Christopher Honor, RN, BSN,CAPA christopher.honor@nysna.org Southern Aretha Morgan, RN, MSN aretha.morgan@nysna.org Catherine Dawson,RN,CNOR,MSN Central catherine.dawson@nysna.org Lower Hudson/NJ Margaret Franks, RN margaret.franks@nysna.org Western John Batson, RN john.batson@nysna.org Eastern Bill Schneider, RN, CCRN bill.schneider@nysna.org Editor Kristi Barnes 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: nynurse@nysna.org Website: www.nysna.org Subscription rate: $33 per year ISSN (Print) 1934-7588/ISSN (Online) 1934-7596 ©2023, All rights reserved
his year’s Convention was one for the record books. I left after two days feeling exhausted and also incredibly proud and inspired by the work we have done together as a union. Being in the same room as NYSNA leaders from every part of the state and National Nurses United (NNU) leaders from every part of the country made me reflect on how we are truly building a national movement for nurses and health equity. The Convention marked the one-year anniversary of NYSNA Convention delegates voting to affiliate with NNU. In the last year as an NNU co-president, I have traveled all over the country along with our members, participating in more federal advocacy than ever before.
Some National Highlights in 2023 In March, NYSNA nurses spoke out for federal safe staffing ratios at a congressional briefing and again in June when Sen. Sherrod Brown (OH) and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL) reintroduced the Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act, federal legislation that would establish minimum registered nurse-topatient ratios for every hospital unit, effective at all times. That month, we also marched along with NNU nurses across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, on the 58th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” to honor the ongoing struggle for civil rights. In May, dozens of NYSNA members participated in a virtual lobby week, meeting with New York Congress members to advocate for safe staffing, protection from workplace violence, the right to organize unions, fairness for Veteran Administration nurses and Medicare for All. We also testified at a town hall in support of Medicare for All legislation with Sen. Bernie Sanders (VT) and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA) at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C. Nurses were likewise in attendance at press conferences when Sanders, Jayapal and Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI) introduced Medicare for All legislation in Congress. That
NNU Co-Presidents Jean Ross, RN, and Nancy Hagans, RN, BSN, CCRN, speak at a press conference after the Oct. 27 congressional field hearing.
same day, we spoke out in support of the FAMILY Act, which Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT) sponsored, that would guarantee paid family and medical leave to all workers. In August, NYSNA nurses joined with NNU and other labor and civil rights activists from around the country for the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington. NYSNA joined national efforts to stop the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention rollback of infection control guidelines. We made it known that the people who work on the front lines need a strong voice in decision-making.
Historic Congressional Hearing In October, I became the first NYSNA president to testify at a congressional hearing when I testified at a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Field Hearing, which Sanders convened, about the need for federal safe staffing ratios. With hundreds of nurses, healthcare workers and patient advocates packing the auditorium at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, it turned out to be the best-attended hearing the HELP Committee had ever called. I testified alongside other nurse leaders, including United Steelworkers Local 420 President
Judy Danella, RN, and Carol Tanzi, RN, who were leading the Robert Wood Johnson Memorial Hospital nurses on strike. NYSNA members got the opportunity to hear from them at our Convention, and we offered our encouragement and solidarity for their righteous fight for enforceable safe staffing ratios. In December, those nurses ratified a new contract — after more than 120 days on the picket line for safe staffing — and I could not be happier to see them fight and win.
Looking Ahead I had an incredibly busy year, along with other NNU members and leaders. Overall, 2023 is on pace to be the most active year for healthcare worker strikes in a decade, largely led by the nurses. We are letting our employers know that enough is enough, and we are working hard nationally on solutions. We are looking back and honoring the pioneers for economic and racial justice who came before us and remind us that we will prevail. And we are looking bravely into the future and organizing, because it is through building a national movement of nurses — the backbone of our healthcare system — that we will save nursing and save healthcare.
3
NEW YORK NURSE fall 2023
Lowering Nurse Licensing Standards Won’t Solve the Nurse Staffing Crisis — But Could Harm Patient Care
A
s we look ahead in 2024 to the biggest challenges that face our profession, we expect that safe staffing will continue to be at the top of the list. While nurses work overtime on solutions to the nurse staffing crisis, federal, state and local governments continue to entertain the hospital industry’s preferred short-term “solutions” and calls for “flexibility” that don’t solve the nurse staffing crisis.
Not a Solution for Understaffing The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) is one of the proposals for flexibility that is likely to come up again this year in the New York Legislature. NYSNA nurses helped defeat this proposal in last year’s state budget, because it’s another nonsolution that could lead to lower standards for New York’s patients. The NLC is an interstate agreement that allows nurses to hold multistate licenses to practice in other Compact states. Several states started the NLC in 2000, and 40 states have joined. Although it may reduce some paperwork for nurses working in multiple states, it has not been proven to lead to a greater supply of nurses or decrease nurse vacancies, especially where there are critical staffing shortages. Research that the National Nurses United (NNU) compiled shows that belonging to the NLC has little impact on nurses staffing levels at hospitals, while issues such as wages and having union representation are likely more important factors. U.S. Department of Health (DOH) data shows that from January 2020 to August 2023, Compact states experienced a higher percentage of critical staffing shortage days than non-Compact states. An American Hospital Association Annual Survey showed that registered nurse vacancy rates are actually higher in Compact states. A likely reason is that wages
and union density are both significantly lower in Compact states.*
Defending Our Nursing Practice Joining the NLC will not fix New York’s staffing crisis, and there are other disadvantages as well. States that join the Compact give up a certain amount of sovereignty to regulate the nursing profession. This can lead to a reduction in licensure standards because Compact states must agree to recognize the licenses granted to registered nurses (RNs) in other Compact states, even when those standards are lower. For example, New York licensure requires continuing education in areas such as infection control and identification and treatment of child abuse, but other states may not require any continuing education. The Compact can also limit diversity by restricting a state’s ability to allow alternative pathways to licensure, such as LPN-to-RN programs and other options for licensure, which can be very effective at bringing underrepresented groups into the nursing profession. New York’s licensing fees currently fund the state’s nursing education department, but joining the Compact would rob our education department, which funds valuable programs like Statewide Peer Assistance for Nurses of valuable resources.
Funding for nursing education was not increased in last year’s budget, although there is great need to increase nursing tuition support, loan forgiveness and nursing school teaching capacity to meet the demand of students who want to enter the nursing field. Real solutions also include improving conditions to keep nurses at the bedside. Nurses deserve good wages and benefits and safe working conditions, including safe staffing. The New York State DOH needs to enforce our staffing laws and ensure healthcare facilities always follow safe staffing standards. There’s a reason that NYSNA along with NNU and other healthcare unions that represent frontline workers reject the NLC — we have studied the evidence. We know that the fight to implement real solutions to the staffing crisis takes time and effort, and we reject the false solutions like the NLC that the hospital industry continues to push. *View this article online for full charts and data.
By Pat Kane, RN NYSNA Executive Director
Key differences between compact states and non-compact states Average Annual Wage for RNs $100,000
Union density for RNs employed in hospitals
$97,326
60%
$95,000
$89,010
$90,000 $85,000
40%
$77,906
$80,000 $75,000
27%
30%
$70,000
20%
$65,000 $60,000
13%
10%
$55,000 $50,000
49%
50%
Non-Compact
Compact
0%
Overall
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2022 https://www.bls.gov/oes/
Non-Compact
Compact
Overall
Source: American Hospital Association 2021 Annual Survey and NNU nurse union database https://www.ahasurvey.org
Advocating for Real Solutions When the NLC comes up again in the Legislature, we need to push back — and push for real solutions to address the nurse staffing crisis. There is little evidence that joining the NLC will help, but there is strong evidence that improving wages and working conditions and giving nurses a voice on the job will. Real solutions to the staffing crisis should focus on nurse recruitment and retention. Fair funding for public and safety-net hospitals will help those facilities hire more nurses. New York can also do more to invest in educating and training the next generation of nurses.
Hospital staffing levels during the pandemic – Comparing compact states to non-compact states Percent hospital days with staffing shortage 16%
14.4%
14% 12% 10% 8%
11.1%
10.4%
13.4%
9.7% 7.5%
6.9%
6%
4.4%
4%
5.8%
0%
3.7% 2.1%
2% 2020
2021 Compact
2022 Non-Compact
2.8%
2023
Overall
Source: HealthData.gov. Data collected 2020-2023. Critical Staffing Shortage (by day). NNU calculations based on data available at https://healthdata.gov/Hospital/Critical-Staffing-Shortage-by-day-/yu7x-wxqv. Source for NLC state participation taken from Nurse licensure compacts before, during, and after COVID. Lauren Bauer, Aidan Creeron, Joy Dada, and Luiza Macedo, February 8, 2023. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/nurse-licensure-compacts-before-during-and-after-covid/ as well as the National Council of State Boards of Nursing: https://www.nursecompact.com/index.page#map
4
safe staffing
New York Nurse fall 2023
Listen to the Nurses
Enforce the Safe Staffing Law Pushing and Progress on Safe Staffing
E Here are 3 ways you can fight for safe staffing: 1. File a POA: Send to POA @nysna.org, give a copy to the manager, and keep one for yourself. POAs that consistently document unsafe staffing conditions can be used in arbitration to win financial settlements that go directly to understaffed nurses. 2. Track your Data: Keep consistent track of staffing data. The minimum information we need is number of nurses and number of patients at the start of each shift. Use POA’s, assignment sheets or charge nurses to document these numbers at the start of each shift. 3. Become a Staffing Captain: Staffing captains report the number of nurses and the number of patients at the start of every shift with a simple text. Sign up at bit.ly/ StaffingCaptain or with the QR code below.
ver since the hospital clinical staffing committee law was passed in 2021, NYSNA members have pushed for the highest patient safety standards and for strong enforcement of the law. From ensuring frontline nurses, caregivers and their representatives are included on the committees to negotiating safe staffing standards to pushing hospitals to post the staffing plans, NYSNA nurses have been relentless in using the law to protect patient care.
Show Us the Plans In August, nurses and patient advocates anticipated seeing the updated staffing plans and reporting on actual staffing levels posted on the New York State Department of Health (DOH) website. Instead, hospitals submitted data in a COVID-19-era reporting format that used “planned averages” for staffing levels, instead of the nurseto-patient ratios or matrices or grids in the real staffing plans. The plans posted were not what staffing committees agreed to and did nothing to increase transparency and accountability in New York’s hospitals. Most of the plans also did not reflect the hard-earned staffing ratios and guidelines that nurses won in their NYSNA contracts, which was in clear violation of the law. NYSNA, Communications Workers of America (CWA) and 1199SEIU pushed back and demanded that the DOH enforce the law. Patient advocates and good government groups also called out that the submitted reports violated the spirit and letter of the law. In an Oct. 31 article, Crains New York Business reported that NYSNA “‘made clear’ to hospitals and the DOH that the law requires hospitals submit plans that reflect negotiated ratios and grids and report on actual staffing numbers for comparison with the plans and that the information be posted in facilities and online.” Our advocacy is working! In October, the DOH reversed its guidance to employers and issued a letter to hospital administrators
Mount Sinai nurses on strike last January for safe staffing.
requiring that they submit real staffing plans by Nov. 8. Our successful push for the DOH to enforce the law builds on an earlier victory from this summer. In June, the DOH issued a letter to employers demanding they submit plans for all patient care units, not just acute care units. NYSNA nurses had been pushing for this all along, as employers tried to exclude some units from safe standards, and the DOH backed us up.
Next Steps Although we are pushing for and achieving progress on making the staffing law work for nurses, frontline caregivers and our patients, we can’t take our foot off the gas. We know that the law is only as strong as our ability to build power for strong enforcement. Now NYSNA nurses and our allies need to monitor that hospitals are following through and posting the real plans and the actual staffing online and in our hospitals. If your hospital posted an old or incomplete plan in November, let your NYSNA representative know. If your hospital continues to post staffing plans in inconspicuous and non-public areas of the hospital, let your NYSNA representative know. We also need to see the real staffing data. We know that the reason hospitals have been so resistant to following the law is that they are failing to uphold agreed-upon safe staffing standards. NYSNA Regional Director Margaret Franks, RN, BSN, has
tracked staffing levels in her medical surgical unit at Vassar Brothers Medical Center since January 2023. She has found that of the 578 day and night shifts this year, only 14 of these shifts have been adequately staffed! When NYSNA nurses have tracked actual staffing levels, we have proven that hospital units are chronically understaffed. We have won arbitration awards and improved staffing as a result. Download and share this flyer that describes how to: 1) file a protest of assignment, 2) track your staffing data and 3) become a staffing captain. Taking these steps to enforce our contracts and help enforce the state staffing law are the best protection for our patients and our practice.
We Won't Stop We also need more members to get involved in advocating for safe staffing to build power to win nurse-to-patient staffing ratios on the state and national level. As the New York Legislature convenes in January, legislators will be looking to nurses to hear what’s really happening inside hospitals and how to strengthen the law. NYSNA President Nancy Hagans, RN, BSN, CCRN, was just appointed to the statewide committee that is overseeing implementation of the law and will make her voice heard. As the patient advocates, nurses will not stop until we win safe staffing on every shift, in every unit, in every hospital!
NEW YORK NURSE fall 2023
Let’s Recommit to Fight for Single-Payer Healthcare By Michelle Jones, RN, MSN, ANP-C, NYSNA director at large and member of NYSNA’s SinglePayer Healthcare Committee.
S
ingle-payer universal healthcare has the potential to change healthcare in the U.S. by eliminating private for-profit insurance, saving healthcare facilities, employers, families and taxpayers millions of dollars annually. A profit-driven system gives rise to racial, social and healthcare disparities, which is why NYSNA believes the ability to pay should not dictate access to quality healthcare. Despite the overwhelming evidence that single-payer healthcare will be beneficial to patients, communities, caregivers and the economy, many New Yorkers are opposed to universal healthcare initiatives due to misinformation, often perpetuated by those who profit from the current system. NYSNA has long been an advocate for single-payer univer-
SAVE THE DATE
our state legislators sal healthcare and about the importance understands that of healthcare reform healthcare is a human and pushed them to right. That is why support the establishwe presented and ment of a system of passed a resolution guaranteed healthcare at the 2022 NYSNA for all. In addition, the Convention comNYSNA-supported mitting NYSNA to Michelle Jones at NYSNA’s advocacy organization, establish and fund 2022 Convention. the Campaign for New our own campaign to York Health, hired a new executive advocate for single-payer healthdirector who met with the NYSNA’s care, use social media advertising Single-Payer Committee and is or other material support for the excited to strengthen the coalition campaign, and support political for single-payer healthcare. While candidates who commit to advowe’re proud of what we’ve accomcate for the New York Health Act. plished so far, we have a long way We Have Made Progress to go to defeat the healthcare corpoSince the resolution passed, rations and pharmaceutical industry NYSNA has accomplished a lot. that have a vested interest in proWe designed a continuing education tecting the current, unequal system. program to educate our members Visit our website at nysna.org/ about single-payer healthcare; healthcare-for-all to learn more, we attended the Labor for Single read the latest single-payer commitPayer convening in Baltimore tee newsletter and sign up to join the in spring 2023; and we lobbied Healthcare for All Action Team!
2024 NYSNA
LOBBY DAY TUESDAY, MARCH 5 ALL DAY | ALBANY RSVP: bit.ly/NYSNALobbyDay2024 For more info contact your rep
SAVE THE DATE
Meet New NYSNA Board Member John Batson, RN
G
et to know NYSNA’s new Western Regional Director John Batson, RN, a nurse at Erie County Medical Center for over 20 years. He currently works in the Medical Intensive Care Unit. Q: Why did you become a nurse? A: From 1996 to 2004, I was a member of the National Guard in a medical command unit. After 9/11, I spent a total of 41 days in and around Ground Zero working as a medic. My job was to provide first aid for police officers, firefighters and volunteers who were working at the scene and help them recover from injuries they sustained during the rescue and clean-up efforts. This experience changed my life and redirected my education toward nursing. Q: What’s your favorite thing about being a nurse? A: It’s hearing the life stories of people from all walks of life. It’s like gaining a new family member with every admission. I’ve spo-
ken to veterans who made heroic efforts in time of war. I have met many women who, despite being hospitalized, continue caring for their families. I was raised by a single mother, so I have great respect for all the care women provide. My patients have taught me how to be a better nurse advocate. I was naïve when I started because I was taught individuals are responsible for their health due to lifestyle choices, but I have learned to look at the social factors and genetic factors that play a crucial role in determining health outcomes.
‘‘
My patients have taught me how to be a better nurse advocate.”
2024 NYSNA LOBBY DAY
John Batson, RN
Western Regional Director John Batson, RN Q: What are your priorities as a Board member? A: I’ve been a nurse for 20 years, to nurse retention are workplace so my guiding question for a new violence and mental health. nurse is: What can I do to make Q: Do you have a message for this a 20-year nurse? I want to NYSNA members? ensure we are taking care of the A: I am honored to get this chance next generation of nurses. to serve our membership and lead NYSNA is already working on our union. I hope members give me RSVP: bit.ly/NYSNALobbyDay2024 this by prioritizing enforceable safe a chance to show that I am comFor more info mitted, contact your rep staffing ratios. Two other priorities loyal and willing to work that are close to my heart and tied hard to improve the lives of nurses.
TUESDAY, MARCH 5 ALL DAY | ALBANY
5
6
building power
New York Nurse fall 2023
NYSNA Legislative and Budget Priorities Improve Nurses’ Working Conditions, Protect Nursing Practice Standards and Provide Equal Care for All New Yorkers
N
urses are the backbone of our healthcare system and play a particularly critical role in our acute care hospitals, primary care networks, nursing homes and other settings. New York will not be able to address the public health threats posed by widespread healthcare inequities without a robust and stable nursing workforce. NYSNA’s priorities for this legislative session are focused on retaining nurses and healthcare professionals, ensuring that our hospitals and nursing homes are safely staffed, protecting nursing practice standards, and promoting universal and equal access to highquality care for all New Yorkers.
1. Safe Staffing Saves Lives The recently enacted hospital staffing law requires hospitals to form staffing committees and implement agreed-upon staffing plans that establish enforceable minimum staffing standards in each hospital. The law also establishes a minimum nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:2 for all intensive care unit/critical care patients but does not require minimum ratios in other key units, resulting in disparities in staffing and quality of care from hospital to hospital. Many employers have abused the committee process or simply refused to comply with their agreed-upon staffing plans. The New York State Department of Health’s (DOH) enforcement and implementation of the law has been problematic and plagued by constant delays. Ensuring safe staffing standards is urgently needed to protect patients and reduce the stresses on the nursing workforce. Accordingly, NYSNA will advocate for the following measures: l Amend the hospital staffing law to establish minimum nurse-topatient ratios and staffing standards for all medical/surgical, psychiatric, maternity, pediatric and emergency department units. l Substantially increase funding for DOH oversight and enforcement of the law, including hiring additional staff.
add to work stresses. l Limit the use of remote and telehealth care by setting parameters and limitations on its frequency and duration. l Reject joining the Interstate Nursing Compact and maintain state control over RN licensure and nursing practice and education standards. l Regulate and limit the use of community paramedicine or other alternative care methods that endanger patients, increase emergency response times or inappropriately replace RNs in patient care.
l Increased penalties for employer violations of the committee process and failure to comply with agreed upon staffing plans.
2. Improve Working Conditions to Stabilize and Grow the Nursing Workforce The nurse staffing crisis is not the result of a lack of nurses. There are more than 390,000 registered nurses (RNs) licensed to work in New York, but less than half are actively employed as RNs. To effectively increase the number of nurses at the bedside, we must encourage and support the nursing education pipeline, make it easier for nursing school students to make the transition to experienced nurses, and encourage nurses to stay in the workforce for the long haul. NYSNA supports the following measures to strengthen the direct care nursing workforce: l Substantially expand state-based nurse loan forgiveness programs to erase the student debt of nurses who commit to work in safety net facilities, health professional shortage areas and critical patient of care areas (such as psychiatric, substance use, maternity, primary care, etc.). l Expand nursing school capacity and student slots by increasing funding for SUNY and CUNY nursing programs. l Address the faculty shortage by allowing experienced nurses without higher degrees to teach and increasing instructor pay and benefits. l Allow retirees in state and local pension systems to become nursing school instructors by removing the caps on post-retirement earnings. l Require hospitals to provide more hands-on clinical training slots for nursing school students. l Provide funding for hospitals to establish effective nurse mentorship and residency programs to reduce new-hire turnover and improve the transition from nurse graduate to experienced nurse. l Address high turnover and staffing shortages in public-sector hospitals, schools and local health departments by enacting the fol-
4. Healthcare for All New Yorkers
NYSNA nurses lobbied in Albany in spring 2023.
lowing improvements to the Tier 6 pension plan for nurses: Create a special 55-25 early retirement option. Lower the normal retirement age to 60. Eliminate or substantially reduce required pension plan contributions.
3. Protect Nursing Practice Standards NYSNA does not oppose new technologies or approaches to delivering care, but those technologies or approaches must be tailored to support the RN workforce — not replace nurses and make their work harder to do. NYSNA opposes changes to current nursing practices that affect quality of care, patient safety and working conditions: l Reject changes to nurse practice standards that undermine patient care and safety by authorizing nonnurses to administer medications, assess patients and administer nursing care that is most appropriate for an RN. l Maintain strict oversight and regulation of artificial intelligence technology to ensure that it supports nurses in their direct, handson care for patients and does not
NYSNA strongly supports equal and universal coverage for all, regardless of race, class, gender, gender identity or expression, ability to pay or any other barrier or impediment. Healthcare is a human right for every New Yorker. NYSNA supports the following priorities to expand health coverage, keep safety net hospitals open, and restrict the power of private corporate interests from closing or reducing vital community services: l Enact the New York Health Act (A7897/S7590) to create a universal single-payer healthcare system that expands services and provides all New Yorkers with equal care. l Enact legislation to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for safety net hospitals that are equivalent to the average commercial insurance reimbursement rates in their region (A6785/S5810). l Reform the Indigent Care Pool and Disproportionate Share Hospital programs to target funding to safety net providers (A7217). l Eliminate the Global Medicaid Cap, maximize federal matching money, and allow Medicaid funding to expand in accordance with changes in community needs and not artificial spending caps. l Pass the LICH Act (A1633/ S2085) to prevent hospital operators from closing entire hospitals or reducing emergency, maternity and other vital services without the input and knowledge of affected communities.
NEW YORK NURSE
7
fall 2023
Nurses Vote, Labor Champions Win
N
YSNA-endorsed candidates won big in this year’s local elections. Our work this election cycle strengthened the labor movement by ensuring candidates who will support workers won at the ballot box. Through our get-out-the-vote work, we knocked on nearly 3,000 doors and made 13,500 phone calls to labor households around the state encouraging union members to vote in local elections. NYSNA members had thousands of conversations with other union members and their families about the importance of voting and supporting proworker candidates. In New York City, NYSNA also partnered with four other
unions — DC37 AFSCME, 32BJ SEIU, Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, and Communications Workers of America (CWA) — to form Labor Strong 2023. Our coalition collectively made 91,000 live phone calls to targeted voters in priority districts in New York City.
What's Next NYSNA-endorsed candidates had a strong showing throughout the state including key races in New York City, Westchester County, the Hudson Valley and Western New York. Your hard work paid off to help elect pro-worker candidates throughout the state, but our work
is not over. The state legislative session begins in January, and we will be calling on our elected champions to support policies that advance healthcare justice (see legislative priorities on page 7). 2024 will also be a major election year, with many statewide and national races and candidates to consider, including the U.S. president and vice president. It’s never too early to get involved in NYSNA’s Political Action Team, which does work year-round to move legislators to action, strategize political campaigns and build political power. Sign up at www.nysna. org/PAT. Let’s continue to organize and build political power for nurses and all working people throughout New York.
Why Is HICPAC About to Put You in Danger? CDC Advisory Group Wants to Roll Back Infection Control Protections
T
he Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not updated its infection control guidance for hospitals since 2007, so it makes sense to study and reassess the guidance after almost four years into the most lethal pandemic in recorded history. The CDC turned to its Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) to come up with new recommendations.
Who Serves on HICPAC? HICPAC is comprised of a small number of infection control program managers who work for large medical corporations and other healthcare employer representatives. It typically operates with no input from stakeholders such as frontline healthcare staff and patient advocacy groups. Unlike other government compliance and guidance groups, HICPAC keeps meetings private and does not allow public input.
HICPAC Ignores Science; Recommends Weaker Infection Controls The CDC did a poor job protecting both healthcare workers and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Weak infection control guidance resulted in enormous numbers of patients becoming infected with COVID-19 while in the hospital. A staggering number of healthcare workers became infected, and thousands died. Scientific knowledge about infectious disease transmission has dramatically improved since the COVID-19 pandemic began. However, HICPAC has ignored new
evidence and continues to rely on outdated theories about airborne disease transmission and infection controls. HICPAC is actually recommending a rollback of protections, including weaker personal protective equipment recommendations; an insufficient focus on improved ventilation; and more complex yet less protective transmission categories. The American Industrial Hygiene Association calls HICPAC’s new recommendations “grossly deficient.”
Unions and Patient Groups Fight Back Unions that represent healthcare workers, including National Nurses United and NYSNA, as well as patient advocacy groups, occupational health and safety professionals, and a range of scientists have been fighting to open up the HICPAC process. Thousands have signed letters, made phone calls, sent emails and published opinion editorials protesting HICPAC’s hidden process. This pressure has resulted in HICPAC opening up its meetings and grudgingly allowing some public input. Now the pressure will focus on getting the CDC to reject HICPAC’s weak, nonevidence-based recommendations. The CDC must listen to those who have put their lives on the line caring for patients and the scientists who have supported them for the past four years. NYSNA will continue to update members on infection control guidance and will keep fighting for safe workplaces for our members and safe care for our patients.
(above left) NYSNA staff and members teamed up with CWA to knock on doors in Dutchess County. (above right) NYSNA, CWA and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) got out the vote for Justin Brannan and Susan Zhuang in Brooklyn.
8
New York Nurse fall 2023
Leading From the Frontlines NYSNA Nurses Celebrated an Incredible Year At 2023 Convention!
‘‘
Your victory impacted not only your members and those hospitals, but it raised the bar for nurses, healthcare workers across the city,the state of New York and the entire country.” Cathy Kennedy, RN
NYSNA Board poses with keynote speakers Dr. Dave Chokshi and Cathy Kennedy, RN, and NYC Central Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Janella T. Hinds and Chief of Staff Brendan Griffith.
N
urses and healthcare workers from throughout the state came together on Oct. 23-24 in New York City for two days of education, solidarity, advocacy and fun to celebrate an incredible year that matched this year’s Convention theme of “Leading from the Frontlines: Advocating for our patients and our profession.” This has been the most successful year in the union’s history, a fact that was reflected in the Convention’s energy. Throughout 2023, NYSNA nurses and healthcare professionals have shown their leadership and power and worked together as one union, leading to groundbreaking contract victories. From the historic privatesector strike in January at Mount Sinai and Montefiore to multiple contract victories in Long Island, the North Country and Western New York to the historic pay parity victory in New York City’s public health system, NYSNA nurses and healthcare workers set a new standard for safe staffing and healthcare worker wages and
benefits, inspiring healthcare workers around the country to fight for their rights and their patients.
Leading Together NYSNA President Nancy Hagans, RN, BSN, CCRN, kicked off the Convention with a powerful speech reminding members of the goals she laid out to bridge any distinctions between private- and public-sector or downstate and upstate members to lead one fighting union. She also acknowledged the powerful role the affiliation
with National Nurses United has played in growing NYSNA’s power, influence and role in the national labor movement. Day 1 of the Convention offered compelling education workshops where members learned strategies to advocate for safe staffing, mental health and addiction issues and resources, how to reduce and speak out against workplace violence, how to reduce and prevent burnout in the workplace, strategies to build union power and more. In a standout Convention
Members participated in hands-on continuing education workshops.
convention 2023
NEW YORK NURSE fall 2023
workshop, nurses had the opportunity to practice their physical assessment skills on state-of-the-art mannequins. First-time Convention-goer Sandhya Bhagirathee, RN, said, “I’m a Med-Surg nurse from North Central Bronx Hospital. This is my first convention. I loved all the workshops; the Forces of Magnetism was my favorite. It was amazing — a great experience. I can’t wait for the next Convention.”
One Powerful Union NYSNA’s powerful year was reflected in the three incredible keynote speakers at this year’s Convention: New York State Attorney General Letitia James; California Nurses Association/ National Nurses Organizing Committee President Cathy Kennedy, RN; and former New York City Health Commission Dr. Dave Chokshi. James brought members to their feet as she spoke about how she would always hold those in power accountable and stand beside NYSNA members. Kennedy spoke about the impact NYSNA’s powerful campaign victories have had on nurses and healthcare workers throughout the country who were emboldened to fight for strong contracts due to NYSNA’s example. She said, “You all set new standards for staffing, wages, and benefits for your nurses at those hospitals, so let me be very clear:
NYSNA President Nancy Hagans, RN, BSN, CCRN, and Attorney General Letitia James share a hug on stage.
Your victory impacted not only your members and those hospitals, but it raised the bar for nurses, healthcare workers across the city, the state of New York and the entire country.” Chokshi reminded attendees of the cracks in the healthcare system that the pandemic laid bare and of the importance of fighting for healthcare for all to achieve healthcare justice.
Democracy and Solidarity In addition to the impactful keynote speeches, Day 2 was filled with healthy debate and union democracy as NYSNA delegates discussed and voted on resolutions that will define the union’s direction and priorities for years to come. Review detailed voting
Convention worships engaged and educated NYSNA members.
results and approved resolution language on the NYSNA website. Other Convention highlights included honoring New York Relief Network medical mission volunteers in recognition of their commitment to serving some of the most vulnerable communities around the world. NYSNA also gave a warm welcome and message of solidarity to striking nurses from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, N.J. United Steelworkers Local 4-200 President Judy Danella, RN, and nurse leader Carol Tanzi, RN, spoke of the challenge of being on strike for more than 80 days (at the time of the Convention) as well as the strength they gained from NYSNA’s picket line support, by collaborating with NYSNA in the historic safe staffing hearing with Sen. Bernie Sanders, and by joining NYSNA nurses at the Convention. During a year of historic labor mobilizations that saw writers, actors, autoworkers and healthcare workers go on strike to demand respect, NYSNA led the way with historic victories that have inspired this major resurgence in the U.S. labor movement. NYSNA nurses and healthcare workers showed that we are leading from the front lines — and winning. Missed the Convention? Check out the video and photo highlights on NYSNA’s social media and on our website. And save the date for next year’s Convention: Oct. 29-30, 2024, in Saratoga, Springs, N.Y.!
NYSNA Eastern Regional Director Bill Fletcher, BSN, RN, CCRN, moves a resolution on Day 2.
9
10
New York Nurse fall 2023
Nurse Practitioner Heroes in Healthcare By Kristle Simms-Murphy, FNP, RN Secretary, NYSNA’s NYC Health+Hospitals/Mayorals Executive Council
E x NPs H+H/Jacobi and Nor th Central Bron celebrate NP Week.
very day, nurse practitioners (NPs) are saving lives and improving the health of our friends and family. Every day, NPs deliver high-quality care to their patients, improving the access, delivery, outcomes and efficiency of our nation’s healthcare system. This year, the NP role was named as the No. 1 job that helps people, according to U.S News & World Report. Currently, more than 355,000 NPs are caring for over 1 billion people in the U.S. alone.
NPs Are Essential
NPs at Health+ Hospitals/South Brooklyn celebrate NP Week.
NPs have been at the forefront in providing care in the most rural areas. NPs are leading the way in providing high-quality, cost-effective care and helping to solve our nation’s pressing access to healthcare challenges. Each year, patients turn to NPs for primary, acute, specialty and long-term care across every healthcare setting. As clinicians who blend clinical expertise with an added emphasis on disease prevention and health management, NPs bring a comprehensive perspective to healthcare.
To honor the healthcare heroes working in communities throughout the U.S., and particularly in New York, NYNSA recognized NPs’ critical role as part of the annual National Nurse Practitioner Week celebration, held Nov. 12-18, 2023. This year’s theme was Recognizing Heroes in Healthcare. NP Week recognizes the positive impact NPs make in patients’ lives and the vital role NPs play in the nation’s health. That impact should be recognized and supported yearround. NPs have a foundation of caring for patients with compassion and empathy, making our role essential in the fight for access to quality care and health equity across the U.S.
NPs Can Advocate to End Health Disparities Despite NPs’ and nurses’ hard work and dedication, our current healthcare delivery system faces a crisis of lack of access, high costs, healthcare disparities, and poor and unequal health outcomes. Lack of fair and adequate funding has driven healthcare disparities and the closure of rural and safety net hospitals. Maternal, psychiatric, pediatric, primary care and emergency rooms have felt the burden of closures and service cuts because of poor reimbursement and fiscal challenges.
NPs and nurses should consider researching and lobbying for universal single-payer healthcare, which would address the problems of our current healthcare system. Single-payer healthcare can help to decrease financial barriers in healthcare by eliminating copays and deductibles. It can facilitate faster access to testing and fewer insurance authorization delays. Losing a job would not mean losing your healthcare benefits. Retirees would have coverage without worries, thus increasing pension funds and overall take-home wages for all. A single-payer system would give patients free choice of providers and specialists. Most importantly, it would guarantee healthcare coverage for all New York residents — no matter their ability to pay. There would be fair and progressive public financing to care for all individuals and equitable care across all healthcare delivery systems. Our voices can make a difference in advocating to end health disparities and create a fair, universal healthcare system that cares for all. On the state level, we can advocate for the NY Health Act. Nationally, we can help pass Medicare for All legislation. Advocating to improve our healthcare system now can secure a healthier, more equitable future for ourselves, our families and the generations to come.
Montefiore Nurses Save the Nurse-Family Partnership
N Nurse-Family Partnership nurses Rosario Paredes, RN, CLC; Patricia Valenzuela, RN, CLC; and Tamara Garel, RN, CLC, during the January 2023 Montefiore strike.
YSNA members won a victory on Nov. 30 when Montefiore announced the continuation of the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP), a life-saving program that serves vulnerable parents and babies in the Bronx. After Montefiore nurses secured a commitment from management to continue the program through their 2023 contract victory, management once again threatened to close the program in 2024 despite receiving grant money and despite the proven positive health outcomes that the NFP provides to hundreds of Bronx families each year. NFP nurse Tamara Garel, RN, CLC, explained: “I’m an immigrant from Jamaica, and the popula-
tion at Montefiore at Einstein and Wakefield has a huge West Indian population, so I see my patients as myself. When I was a labor and delivery nurse, I would see my patients on delivery day and release them, sometimes the next day. But with NFP, I get to see them through the healing process and through becoming a parent, partner them with social workers and even become a mentor for many.”
Protecting Our Community Nurses began to organize and gather community and political support to demand Montefiore keep the program open. Nurses launched a letter-writing campaign that collected over 500 signatures, shared their stories on social media,
and organized a march on the boss. On Nov. 29, nurses delivered the letters directly to Montefiore CEO Dr. Philip Ozuah’s office demanding Montefiore honor its commitment to continue funding the NFP. The announcement about the program’s continuation came the very next day! Saving the NFP is a victory for mothers and babies in the Bronx, a community with some of the highest rates of maternal and infant mortality in New York and the nation. It is also a victory for nurses and their fight for health equity. By fighting back and saving this small but vital program, nurses held their hospital accountable to deliver the healthcare services their community needs most.
around our union
NEW YORK NURSE
11
fall 2023
One Monte Nurses Unite and Win!
F
or the first time, NYSNA nurses from Montefiore Lower Hudson Valley Hospitals Mount Vernon, New Rochelle and Nyack came together around a common contract expiration date and contract campaign. They held speakouts at Mount Vernon Hospital on Nov. 14 and Nyack Hospital on Dec. 31 calling for fair contracts. One Monte nurses demonstrated they were ready to do whatever it
takes when they voted to authorize a strike. The following week, the hospitals settled, with Nyack finally reaching a tentative agreement after a marathon 24-hour bargaining session on the eve of their contract expiration. Nurses at all facilities improved safe staffing and enforcement, and Nyack nurses won safe staffing ratios in their contract for the first time. All nurses won historic
wage increases that bring them in line with pay standards of local hospitals and Montefiore Bronx facilities. Mount Vernon and New Rochelle nurses improved healthcare benefits and upheld the NYSNA pension at no added cost, while Nyack nurses won entry into the NYSNA pension for the first time. Congrats to One Monte nurses for capping off 2023 with this amazing victory!
Enforcing Our Contracts
N
Nurses at A.O. Fox Speak Out for a Fair Contract
O
n Dec. 12, A.O. Fox Hospital nurses held a speak-out to sound the alarm on an unprecedented 50% nurse vacancy rate and demand management hire and retain local nurses. The hospital is facing severe understaffing and has been spending millions on agency nurses. The hospital faces more departures each
day as it struggles to retain nurses due to poor working conditions. Nurses are demanding a comprehensive plan to recruit and retain nurses. They were emboldened by the community and labor support at their speak-out and the heavy media coverage of their campaign, including on the front page of the local Oneonta Daily Star newspaper.
Ellis Medicine Nurses Turn Up the Heat for a Fair Contract
N
YSNA nurses from Ellis Hospital and Bellevue Woman’s Center in Schenectady have been fighting for a fair contract with safe staffing. Nurses have launched a community petition, lawn signs and billboards throughout the capital region to send a message to Ellis Medicine leadership. They are calling on leadership to listen to nurses and deliver
a fair contract. On Dec. 17, the Sunday Albany Times Union featured their struggle for safe staffing. On Dec. 20, nurses held a candlelight vigil and speak-out along with the community and labor allies. Their action got wide press coverage, including a supportive column in the Daily Gazette. Ellis Medicine nurses are keeping the momentum for a fair contract!
eonatal intensive care unit Mount Sinai nurses made history in May by becoming the first nurses in the nation to win financial remedies for chronic understaffing. Mount Sinai Morningside emergency department nurses, Mount Sinai Hospital cardiac surgery and cardiovascular intensive care unit, and med-surg and step-down nurses soon followed. Montefiore nurses won their first staffing arbitration victory in November at the busy 8 North telemetry unit at Montefiore Weiler. The arbitrator ordered a monetary remedy for 27 different shifts during a two-month period and directed Montefiore to cease and desist from violating the contract and to continue its efforts to hire and retain nurses. The financial remedies are a new contract enforcement tool that nurses are using to hold hospitals accountable, disincentivize the hospital from understaffing units, and build pressure to recruit and retain enough nurses for safe patient care.
Mount Sinai South Nassau Nurses Begin Bargaining
O
n Oct. 6, the bargaining committee at Mount Sinai South Nassau started contract negotiations. Although management set a troublesome tone by restricting members’ participation in negotiations and moving negotiations miles away from the hospital, nurses were not deterred! The past few months have been a testament to the unity and resilience of South Nassau nurses who have overcome several obstacles to begin negotiations. Management tried to stall bargaining by filing legal appeals, but the National Labor Relations Board gave the final ruling to certify NYSNA as the Mount Sinai South Nassau nurses’ union. Nurses will continue to build solidarity and are moving full steam ahead on bargaining a fair contract!
12
around our union
New York Nurse fall 2023
Albany Medical Center Nurses Fight Contract Violation and Win
MVHS Wynn Hospital Nurses Speak Out Against Cuts
N
YSNA nurses at Albany Medical Center (AMC) won a grievance over the process for how NYSNA members select their vacation time. AMC’s chief nursing officer released a memo to staff outlining a process of vacation selection during “prime time” periods, in violation of the contract. In response, NYSNA filed a grievance, and NYSNA members and AMC management reached a settlement in a victory for nurses! The late Patricia Pinho, RN, initially spotted the issue and filed the grievance, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of fighting for nurses until the very end.
M NYSNA & 1199SEIU Say Build Brooks Now!
B
rooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk is an outdated hospital and the only healthcare facility available to the Northern Chautauqua County community. Plans to build a new modern hospital in neighboring Fredonia have been delayed for almost seven years. NYSNA and 1199SEIU members have been pushing the New York State Department of Health to release the grant money
that Brooks was awarded to build a new hospital in the area. Healthcare workers launched a petition, organized a speak-out, spoke to news reporters, and did more to raise awareness about the issue. NYSNA and 1199SEIU are keeping up the momentum and won’t stop until New York state follows through on its commitment to fund a new Brooks Hospital!
ohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) Wynn Hospital nurses have been fighting for a fair agreement to help safely staff the new hospital in downtown Utica. Nurses held speak-outs ahead of the Oct. 29 opening date at Wynn Hospital to demand a fair agreement. Nurses also highlighted the lack of respect in the current proposal, which seeks cuts to nurse pay and benefits, increase healthcare premiums and reduce the employer’s retirement contributions — all in the middle of a staffing crisis. The Mohawk Valley region deserves quality care with enough nurses, and the united Utica nurses won’t stop until they win a fair agreement!
The Black Angels: A Must Read for All Nurses By Tracey Kavanagh
Book and Exhibit You can purchase the “The Black Angels: The Untold Story of the Nurses Who Helped Cure Tuberculosis” at https://www. statenislandmuseum.org/shop/. Learn more about the upcoming Black Angels exhibit at the Staten Island Museum, and stay tuned for more information about the special events that NYSNA is planning! https:// www.statenislandmuseum.org/ exhibitions/takingcare/
I
n 1929, New York City was battling an incredibly deadly disease. Before antibiotics, tuberculosis was ravaging the city, killing 1 in 7 people. White nurses were fleeing patients’ bedsides at the city’s largest municipal hospital, Sea View, on Staten Island. The city averted a public health crisis thanks to the bravery of the “Black Angels,” Black nurses who came to the city from the South, risking their lives to care for the city’s poorest. Yet, their story has largely gone untold — until now. In the book, “The Black Angels: The Untold Story of the Nurses Who Helped Cure Tuberculosis,” Maria Smilios recovers the voices of these incredible women and puts them at the center of this New York City history.
NYSNA nurses celebrate “The Black Angels” book launch with the last surviving Black Angel, Virginia Allen, RN.
Tuberculosis was rampant in the city from the early to mid 1900s. Sea View Hospital was built as a tuberculosis hospital and opened in 1913. But by 1929, the white nurses were leaving Sea View, no longer willing to care for these poor and dying patients. City officials recruited Black nurses from the Jim Crow South, offering a salary, housing, free schooling and on-the-job training. Despite the promise of a better life, these nurses quickly realized upon arrival the poor working conditions they’d have to endure. They persevered despite the prevalent racism, segregation of city hospitals and understaffing at the facility.
their story in her book. The author’s gift with words will immediately transport you back to Staten Island in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s with the Black Angels and their work at Sea View Hospital.
The Story Continues
I first learned about these brave Black nurses during fall 2018 at an event held at the Staten Island Museum. Smilios was at the event, and I heard she was writing a book about these nurses. That book came out in September 2023. The book launch at the College of Staten Island this past September is an event that will stay with me for a very long time. It was incredibly touching Living History to hear from Allen, Smilios and so At Sea View, Dr. Edward many of the nurses’ family members. Robitzek led the clinical trial for The children, grandchildren, nieces Isoniazid, the antibiotic used to and nephews proudly spoke about the treat and prevent tuberculosis. work and lives of their Black Angels The Black Angels administered the family members. It was a beautiful drug, monitored patients and kept prelude to Smilios’ book. This is nursing history, New York detailed records — all which were instrumental in developing this life- City history and American history that is relatively unknown. It’s a saving medication. must read for all nurses and a story Despite this incredible history, that we must share with others. The there is little record of these nurses. Staten Island resident Virginia Allen, story continues at the Staten Island RN, is the last surviving Black Angel Museum with the opening of an exhibit in January 2024, “Taking and provided the oral history and connections to the families of Black Care: The ‘Black Angels’ of Sea View Hospital.” Angels so that Smilios could tell
NEW YORK NURSE fall 2023
Notice of Nominations for 2024 NYSNA is accepting nominations for the following NYSNA offices and positions: l President l First Vice President l Second Vice President l Secretary l Treasurer l Ten (10) Directors at large l Eastern Regional Director l Central Regional Director l Western Regional Director l Southern Regional Director l Southeastern Regional Director l Lower Hudson and New Jersey Regional Director l Six (6) members of the Nominating Committee (one for each region) l Three (3) members of the Election Committee Nomination forms, consent to serve forms, candidate statement forms and candidate photographs must be submitted no later than March 15, 2024.
Terms of Office All elected officers and directors will serve three-year terms. The terms of office for the positions listed above will commence at the conclusion of the ballot count.
Nominations Nominations may be submitted in writing by mail, email or fax to the Nominating Committee at the following address: Nominating Committee New York State Nurses Association
c/o Jessica Oliva 131 West 33rd St, 4th Floor New York, NY 10001 nominations@nysna.org Fax: 888-395-7259 Nominations, consent to serve and candidate statement forms will be available on the NYSNA website at www.nysna. org/election and from the Nominating Committee at the above address. No member may accept a nomination for or serve in more than one office or position.
Committee or Election Committee. While all members meeting these criteria may run for association wide office, only members assigned to a designated region may run for that regional director position. The election regions and election policy will be available at www.nysna.org/election. Description of the roles and functions of NYSNA’s Board of Directors are in NYSNA’s bylaws and available in the Documents and Forms section of NYSNA’s Member’s Only website at https://www.nysna.org/user/login.
Eligibility to Nominate A member may self-nominate or nominate a candidate for office only if they are not: (1) in arrears in the payment of dues, fees or financial obligations to NYSNA; (2) a supervisor or manager within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act, within the 24 months preceding the nomination; (3) a member of the NYSNA staff; or (4) serving on the Nominating Committee or Election Committee.
Eligibility to Run for Office A member is eligible to run for office only if they are not: (1) in arrears in the payment of dues, fees or financial obligations to NYSNA; (2) a supervisor or manager within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act, within the 24 months preceding the nomination; (3) a member of the NYSNA staff; or (4) serving on the Nominating
NYSNA 2024 Board of Directors Election — Key Dates Nominations notice mailed – before Thursday, Feb. 1. Nominations, candidate statements, and candidate photographs due – Friday, March 15 by 11:59 p.m. Slate declaration forms due – Friday, March 29 by 11:59 p.m. Candidate statements in NY Nurse – Winter 2024 Issue. Ballots mailed – Friday, May 31. First date to request replacement ballot – Friday, June 7 starting at 9:00 a.m. Members can request a replacement ballot by calling 1-877-455-9367. Last date to request replacement ballot – Thursday, June 20 by 5:00 p.m. Ballots counted – Friday, June 28.
NYSNA and NNU Elections Explained 2024 is a big election year for NYSNA members. NYSNA is a member-led union, and our members get to decide who represents them in their local bargaining units; as delegates at NYSNA’s annual Convention; in NYSNA leadership; and in the leadership of our national affiliate, National Nurses United (NNU). For the first time, NYSNA members will be voting by mail in two separate elections, with ballots mailed directly to members’ homes. Members who are up-to-date on their dues and other NYSNA financial obligations are eligible to vote. Below is an outline of offices and deadlines for 2024 NNU and NYSNA elections.
National Nurses United NNU runs elections for Council of Presidents, secretary-treasurer, vice presidents and NYSNA delegates to the NNU Convention. The NNU presidents and secretary-treasurer are elected by the entire NNU membership, and NNU vice presidents and delegates to the NNU Convention are elected by each
affiliate. Based on NYSNA’s membership numbers, NYSNA members will vote for four NNU vice presidents to represent them on the national level. January – Notice of election, consent to serve, and nomination process goes out in the NNU Magazine on Jan. 12. February – The deadline for returning forms is Feb. 22. April – Ballots are mailed out to members’ homes on April 5. May – Ballots must be returned and received by May 18. Election results are announced in the NNU Magazine on or about May 31.
NYSNA Leadership NYSNA board members serve three-year terms to represent NYSNA members on the state level, and elections will be held in June 2024. Here are the upcoming election deadlines: January – Receive notice of nomination and consent to serve forms (see below).
March – Candidate Statement forms must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 15. Slate forms are due March 29. April – Candidate statements will be printed in the NY Nurse. May – Ballots will be mailed to members’ homes on Friday, May 31. June – Replacement ballots must be requested between June 7-20. Ballots must be received before 7 a.m. on Friday, June 28. Ballots will be counted that day, with the election results announced via eblast and the website and printed in the NY Nurse.
NYSNA Convention Delegate Elections NYSNA has separate elections for members to represent them at the local level. Elections for NYSNA Convention delegates are run within the local bargaining unit — not through mail-in ballots — and will begin in late spring. Stay tuned for more details and dates for these upcoming union elections.
13
14
union benefits
New York Nurse fall 2023
Self-Care During the Holidays Nurturing Our Healthcare Heroes
Free Benefits for NYSNA Members: SPAN Program and UAP Program Statewide Peer Assistance for Nurses (SPAN) is a confidential education, support and advocacy program for all nurses licensed in New York state, anywhere on the continuum from substance use to substance dependence. Learn more at www.statewidepeerassistance.org or by calling our hotline at 1-800-724-6976.
The Union Assistance Program (UAP) is a confidential self-help program, independent from NYSNA, that is available to NYSNA members and their families as a membership benefit. When an employee or family member (18 or older) faces a significant personal problem, they can call UAP’s experienced counselors at 800252-4555 for assistance at any time. Learn about the benefits and resources offered through the UAP at www.unionUAP.com.
T
he holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but for nurses and other healthcare professionals, it can also be a demanding and stressful period. As caregivers, we dedicate ourselves to caring for others, often neglecting our own well-being. However, prioritizing self-care during this hectic time is essential for ensuring our physical, mental and emotional health. By taking care of ourselves, we enhance our well-being and become better equipped to provide compassionate care to our patients. Here are some valuable self-care strategies to help you thrive during the holiday season.
time for rest and rejuvenation. Communicate your availability to loved ones, and don’t hesitate to say no when necessary. Protecting your time and energy is crucial for maintaining balance and preventing burnout.
Set Realistic Expectations:
Adequate rest is vital for your physical and mental health. Even during busy times, strive for quality sleep by establishing a consistent sleep routine. Create a soothing sleep environment, limit exposure to electronic devices before bed, and consider relaxation techniques such as gentle stretching or reading a book to promote relaxation.
It’s important to acknowledge that you cannot do it all. Avoid the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations or create the “perfect” holiday experience. Instead, focus on what truly matters to you and your loved ones. Embrace imperfections, and give yourself permission to prioritize self-care without guilt.
Establish Boundaries: Working in healthcare often means irregular schedules and long hours. Set clear boundaries between work and personal life to ensure
Practice Mindfulness: Amidst the chaos, practicing mindfulness can help bring calm and clarity. Take a few moments each day to engage in mindful activities such as deep breathing, meditation or simply observing the present moment. Mindfulness cultivates self-awareness, reduces stress and enhances overall well-being.
Prioritize Sleep and Rest:
Engage in Activities That Bring Joy: Take time to engage in activities that bring you joy and recharge your spirit. This could include pur-
suing hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in self-care practices such as reading a book or enjoying nature. Allow yourself guilt-free moments of pleasure and rejuvenation.
Connect With Supportive Networks: Lean on your fellow healthcare professionals for support and understanding. Engage in conversations with colleagues who can relate to your experiences and offer guidance. Seek professional support, such as counseling or therapy, to process any emotions or stress that may arise during the holiday season. As a nurse, your well-being is paramount, especially during the holiday season. You can navigate this busy period with resilience and grace by prioritizing selfcare, setting realistic expectations and establishing boundaries. Remember, you become better equipped to care for others by caring for yourself. We are wishing you a healthy and fulfilling holiday season. Dr. Hermanuella Hyppolite, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CARN Director of NYSNA’s Statewide Peer Assistance for Nurses
NEW YORK NURSE fall 2023
Agency Fee Objection Policy NYSNA’s agency fee objection policy, which will be published annually in the New York Nurse, works as follows: To become an objector, a non-member who is represented by NYSNA shall notify NYSNA. Such objection must be in writing, signed by the non-member and mailed to the NYSNA Membership Department at 131 West 33rd Street, New York, NY 10001. The objection must be postmarked within 30 days of resignation of membership, or, if the non-member did not resign within the prior twelve months, in the month of February. A non-m ember employee who initially becomes a bargaining unit member after February in a particular year and who desires to be an objector must submit written signed notification to the NYSNA Membership Department within thirty (30) days after the employee has become subject to union security obligations and been provided with notice of these procedures. Public sector employees may revoke their dues deduction authorization and resign membership in accordance with applicable law and the terms of any signed dues deduction authorization card. Agency fees payable by non-member objectors will be based on NYSNA’s expenditures for those activities undertaken by NYSNA to advance the employment-related interests of the employees the Union represents. These “chargeable” expenditures include: preparation for and negotiation of collective bargaining agreements; contract administration including investigating and processing grievances; organizing within the same competitive market as bargaining unit members; meetings, including meetings of governing bodies, conferences, administrative, arbitral and court proceedings, and pertinent investigation and research in connection with work-related subjects and issues; handling work-related problems of employees; communications with community organizations, civic groups, government agencies, and the media regarding NYSNA’s position on workrelated matters; maintaining membership; employee group programs; providing legal, economic, and technical expertise on behalf of employees in all work-related matters; education and training of members, officers, and staff to better perform chargeable activities or otherwise related to chargeable activities; and overhead and administration related to or reflective of chargeable activities. Non-chargeable expenses are those of a political nature. The term “political” is defined as support for or against a candidate for political office of any level of government as well as support for or against certain positions that NYSNA may take, which are not work-related. The following are examples of expenditures classified as arguably non-chargeable: lobbying, electoral or political activities outside of areas related to collective bargaining; litigation expenses to the extent related to non-chargeable activities; and member-only activities. NYSNA shall retain an independent auditor who shall submit an annual report verifying the break- down of chargeable and arguably non-chargeable expenditures and calculating the percentage of arguably non-chargeable to chargeable expenditures (the “fair share percentage”). The auditor’s report shall be completed promptly after the conclusion of the fiscal year. The report
shall be provided to any non-member who submits an objection. Non-members and new employees will be given the foregoing explanation of the basis of the reduced agency fees charged to them. That explanation will include a list of the major categories of expenditures deemed to be “chargeable” and those deemed to be arguably “non-chargeable.” The fees paid by non-member objectors shall be handled as follows. Newly-Hired Non-Members. NYSNA will place or maintain in an interest-bearing escrow an amount at least equal to the agency shop fees remitted by newly-hired nonmember(s) (or by an employer on behalf of newly-hired non-member employee(s)). A newly hired non-m ember employee will be mailed a copy of this Policy. The nonmember will have the later of the date he/she is subject to the obligations of the union security clause or thirty (30) days from the date of mailing to remain a nonmember, object or to join NYSNA. If the non-member employee joins NYSNA, then the full agency shop fee remitted on his/ her behalf is credited from the escrow account to the Association’s general treasury. If the newly-hired employee does not join NYSNA and does not file an objection within the thirty-day objection period, then the escrowed amount will be credited to NYSNA’s general treasury. If the newly-hired non-member timely objects, an amount at least equal to the fair share percentage shall continue to be escrowed pending resolution of a challenge (if any) by the objector. Once the challenge is resolved, the amount of the non-chargeable balance plus interest will be returned to the nonmember from the escrow. Resignation. In the case of an employee who resigns NYSNA membership (or who continues in non-member status) and who timely objects, NYSNA will place or maintain in an interest-bearing escrow account an amount at least equal to the fair share percentage of the agency fees received from the nonmember or employer on behalf of the nonmember and the non-member is permitted to challenge the fair share fee percentage during the thirty (30) day period noted in the annual publication of the Association’s objection procedure. If the non-member files a timely challenge, amounts at least
equal to agency fees collected from the non-member employee or employer will continue to be placed or maintained in the escrow account pending resolution of any challenge. If the non-member does not file a challenge within the challenge period, then the fair share fee amount will be credited to NYSNA’s general treasury and the balance (if any) paid to the non-member from the escrow plus interest. A non-member objector may file a written challenge to the calculation of the fair share fee and percentage, challenging any of the items of the expenditures as chargeable. Such a challenge must be submitted within thirty (30) days of the date the non-member objector is provided an explanation of the basis of the reduced agency fees and initiation fees charge to them. Such a challenge must be in writing, signed by the non-member and sent to the NYSNA Membership Department at 131 West 33rd Street, New York, NY 10001. If NYSNA does not agree with the challenge either as to the expenditures or as to the percentage of amount of dues to be paid, it will notify the timely objecting nonmember in writing that he/she has thirty (30) days thereafter to request arbitration; and if he/she fails to do so within that time, then such non-member waives the right to arbitration. A request for arbitration must be in writing, signed by the person filing the request, and sent to the NYSNA Executive Director, 131 West 33rd Street, New York, NY 10001. If more than one challenging non-member objector timely requests arbitration, NYSNA will consolidate all such challenges into one annual arbitration proceeding. NYSNA will provide an impartial arbitration proceeding through the American Arbitration Association and will pay the administrative costs and the arbitrator’s fees. The challenger will be responsible for any fees associated with his or her representation at the hearing. NYSNA will administer this policy in a manner that is consistent with the objectives of the policy and the applicable federal and state law to provide a fair and equitable procedure regarding non-member employees. NYSNA reserves the right to change the policy set forth above.
Beck Notification If you are represented for collective bargaining by NYSNA, you have the right to be or stay a non-member and pay an agency fee equivalent to dues. If you choose to be a non-member, you are entitled to object to paying for activities unrelated to the association’s duties as a bargaining agent and to obtain a reduction in fees for such activities. If you submit a timely objection, the agency fee that you will be required to pay will include costs incurred by the union for expenditures related to collective bargaining, contract administration, grievances and arbitration, and other matters affecting wages, hours, and other conditions of employment. In 2023, the most recent calendar year for which a calculation was done, the agency fee charged to timely non-member objectors
represented 82.95% of the dues amount for that year. If you choose to be a non-member, please be aware that you will deny yourself the opportunity to exercise the full rights and benefits of union membership. Full membership rights include, among other things, the rights to: (1) vote on acceptance or rejection of proposed contracts covering your wages and working conditions, thereby ensuring your input on issues central to your working life; (2) participate in development of contract proposals; and (3) vote for your union officers. A copy of NYSNA’s agency fee objection policy is published annually in the New York Nurse. You can also request a copy from NYSNA’s Membership Department.
15
NEW YORK NURSE
Non-Profit US Postage Paid NYSNA
fall 2023
131 West 33rd Street, 4th Floor New York, NY 10001
INSIDE
Happy New Year!
Fighting for Safe Staffing, p. 4
Mount Vernon Hospital
Around Our Union, pp. 11-12
May the coming year bring more staffing, solidarity, and victories for nurses and our patients.