New York
nurse Western NY Edition | november/december 2017
Derek Gee/The Buffalo News
the official publication of the new york state nurses association
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown celebrates reelection.
Election wins! Con Con defeated and allies victorious, p.11
Women and electoral politics, pp. 7-10
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New York Nurse november/december 2017
Giving is living
T By Judy SheridanGonzalez, RN, NYSNA President
Nysna is preparing a mission to the Virgin Islands to address the destruction and meet medical need on these islands.
Advocating for patients. Advancing the profession.SM Board of Directors President Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez, RN, MSN, FNP First Vice President Marva Wade, RN Second Vice President Anthony Ciampa, RN Secretary Anne Bové, RN, MSN, BC, CCRN, ANP Treasurer Patricia Kane, RN Directors at Large Kevin Donovan, RN Jacqueline B. Gilbert, RN Nancy Hagans, RN Tracey Kavanagh, RN, BSN Lilia V. Marquez, RN Sean Petty, RN, CPEN Nella Pineda-Marcon, RN, BC Karine M. Raymond, RN, MSN Verginia Stewart, RN Mary Ellen Warden, RN Regional Directors Southeastern Yasmine Beausejour, RN Southern Seth B. Dressekie, RN, MSN, NP Central Ethel Mathis, RN Lower Hudson/NJ Jayne Cammisa, RN, BSN Western Sarah Annabelle Chmura, RN Eastern Martha Wilcox, RN Executive Editor Jill Furillo, RN, BSN, PHN Executive Director Editorial offices located at: 131 W 33rd St., New York, NY 10001 Phone: 212-785-0157 x 159 Email: communications@nysna.org Website: www.nysna.org Subscription rate: $33 per year ISSN (Print) 1934-7588/ISSN (Online) 1934-7596 ©2017, All rights reserved
he Winter Holiday Season in New York is intense for everyone. For nurses and other round-theclock workers, we face additional stresses: we often work on these special days. In addition, staffing is at bare bones, and patients tend to be sicker and more depressed. And yet…there’s a special bond that exists between caregiver and patient — and among colleagues — when we work the holiday. It’s hard to explain. Perhaps it’s our capacity to share with others; or the way we connect to people, even when they are complete strangers. So let’s stop for a moment and reflect upon the victims of hurricanes, earthquakes, flooding and fires that we’ve seen recently — people in the South and the Caribbean who have lost lives and homes. Even three months later, in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, many are homeless, lack medical care and supplies, have no electricity, no internet or cell reception, lack adequate food, potable water, and are newly unemployed. Not a holiday for these folks.
Nurses intervene
But just like so many of us did after Hurricane Irene upstate and Hurricane Sandy downstate, our nurses rose to the occasion and offered to help those in need. Back in 2012, as our newly elected board was transitioning into the organization, we recognized the need to coordinate aid in areas hard hit by Superstorm Sandy. Volunteers saved lives in those early days and NYSNA nurses put in countless hours caring for vulnerable communities devastated by the effects of the storm. We helped launch the “Build Back Better” coalition to pressure the Bloomberg administration in NYC to provide for those who were suffering. Groups of our nurses recently volunteered in the Philippines and Guatemala, and several were deployed to Texas and Florida after “the storm of the century” created untold havoc there. Then, even as recovery was barely implemented in these regions, unprecedented
Category IV and V storms racked the Caribbean. NYSNA members seized the moment, gathering supplies and medicines. Several were deployed to affected areas with hospitals and with Federal and State agencies. Climate change: we are at the eleventh hour…
Scientists have warned us that until we alter our behavior regarding the use of fossil fuels, our planet will continue to heat up and these extreme weather events — monster hurricanes, earthquakes, droughts, floods and wildfires — such as the deadly one that destroyed people, homes and forests only last month in California — will only get worse. NYSNA members are in the forefront of the Climate Movement, making connections between these disasters and climate change. The New York recovery network!
Recognizing this reality — and aware that many of our members feel compelled to help those in need — NYSNA initiated the establishment of an organization that recruits volunteers and coordinates disaster aid. We’ve created a structure called the New York Recovery Network (NYRN), an organization that is actually independent of NYSNA, so that we can recruit all volunteers willing to provide medical and emotional support to victims of extreme weather events and others in desperate need of our services.
Puerto Rico NYSNA Volunteer RN Hector Rivera examines a patient.
Supplies and medicines ready for transport to Puerto Rico
When NYSNA put out the call for folks to go on medical missions, we were flooded with responses. We currently have a list of over 400 volunteers (!) — and this number is rising. It is awe-inspiring to see how many of our members — and others — are willing to volunteer their time, energy and skills to the many needy people — folks they don’t even know in lands that they may never have seen. We’ve provided care to thousands, raised funds and sent supplies to affected areas. Our first two missions in Puerto Rico prepared us for our next one: we have already assembled a team to go to the Virgin Islands in January and understand that the needs of folks will be ongoing. Even here in our own state, there are many with unmet medical needs. We hope to expand to embrace our local communities as well. What have we learned? Our experiences have been life-changing, not just for the victims, but for the caregivers. We are truly practicing Nursing: touching, listening to, sharing and talking to patients and families. We make a difference in their lives, and they make a difference in ours. POSTSCRIPT: Learn about our missions here: http://bit.ly/2B6Qsuq Volunteer here: http://bit.ly/2CKolBS. And post this link www.paypal.me/ NYRN to family and friends (and yourself!) to help finance our missions — air-fare, supplies, food and lodging cost money!
guaranteed healthcare
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november/december 2017
A steady stride ahead for universal healthcare
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hat happens when we bring together nurses, community advocates, and elected officials of all stripes? We win! The fight for guaranteed healthcare had a big win in Rockland County on December 5 when the county legislature passed — unanimously — a resolution urging the State Senate to take action on the New York Health Act — our state’s universal healthcare bill. This is the fourth county to endorse the legislation, joining Sullivan, Tompkins and Westchester counties, in addition to a dozen towns and villages across the state.
The legislation
If passed, the New York Health Act (A. 4738 / S. 4840) would implement truly universal healthcare and eliminate financial barriers to care, while allowing people to go to the doctor and hospital of their choice. It would replace our current healthcare system that relies on private companies, Medicare and Medicaid with a single system covering all 20 million New Yorkers. Like the rest of the industrialized world, it will give New Yorkers access to healthcare on the basis of need. Gone would be the staggering fear of bankruptcy. Medical bills remain the number one reason for personal bankruptcy in the nation. As a result of the work of committed advocates across the state through the Campaign for New York Health, the bill passed the State Assembly three years in a row — in 2015, 2016, and 2017. There are 31 cosponsors in the NYS Senate; 32 are needed for a majority. County tax relief
In addition to guaranteeing all residents access to high quality healthcare, the bill would provide significant tax relief at the county level in particular. In Rockland, 55% of the county budget funds Medicaid — and counties across the state face similar fiscal challenges. These funds would be much better spent on infrastructure, roads, and schools, instead of keeping
Nurses building local support for the New York Health Act our fragmented healthcare system afloat. The New York Health Act would implement a fair funding model for healthcare, relieving counties of this huge fiscal responsibility that is putting tremendous strain on their budgets. Republican support
After the vote, Republican legislator Lon M. Hofstein was happy to share his views in support of the bill: “The New York Health Act is a blueprint for the reorganization of healthcare in New York state. The way care is delivered now is increasingly unsustainable, for individuals, families, businesses and government. We must act before the crisis worsens.” NYSNA salutes the bipartisan show of support for an issue that truly affects all New Yorkers. Four NYSNA members were present to support the vote: RNs Clare Hughes, Chinyere Onwumelu, Maureen Garrabant, and Alyssa Aurellano. Hughes and Onwumelu provided compelling testimony as frontline nurses who see patients at their most vulnerable. They both work in the OR, seeing patients every day who have to battle insurance companies to
approve needed surgeries. Often the delays in approval lead to worse — even fatal — outcomes for patients. “I care for patients who are at their most vulnerable. Too many times I see patients having to fight insurance companies to get the care they absolutely need. Patients must literally fight for their lives at times. With the New York Health Act, medical decisions will be made between the doctor, nurse and patient — not a bureaucrat who has no clinical training and has never even set eyes on the patient,” said NYSNA’s Omwumelo, who resides in Rockland County. Organizing to win
The Rockland County resolution is an excellent example of how grassroots organizing can change what is politically possible when it comes to healthcare reform. With so much at stake — especially with federal threats to Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and the ACA — we can’t pass the New York Health Act soon enough! That way every New Yorker is guaranteed the care they need. For more information on the Campaign for New York Health, visit www.nyhcampaign.org.
Nurses celebrate the successful resolution with Rockland County advocates for the New York Health Act.
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New York Nurse
no con con!
november/december 2017
A roadmap to victory
F By Jill Furillo, RN, NYSNA Executive Director
[I]t was the unity of our movement that won this critical vote.
ew issues have demonstrated the power of working people than the come-frombehind win in defeating the New York State Constitutional Convention this fall. The constitutional convention is nothing more than a way for well-financed special interests to subvert popular will and take down key protections in our society: in public education; the environment, safe workplaces and more. Also at issue was retirement with dignity through the public pension system, as well as critical laws that level the playing field with collective bargaining rights. In short, what was at stake were the many protections for working people won over the years. We shut the door to these forces of austerity and greed! A long list
The victory (No Con Con!) provides a roadmap for the labor movement, for it was the unity of our movement that won this critical vote. NYSNA joined forces with a long list of labor and community groups in this critical win: the NYS
AFL-CIO, the NYC Central Labor Council, 1199SEIU, DC 37, CWA District 1, CSEA, NYS Professional Firefighters, TWU Local 100, UFCW Local 1500, Uniformed Firefighters, Writers Guild of America East, United Steelworkers District 4, PEF, Labor Religion Coalition, IBEW, Interfaith Assembly on Homelessness and Housing, and many, many more. All our forces brought to bear
The clarity of message was critical in organizing this movement. It was not a “People’s Convention” but rather an effort by special interest lobbyists and corrupt politicians to take advantage of the system. Our rights would be put at risk. The convention was a “no rules” forum, allowing for the removal of provisions for public safety, the environment and access to healthcare. Public employee pensions could be eliminated. Hundreds of millions of dollars of New York taxpayer funds would be expended in the process of staging the Con Con, allowing entrenched politicians to improperly funnel money to supporters.
NYSNA as an organization gathered all our forces in this key fight: our leaders spoke out, giving clarity to that message. Staff echoed this message. Mostly significantly, our members took the “con” that is Con Con to meetings and doorto-door, with clear and passionate presentations. Their conviction to the issue was plain and translated into this very big win. They worked very hard, traveling to areas where support was weak, canvassing on weekends and after long work shifts. We hit our stride. No turning back
This road map is a route to maximize our power. Power towards what end? We must ensure that our children are not left with a legacy of demise and destruction. We must protect public institutions, take the profit out of healthcare, and advocate for our patients. Working with a broad labor coalition, elected officials on board with our mission, and engaging the community is our way forward. There is no turning back.
Nurses at Bellevue Hospital display signage that became ubiquitous in the winning campaign against the Con Con.
NEW YORK NURSE
organizing
november/december 2017
Putnam RNs win union election
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he countdown to victory was anticipated with great excitement and expectation. A strong campaign by NYSNA’s organizing team came to fruition at 9pm on December 10, when the vote counting commenced. Within a short time a strong majority vote was announced and with it an exclamation of “Victory!” by nurses and supporters. The 266 RNs of Putnam Hospital Center in Carmel were the latest to join NYSNA, continuing a steady growth of members for the union. “We have many nurses who devoted many years of their nursing careers to Putnam Hospital,” said Colleen Leo, RN in the Intensive Care Unit. “We also have many newer, younger nurses who will hopefully do the same. As the Health Quest corporation continues to grow and expand its ability to deliver high quality patient care to the community, it’s only fair that nurses have the ability to unite together and negotiate in the decisions that will impact our future.”
bers were active in the campaign to bring the Putnam Hospital RNs into the NYSNA fold. “Seat at the table”
“We have a great group of nurses at Putnam Hospital, and it’s about time we had a voice in our own future,” said Mike Chitty, RN, Behavior Health Unit. “We work hard and deserve a seat at the table where decisions are made that will affect patient care, as well as how we are able to provide for our families.” Among the issues central to this outstanding victory brought forward by the Putnam Hospital Center Nurses Organizing Committee were a greater say in patient care issues, fair health bene-
Behavioural Health Unit
fits and the chance to meet regional standards for nurse compensation. Nominations for the Bargaining Committee are next. They remain open until January 5 to accommodate holiday plans.
Joining other RNs
Health Quest owns Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck, NY, and Sharon Hospital in Sharon, CT. It also operates Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, where 800 NYSNA nurses work. Vassar Brothers mem-
(left and right) Med Surg Unit
Joe Bondo, RN, Emergency Room
Surgical Services Unit
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Welcome to new SPAN director!
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Hermanuella Hyppolite, RN, new director of Statewide Peer Assistance for Nurses (SPAN)
s. Hermauella Hyppolite, RN, has been appointed as the new director of the Statewide Peer Assistance for Nurses (SPAN) program by the NYSNA. She is an outstanding addition to this essential organization. SPAN is the confidential education, support and advocacy program for nurses licensed in New York State dealing with and seeking education on substance use disorders. SPAN’s mission is to foster safety through outreach and education on how to recognize and report substance abuse issues. SPAN also provides assistance with treatment referrals and support in assisting nurses suffering with substance use issues to recover and return to safe practice. Hyppolite brings a wealth of experience in dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues to her new position. She is an RN
Hyppolite brings a wealth of experience in dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues to her new position. and NYSNA member for over 12 years, beginning her career in the Department of Psychiatry at H+H’s Woodhull Hospital and Mental Health Center in Brooklyn, culminating her practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in the CPEP at Queens Hospital Center. Nurses particularly vulnerable
Hyppolite also served in the U.S. Army Reserves as an Army Nurse Corps Officer in a Combat Operational Stress Command (COSC), receiving her AS in Nursing at St. Vincent’s School of Nursing, BSN and MSN degrees
NYSNA recognized for Progressive Leadership
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am so very proud and honored to accept this award on behalf of my union, the New York State Nurses Association. Our 40,000 members acknowledge this tribute and convey their many thanks.
Progressive Leadership is key to our future. Leadership in coalition with others — the others honored here this evening and the sponsoring organization, Citizen Action of New York. The values of Citizen Action and my fellow award recipients constitute a future worth fighting for. Fairness, equality, respect for working people, respect for individual dignity, care for families, for children, voting rights, climate justice, racial justice… and guaranteed healthcare for all. These are the constituent values of a society we all want. Equality over privilege
Marva Wade, RN, discusses progressive leadership
I think we all recognize the battle underway between market forces and human forces, between a society organized by privilege, and one devoted to equality. It is daunting. People devoted to “the Market” have pulled out the stops, and their phony values of trickle-down are hard to plug up.
at Molloy College. She is certified in Addiction Nursing and is board certified as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. “My experience has shown that no one is immune from substance use disorders, they can effect anyone regardless of age, race gender or occupation,” said Hyppolite. “Nurses with their high stress jobs are particularly vulnerable, and helping those who help others is a particular calling.” If you have any questions about SPAN, its mission or how to access resources or programs please call 1-800-45-SPAN or e-mail SPAN@ NYSNA.org
But our work together can stop them and forge a society committed to equality. Just look at the work we did in Texas and Florida and Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands when called into action. Power in unity
On Tuesday night, the Rockland County Legislature voted unanimously for a resolution in support of the New York Health Act — a single payer measure that would help bring guaranteed healthcare for all New Yorkers. Unanimous: 17 Democrats and Republicans. Sullivan, Tompkins and Westchester legislatures passed these resolutions, too. For our nurses, and the progressive leadership we seek to carry forward, these are building blocks of a better society, on the road to universal quality healthcare. You see, we can win when we work together. There is such great power in our unity. And there is such great meaning in the values we share. Thank you, again, for this leadership award. We accept it with much gratitude. [remarks of Marva Wade, RN, NYSNA First Vice President]
New York
nurse special edition | november/december 2017
the official publication of the new york state nurses association
African American women voters drove the victory in Alabama to stop Roy Moore and elect Dem. Doug Jones to U.S. Senate.
WOMEN and ELECTORAL POLITICS
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New York Nurse
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november/december 2017
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Women rising
he year 2017 will go down in history as the year women made their political power felt. It is political power now being exercised in response to unprecedented attacks on the rights of women. It is, as well, a response in no small measure to federal proposals that would push women, the poor, people of color and others facing unbridled repression backwards. Witness immigrant rights, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), repeal of the Affordable Care Act, and other measures geared to defend the vulnerable and poor, now under assault. This uprising in the defense of rights, led by women, fundamentally grew from the grassroots, with African American, Asian and Latina women taking key leadership roles. They spoke out: their voices were strong, focus was clear and commitment inspirational, as many joined forces in short order. This is, indeed, a historic moment bound to gain even greater momentum.
organizing like never before: organizing together at the grassroots level, running for elected office in record numbers, shattering voter turnout predictions, standing up to tell never-before-told stories in the mainstream media and, against a culture of abuse, making demands for social and economic justice with force and determination. Change before our eyes
To be sure, women have long held seats at the table. But they remain vastly outnumbered. Despite making up more than half of the overall U.S. population, less than a quarter of state legislators are women;
only 19.6% of the U.S. Congress is female; and only 23.7% of executive offices are held by women. All that could be changing right before our eyes, thanks to women coming together in a movement of empowerment, ready to share their power and grow the movement. Here are just a few of the many examples of the incredible women’s leadership we’ve seen this year. Taking back the senate
On December 12, we watched as black women in Alabama made history and secured a victory for the first Democrat to win an Alabama U.S. senate seat in a quarter century.
The political prowess
Rosa Parks, the “first lady of civil rights,” stood her ground on December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, drawing attention to segregationist policies that shamed the nation.
A year that began with the nowiconic women’s marches — from hundreds of thousands descending on the national mall in Washington, DC, to marches across more than 400 other cities and towns — now comes to a close with women demonstrating their political prowess and local
Civil rights activist Amelia Boynton Robinson
Tina Flint Smith, 48th Leiutenant Governor of Minnesota
Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA)
NEW YORK NURSE november/december 2017
g up
Of the state’s 3.3 million voters, over 40 percent showed up on Election Day, nearly tripling the predicted turnout. And of the black women who voted, 99 percent gave their votes to Doug Jones (D), demonstrating the power of the African American female vote in a state too often represented by regressive, white men. In truth, Alabama has a strong history of black women’s political leadership, such as iconic civil rights leaders Rosa Parks and Amelia Boynton Robinson. Their motivation was grounded in a strong response to attacks on their economic and civil rights. Exit polls in Alabama show that Jones beat the accused child molester Roy Moore by 17 % among women (58-41%), which means women in Alabama voted more decisively for Jones than they did for Hillary Clinton in 2016. From the grassroots, up
Across the country, women are gathering around kitchen tables and in churches, knocking on doors, sharing messages of support through social media, and educating their families about the fight for social and economic justice. It’s hard work, done by those dedicated to making positive change happen in our country. In Alabama, the Jones campaign placed 1 million phone calls and knocked on more than 200,000 doors. Thousands of volunteers braved snow to help urge their neighbors to get out and vote. Black women did the work that it took to mobilize the community and show up on Election Day — more proof that with solidarity and hard work, organizing can overcome even the greatest odds.
African American advocates in Alabama made the difference in the defeat of Republican Senate Candidate Roy Moore, bringing out unprecedented numbers of voters in support of Democract Doug Jone
women voters, especially African American women (by a margin of 91 percent for the Democrat), helped Democrat Ralph Northam win a decisive victory over Republican Ed Gillespie with 61% of women voters turning out for underdog Northam. Sending an All-Female Delegation to Congress
Minnesota’s Democratic Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith (D) was appointed to replace U.S. Senator Al Franken, who recently resigned. Smith joins Amy Klobuchar (D) who is the state’s first female elected sena-
Taking Back the Executive Office
Women are flexing their political muscle elsewhere, too. In New Jersey, Governor-Elect Phil Murphy (D) has the women of state to thank for his election victory. More than half of registered New Jersey voters are women, and in the recent gubernatorial election 62 percent of them voted for Murphy. Meanwhile, in Virginia’s hotly-contested race for governor,
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
tor. Minnesota will now have the nation’s first-ever all-female Senate delegation in Congress. Running for Elected Office
One of the immediate outcomes of the 2016 presidential election was a surge in women seeking to run for elected office on both ends of the political spectrum. Nonpartisan organizations like Emily’s List, She Should Run, and Eleanor’s Legacy have seen unprecedented demand for campaign advice and support. Whether inspired by Hillary Clinton’s candidacy, angered by the status quo, or following in the Continued on page 10
Senator’s Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris and Kristin Gillibrand also stood alongside Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) as he unveiled Medicare for All...
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Women on the rise Continued from page 9
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We are in a moment that has turned into a movement. It is women who have marched, protested, rallied, and voted, especially women of color. And now women are running. Tens of thousands of women across the country have said they now plan to run for office. At Eleanor’s Legacy, we tripled the number of campaign schools in 2017 compared to 2016 to meet this new demand. When laws are being written on the issues that matter most, like health care, education, or immigration, women need to be at the table. And that goes double for women with the practical experience to know what policy works and what doesn’t. If we want a government that speaks for all of us, looks like all of us, and works for all of us, we need women to run. When women run, women win. And when women win, we all win.” –Brette L. McSweeney, Eleanor’s Legacy
footsteps of women before them, 2017 has been a landmark year for women seeking political office. As many as 589 women have declared their potential candidacy across federal, state, municipal and local offices in all 50 states. And this could just be the beginning. Some of the national figures who have aligned themselves with this women’s movement and against the repressive politics emanating from Washington have seen their profiles rise swiftly in just a few months. These include U.S. Senator Kamala Harris of California, a former state attorney general whose forthright manner and uncompromising stand for women’s rights and against repression have put her in the national spotlight.
side Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) as he unveiled the Medicare for All Act of 2017 — a cornerstone of his landmark presidential campaign and a monumental step in the fight for healthcare for all. No longer overlooked
Washington’s senior U.S. Senator, Patty Murray, added her voice to the others. All four senators, it should be noted, support Medicare for All, a critical measure in the movement to guarantee healthcare for all. These politicians attached themselves to the outcry for women’s justice. They should be taken seriously by the pundits, fundraisers and party operatives because the future of economic and social justice in this nation is tied to their values, as recognized by millions
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
of Americans. They can longer be overlooked or dismissed as marginal, as their voices rise above the rancor of a largely discredited male-dominated culture of privilege and sexual abuse.
Outstanding women politicians
The first-ever African American and first woman to serve as that state’s attorney general, and now the second African American woman and first South Asian American senator in history, Senator Harris has quickly proven her leadership. Throughout her career, she stood up for those who need it most, working to protect the Affordable Care Act, reduce recidivism among firsttime low-level drug offenders, and fight for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy for young immigrants. U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, a crusader for consumer protection and against Wall Street corruption, is an outspoken voice for the downtrodden. New York’s own U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has asserted herself in the national debate with uncompromising demands for the protection of women against sexual abuse. She has held political office since 2006, but never has her strength and leadership been more apparent than in recent months. Sen. Gillibrand has taken a hard line against sexual assault, securing her role as a leading woman in Congress ready to speak for those whose voices went unheard. She has been a fighter against sexual harassment in the military for years. Gillibrand stepped up on Medicare for All, appearing along-
New Jersey Governor Elect Phil Murphy, right, and Lt. Gov. Elect Sheila Oliver
Women’s March, January 2017
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november/december 2017
NYSNA-backed candidates win!
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ovember 7 was an important day for New Yorkers as votes were tallied and election results announced. From the mayor’s race in Albany to the county executive race in Westchester, NYSNAendorsed candidates won up and down the ballot. Of the 107 candidates that NYSNA endorsed, a large majority emerged victorious — further proof that when nurses stand together and vote together, our strength is palpable. Getting out the vote
Keeping our members informed and promoting candidates who embody our union’s principles are two of NYSNA’s most essential functions — especially at a time when there are so many threats to working families and our healthcare. In the weeks leading up to the elections, NYSNA worked on behalf of candidates committed to healthcare for all New Yorkers. Across the state, NYSNA nurses manned phone banks and distributed flyers, attended fundraisers and rallies, and reminded friends and family of the importance of voting. In Western New York, one election victory in particular stand out: Mayor Byron Brown (D) has been proud to represent Buffalo since 2005 after serving as a New York State Senator and Buffalo
City Councilmember. Brown has worked to improve the health and quality of life of his constituents in many ways, and has stood with NYSNA for over a decade. Support for safe staffing
Brown has been a strong proponent of safe staffing and, in 2015, joined us at a Buffalo rally to tell Albany to pass the Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act. Early in his third term, Brown worked diligently on a plan to provide better emergency medical services to Buffalo residents by increasing EMT staff numbers and hiring local city residents. NYSNA Board Member Sarah Chmura, RN from ECMC, was thrilled to see Brown win a fourth term. “NYSNA is proud to have been able to support Mayor Byron Brown in his reelection campaign in Buffalo,” she said. “Union members in the western region and residents of the City of Buffalo showed support of the mayor’s reelection by phone banking, talking to friends and co-workers, and getting out the vote. Mayor Brown is a supporter of union workers and NYSNA nurses. We look forward to his continued support around safe staffing and fair working conditions as we move into contract negotiations with ECMC in 2018!” Nurses know that in order to advocate for our patients and pro-
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown was re-elected to a fourth term. Sarah Chmura, RN, and Kevin Donovan, RN, both of ECMC and NYSNA Board Members are with him.
tect our hospitals, we need elected officials who prioritize healthcare, not only in their platforms as candidates, but in their actions when they enter office. A big NYSNA congratulations to all who won a chance to represent our great state this November. We look forward to both working alongside them and holding them accountable as we fight to defend our patients.
Con Con conquered Members in the region joined forces with allies in labor and community organizations in an unprecedented come-from-behind defeat of the New York Constitutional Convention, a thinly veiled effort by forces of austerity seeking to undercut public services and do harm to communities of working people. (See p. 4) “Moneyed interests would use the opportunity to attack public employee pensions and our right to free public education,” said NYC Council Member Corey Johnson. The defeat of “con con” was dubbed a “resounding thumbs down” by the New York Times.
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Notice of Nominations for 2018 NYSNA Officer Election Nominations are being accepted for the following NYSNA offices and positions: President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, ten (10) Directors at Large, Eastern Regional Director, Central Regional Director, Western Regional Director, Southern Regional Director, Southeastern Regional Director, Lower Hudson and New Jersey Regional Director, six (6) members of the Nominating Committee (one for each region), and three (3) members of the Election Committee. Nomination forms, Consent to Serve forms, and Candidate Statement forms must be submitted no later than April 2, 2018.
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 Jeremy Markman 131 W 33rd St., Fourth Floor New York, NY 10001 jeremy.markman@nysna.org Fax: (888) 395-7259 Nomination Forms, Consent to Serve forms, and Candidate Statement forms will be available on the NYSNA website, www.nysna.org/election, and from the Nominating Committee at the above address. No member may accept nomination for or serve in more than one office.
ELIGIBILITY TO NOMINATE A member may self-nominate or nominate a candidate for office only if he or she is not: (1) in arrears in the payment of dues, fees and financial obligations to NYSNA; (2) a supervisor or manager within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act; (3) a member of the NYSNA staff; (4) serving on the Nominating or Election Committee.
ELIGIBILITY TO RUN FOR OFFICE A member is eligible to run for office only if he or she is not: (1) in arrears in the payment of dues, fees and financial obligations to NYSNA; (2) a supervisor or manager within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act; (3) a member of the NYSNA staff; (4) serving on the Nominating or Election Committee. While all members meeting these criteria may run for Association-wide office, only members assigned to a designated Region (available at www.nysna.org/election) may run for that Regional Director position.
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public health
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The Dirt on Cleaning Products
New disclosure policy could help improve public and worker health
N
urses have a history of concern about the use of cleaning chemicals in their facilities. “When they strip and clean the floors, respiratory issues will be on the rise among staff,” Helene LaPolla, RN at Staten Island University Hospital explained. Floor cleaners are far from the only culprit. Many cleaners — like ubiquitous anti-bacterial wipes — contain asthma-causing agents and other harmful materials. A study by the Environmental Working Group determined that 53% of cleaning products contain respiratory hazards and 22% contain ingredients that cause asthma. And the problem does not stop at the door to the hospital. Many home cleaning products contain these hazardous materials. Looking at asthma, we know that reported rates are running at 10.7% in New York — a good two percentage points above the national level. (www.cdc.gov/asthma/most_ recent_data_states.htm). Front-line healthcare workers experience even higher rates — 12.7% or greater.
Disclosing hazardous components
Cleaning products are also implicated in another major public health threat: child poisonings. They are the second most common source. U.S. emergency rooms treat over 300 child poisonings daily. Chemicals in cleaning products are both a public health and occupational health threat. Workers have a legal right to training and information about chemicals via the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. The public, until now, has had no similar mechanism for learning about the hazards in these products. A long-awaited move by New York State is about to change this. The Household Cleaning Product Public Disclosure Program is a policy that will be enforced by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Announced by Governor Cuomo, it requires that product manufacturers disclose all components in their products.
“ “This new policy guidance will help protect New Yorkers and give them the peace of mind of knowing what is in their homes and in their communities,” Cuomo said. “These actions continue this state’s legacy of environmental stewardship and will help build a cleaner, greener New York for all.” Under the new policy implementation, the ingredients and any impurities in products will be listed on company websites. The state may also develop a clearinghouse for the information. The manufacturers must list which ingredients appear on any health lists of concern, and what health effects they may cause. Ingredients will be identified that can cause or aggravate asthma, or contribute to cancer, birth defects, reproductive harm, neurological problems, endocrine disruption and other diseases and disorders of environmental origin. The law will apply to the commercial sector. So cleaning products used in a hospital will be subject to the rules. Safer products could be a result down the road. “This gives manufacturers a strong incentive to make products without harmful chemicals,” said Kathy Curtis, LPN, Executive Director of Clean and Healthy New York. (www.cleanhealthyny.org). Alternatives are available for most if not all hazardous cleaning products. Studies show that alternatives can function as well as
bleach, QACs and other hazardous chemicals. This is true for the hospital environment as well: products based on hydrogen peroxide, acetic and lactic acids and other substances can kill c. difficile, MRSA and other infectious agents found in healthcare environments. Many healthcare systems nationally have adopted green cleaning policies. Here in New York, Interfaith Hospital Medical Center (IFMC) recently took steps to reduce use of wipes containing Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs). These compounds are known asthmagens. They have the property of building up in the environment, unlike alcohol-based products that disperse and get diluted in the air. IFMC is piloting products that don’t contain the QACs. Healthier alternative
With public awareness on the rise about cleaning product hazards, this could be an excellent time to press for healthier alternatives in healthcare. “Substitution with safer products would be a great idea,” Marilyn Leutritz, RN at Northwell Valley Stream Hospital said. Leutritz suffers from severe asthma. Management has taken good steps to protect her from cleaning operations, but eliminating the hazardous chemicals could be a permanent solution to this difficult challenge. Fewer hazardous chemicals in our workplaces will mean safer hospitals for staff, patients and visitors.
This new policy guidance will help protect New Yorkers and give them the peace of mind of knowing what is in their homes and in their communities.” Governor Andrew Cuomo
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New York Nurse
upstate
november/december 2017
Cap District Interregional draws 100
O
ne hundred nurses came together on December 14 to celebrate the year’s victories and lay plans for the challenges ahead. A warm welcome was delivered by Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy and Councilwoman Marion Porterfield. The occasion was heightened by the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Ellis Hospital
becoming part of the New York State Nurses Association. Today the union boasts a memberships in excess of 40,000 registered nurses, now with the addition of 266 new members at Putnam Hospital Center (see p. 5).
NEW YORK NURSE/WESTERN november/december 2017
new york city
– New York City Mayor Bill de
Blasio savors a victory in his run for a second term. His spouse, Chirlane McCray, stands to his left.
westchester /hudson valley
– Members
campaigning were key to NYSNA’s statewide push to defeat the Constitutional Convention, a big win for labor.
Around the state 9
capital /north country
– NYSNA‘s Corey
central region
– Nurses spearheaded a
Ellis won office in Albany. He is now Albany Common Council President.
campaign to provide food and toys to those in need in communities where jobs are scarce and poverty endures.
long island – RNs worked with others committing to
staten island
defeating the Con Con. Their efforts were part of a statewide NYSNA push against the measure and a very big win!
in defeating the “con” – a Constitutional Convention that would serve special interests over the people.
– Staten Island RNs did their part
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NEW YORK NURSE november/december 2017
131 West 33rd Street, 4th Floor New York, NY 10001 5 Western
INSIDE
Unity behind No on Con Con win, p. 4
Putnam Hospital RNs join NYSNA, p. 5
Non-Profit US Postage Paid NYSNA