monitor monitor
the the
October, 2009
1199 SEIU Professional & Technical Newsletter
1199 SEIU Professional & Technical Newsletter May 2010
1199 Paramedic Answers the Call for Help... in Haiti IN THIS ISSUE:
· 1199 Training Success Story #1: CASAC Jose Moncayo Serves His Community · 1199 Training Success Story #2: PA Julia Nieves Comes Back to 1199 · Central Sterile Processing Technicians A Crucial Job for Patient Safety · 1199 member paramedic answers the call for help… in Haiti · Letter written by the 1199 SEIU Rank-and-File Imaging Committee · Victory in Massachusetts! · 2009 - 2010 Academic Calender The Monitor is available online. Go to www.1199seiu.org and click on “professional workers.”
1199 Training Success Story #1
CASAC Jose Moncayo Serves His Community As the streets of the South Bronx bustle with activity, a tall young man waits at a crosswalk. A young woman spots him and yells “What’s up Jose?” and gives him a hug. “Jose, long time no see,” shouts a young man. To which Jose responds, “Hey, you look good. Are you behaving?” He continues to walk through the neighborhood where he works, greeted as if he were a beloved superstar. Jose A. Moncayo is a CASAC – Certified Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counselor, certified and licensed through the state of New York Office of Alcohol & Substance Abuse Services. Jose pursued his licensure through the 1199 SEIU training and upgrading fund While working toward his degree in Social Work, Jose developed an interest in substance abuse counseling. After completing an internship at the Concourse Medical P.C. in the Bronx, he accepted a position as a full time counselor, and several years later he joined VIP Community Services, a unit represented by 1199. He became a delegate and participated in a grant through the Training and Upgrading Fund with Lehman College to facilitate and obtain educational hours leading to CASAC –T (trainee status), which Jose acquired. “Education always serves its purpose. It empowers you and allows you to link with the community you serve,” Jose says sitting at his desk in a modest office. He’s referring to the education he acquired as a CASAC worker delivering care to underserviced populations. José obtained his CASAC license on June 13, 2009. “I have noticed that with a CASAC license I have more to say about my patients’ care; management is starting to become inclusive and change happens a little at a time,” explains Jose. In today’s economy, an educational course leading to CASAC licensure can cost $7,000 or more. José is grateful to 1199 for the opportunity to further his education. In addition, he received a raise in salary and became recognized by New York State. “When I’m able to sustain a safe space, a patient can develop a trusting relationship,” says Jose, “When I see the hard 2
work a patient puts into achieving recovery, it is gratifying to know the skills I have helped this person achieve it.” There is a high demand for CASAC workers in underserved and unidentified substance abuse populations. Many people cope with life crises by abusing drugs, whether a returning solider from Iraq or an every day worker who is depressed and dealing with the economic downturn. “When I have to prioritize one patient over another based on need, it is frustrating; time constraints create barriers and staff-to-patient ratios can be difficult.” But Jose says that the current health care reform could change this because it will create more opportunities to service the community. Jose A. Moncayo, along with 1199, is paving the way for the continued development of the CASAC career field. In the eyes of many people who endure a life crisis and have the opportunity to work things out with a CASAC worker or any substance abuse professional, that CASAC worker is a superstar. A superstar they can trust and who can help them realize their self-worth and achieve a life of successful recovery.
1199 Training Success Story #2
PA Julia Nieves Comes Back to 1199 It was a long and hard struggle for the Physician Assistants at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens NY to become 1199 members and obtain a 1st contract in December 2009. For Neurosurgery PA Julia Nieves it was like going home again. Julia was born in Bayamon Puerto-Rico and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Puerto-Rico. She came to the US and settled in New Jersey. She obtained a position as a clerk in an area hospital, and in 1980 she applied for and was hired as a Neurology research assistant at Mount Sinai and became an 1199 member. Her position was under a grant funded program, and in the late 80’s word came that the monies were running out and she was in jeopardy of being displaced. Some of the residents she worked with suggested that she should look into becoming a Physician Assistant. A counselor from the 1199 Training and Upgrading Fund advised her to apply to the Harlem Hospital PA program where she was accepted in 1990. “1199 was such a blessing to me,” says Julia. “I was given a stipend for my living expenses and my schooling was fully paid for. As a single parent of a young daughter it brought me so much comfort to know that I would be able to concentrate on my studies without worrying about how I was going to be able to provide for my daughter.” While doing her clinical rotations at Elmhurst Hospital Julia was offered a position upon graduation, which happened in 1993. She subsequently began working at Elmhurst in the Neurosurgery Department. She prided herself on her ability to build solid relationships among her co-workers from all different departments. “We have to respect and treat each other right no matter our titles. I do not believe that we can achieve a positive outcome for our patients without a team effort.” In her position as a neurosurgery PA, Julia is involved in both the pre-surgical and post-surgical care of her patients, taking care of them from the E.R., to the O.R., to the recovery room until they are discharged. “I loved my work but I missed the Union,” she states, as the Elmhurst PA’s were non-union. Within a few years of her
working there, the PAs attempted to join 1199. Julia strongly championed the idea but it was unsuccessful. “Those years at times presented some difficult situations for me because I was often in a position where I was negotiating with my boss for better wages and benefits by myself. And though we received merit raises, to me the process was tainted and I did not feel that the boss had a written criteria for fair distribution. This made me very uncomfortable. Having previously been a union member, I understood the value of group bargaining and having the solid foundation of a contract to rely on.” It took almost 15 more years before a new effort was made by the PA’s to join the union. “We were victorious in 2009 and I am pleased to be an 1199 member again.” Julia observes that the organizing process led to her meeting PA’s in other departments in the hospital. “I didn’t realize who all of the PA’s were before. Now we have the ability to meet when common issues come up.” “I will always be grateful to be a member and have the opportunities that this union provides.” 3
Raimundo Valdes, far right, speaking with his co-workers. From left, Evans Florian, Eva Spaulding, Mariluz Peralta, and Gwenette Henry.
Central Sterile Processing Technici A Crucial Job for Patient Safety How important is the Central Sterile Processing Department (CSPD) in a hospital? Put that question to 1199 delegate Raimundo Valdes, a central processing technician for approximately 16 years, presently working at St. LukesRoosevelt Hospital in Manhattan, and he’ll tell you it’s “the backbone of the hospital and of the operating room.” It is in the CSPD that all the surgical instruments are decontaminated, rendering them perfectly sterile for the surgeons in the operating room. “Clean is not sufficient,” says Raimundo, “we have to guarantee there is absolutely no cross-contamination. To accomplish this we use a downward gravity displacement steam sterilizer which kills 99.99% of microorganisms times three.” The department is divided into three sections: decontamination, sterilization, and storage. The techs are responsible for supplying all the surgical cases for next day’s schedule, as well as anticipating emergency surgeries that could arise. 1199 Central Sterile Processing Technicians presently par4
ticipate as part of the 1199 Surgical Technician Committee, as they are an integral part of the O.R. [They will soon be transitioning to their own committee.] Raimundo is an active member of that committee. He makes the point that his work has changed over the years, growing more complex with newer robotic and endosurgical instruments. He is a strong advocate of continuing education for central sterile techs, as well as certification. “Continuing education in the medical and surgical field is a must. Procedures are constantly changing, and there are always new advances.” He states that certification and education are important not just to increase and maintain competency, but to create a sense of responsibility and concern about “the needs of keeping strong standards in the fight against cross contamination and for good infection control.” Raimundo’s view of his profession is backed up by a pending bill in the New York State legislature. This bill, if passed, would require both certification and continuing education
ians “Clean is not sufficient.
We have to guarantee there is absolutely no cross-contamination.”
for “central service technicians.” The bill number is A01014 in the Assembly (sponsored by Jonathan Bing) and S3636 in the Senate (sponsored by Suzi Oppenheimer). [See: http:// assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&bn=A01014%09 %09&Summary=Y&Memo” http://assembly.state.ny.us/ leg/?default_fld=&bn=A01014%09%09&Summary=Y& Memo.] The bill emphasizes the critical role central service technicians play in maintaining “quality control procedures in an effort to prevent and control the spread of infection.” It goes on to state, “This potential for infection in a hospital is a serious threat to the health and well-being of patients. Regu-
lation of those who have control over the equipment that could spread infection, through the requirement for licensing and continuing education, would ensure that the technicians have the requisite knowledge to prevent any spread of infection.” 1199’s central sterile technicians will be meeting soon to look at the details of the bill language to see what, if anything, needs to be changed so 1199 can support it. Raimundo concludes by saying that he is proud to be an 1199 member, and credits the Union for allowing him to attain his Associates Degree. 5
1199 Member Paramedic Answers the Call for Help‌
in Haiti
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By George Contreras 1199 Paramedic
It only took 35 seconds on January 12, 2010, to lose over 200,000 lives, displace millions of people and forever change the lives of men, women and children in the Republic of Haiti. A 7.0 magnitude earthquake swept through Haiti and left widespread devastation along its path. The enormous and devastating impact of this natural disaster was worsened by Haiti’s weak infrastructure. Its poor economy, weak public health system, and the government’s limited preparedness led to dire consequences for the Haitian people. I am a paramedic and 1199 member at two New York City hospitals—New York Downtown Hospital and St. Vincent’s Hospital Manhattan. In response to the earthquake, I had the opportunity to serve as team leader with a multidisciplinary group of medical providers under the auspices of a disaster relief organiza-
tion named NYC Medics [http://www.nycmedics. org]. My particular group consisted of paramedics, physician assistants, nurses, physicians and a field coordinator. We volunteered for this mission by taking vacation, personal or any other leave. Most importantly, we were able to participate in this humanitarian medical mission due to the support of our supervisors and parent organizations. In my case, Tony Suarez (EMS Director at New York Downtown Hospital) and Phil Eguiguiuerens (EMS Manager at St. Vincent’s Hospital Manhattan) were instrumental in my ability to deploy and I am grateful for their support. (Continues on page 8)
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1199 Member Paramedic Answers the Call for Help‌
in Haiti (Continued)
To date, the organization has dispatched six teams totaling sixty medical personnel and has provided medical care to an estimated 15,000 persons. Although we were warned against it, the team conducted mobile medical clinics in Cite Soleil (considered one of the poorest slums in the Western Hemisphere), Leogane (the epicenter of the earthquake) and other remote areas. The much publicized videos of violence and looting in the streets did not reflect what I saw on the ground in Haiti. Despite the hunger and desperation people suffered, I saw nothing but kindness and a desire to help each other. Among my fondest memories was a 110-year old woman who was brought to our clinic severely dehydrated. After treatment, she was well enough to go back to her tent city but first she thanked me and my friends for our help. I was amazed by the level of resilience among the Haitian people. Back home, I am suffering because one of my employers, St. Vincent’s Hospital, is slated to close on April 30th of this year. But I cannot complain. In Haiti I saw death, destruction and despair accompanied by courage, resilience and hope. Here I have my family, friends and health. This experience reminded me that I should be grateful for what I have. Electricity, water, food, housing, friends and family can all be taken away in just thirty-five seconds. I thank NYC Medics for this opportunity and I pray for the Haitian survivors of the earthquake. I hope that they find strength and comfort as they begin their long difficult journey on the road to recovery. George W. Contreras, MPH, MS, is an 1199SEIU paramedic at St. Vincent’s Hospital Manhattan and New York Downtown Hospital. He served as team leader for NYC Medics during his deployment to Haiti. He can be reached at gwcontreras@gmail.com. 8
The following is a letter written by the 1199 SEIU Rank-andFile Imaging Committee Dear fellow Imaging members, There are approximately 16,000 plus Radiologic Technologists in the state of NY, the majority within the 5 boroughs. Thousands of us are members of 1199, and we’ve accomplished many things through our union. And yet, we have lost our voice in our broader profession. There have been many changes to, and within, our professions and we have not been involved or consulted. Why? We, the 1199 SEIU Imaging Committee believe that it is because the majority of Techs in NYC and Upstate do not belong to any professional association. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) has promulgated new rules and regulations which directly affect us, yet we have no say. Did you know that starting January 1, 2015 in order to sit for the ARRT exams in radiography, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, and for primary pathway exams in magnetic resonance imaging and sonography, candidates must possess an associates degree, baccalaureate degree, or graduate degree from an accredited academic institution? Did you know that anyone obtaining ARRT registry after January 1, 2011 will have to re-take the registry exam every ten years? Did you know that there is an alliance of many of the major imaging professional associations which supports the C.A.R.E. Bill? The Bill seeks to establish federal educational and certification requirements. The bill would promulgate updated regulations specifying the certification requirements for people who perform medical imaging examinations and who plan and deliver radiation therapy treatments. There are no grandparenting provisions in the Bill. How can an alliance of professional associations speak on our behalf if we are not members? How can we sit idly by while registry boards support legislation which would require us to obtain their registry in order to remain employed?
In NY State there is a professional association called The New York State Society of Radiologic Technologists. It currently has about 200 members. If there are 16,000+ Radiologic Techs in NY State, how can the 200 members speak for all of us? We as a group tend to complain and talk amongst ourselves, but we need to have a platform to have a say in the direction our profession is taking. The 1199 SEIU Professional and Technical Department has worked with the members and the Imaging Committee to focus the Union on issues relevant to Imaging workers, but we need to do more as professionals. We need to step up to the plate and join a professional association. From this position we will have the ability to work with educators, and 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, to raise our voices and use our numbers to do what is right for our profession, do what is right for patient safety, and show our strength as union members in NY State, and in Washington D.C. If you are interested in joining a professional association, please send or email your contact information including name, address, institution, title and phone numbers to Dolores Chase who will forward it to the 1199 SEIU Imaging Committee. Dolores Chase Professional Technical Specialist, 1199 SEIU UHWE 330 W 42nd Street 15th Floor, New York, NY 10036 Phone (212) 261-2385, Fax: (212) 603-1747 doloresc@1199.org 9
Victory in Massachusetts! When we unite together, we not only improve our “professional lives – but our communities as well, ” - John Herr, Resperatory Therapist at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center
2009 was an exciting and busy year for hospital workers in Massachusetts, as a series of historic union elections welcomed new members from St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton, Carney Hospital in Dorchester, Union Hospital in Lynn and Norwood Hospital in Norwood. Hundreds of professional and technical workers voted overwhelmingly to unite together to win a better future for their patients, their families and their hospitals. One of the newest members of 1199 in Massachusetts is John Herr, a respiratory therapist at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center. John’s passion for his patients lead him to some intense research about how unions might effect the quality of care at his hospital. “In an emergency, I know that people rely on me to perform, and I can do that,” said Herr. “Especially when I’m in the delivery room and it’s very intense and these babies need to be resuscitated immediately. The more high pressure there is, the calmer I get and people trust me. I wanted to know how bringing in 1199 was going to impact our patients so we would make the best decision.”
the union came in, I actually saw a glimmer of hope. And when I realized what the connections were – and that we would have representation, I decided to stay.” Herr believes the move toward innovation is a direct reflection of their decision to unite in 1199. “The way we treat babies now is so different at St. Elizabeth’s,” said Herr. “A few years ago, we used to put more of the babies on ventilators and they would stay on them for days or weeks. Now we have a different approach where we try to get the babies off the ventilators very quickly and use a less invasive ventilatory technique. There is a whole physiological background and approach to it, but basically we treat the babies with a gentler, kinder ventilatory support through a technique called ‘Bubble CPAP’.”
In the year before joining 1199, John was struggling to convince management to explore new techniques to improve the quality of care he provides for some of the hospital’s smallest patients in the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit. “I was actually thinking about leaving because I just wasn’t happy about the way things were going,” said Herr. “When
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Technicians at Carney Hospital pleased with Union victory.
Paramedics at Carney Hospital.
“These children are so delicate and the oscillators and vibrations actually help to stimulate lung growth and the production of surfactant in the lungs. The approach has decreased infant mortality and trauma to the lungs – so it really does improve the quality of life for our patients.”
a new study shows that the contract between 1199SEIU and Caritas Christi Healthcare will also improve the economy of local communities. Newly released economic data shows the contract will generate a $51 million economic boost to the state of Massachusetts.
A push toward innovation was not the only change Caritas Christi Healthcare workers saw after joining 1199. In December 2009, just months after joining the union, workers and management reached a historic four-year agreement that will enhance jobs and care delivery at four Caritas Christi hospitals and establish a series of joint labor-management initiatives and committees to enhance quality care – including new access to 1199’s Training and Upgrading Fund.
“When we unite together, we not only improve our professional lives – but our communities as well,” said Kathy Riley, a nuclear medicine technician at Carney Hospital. “1199 members know that the health of our communities is just as important as the health of our patients and we are front and center in supporting causes that make a real difference.”
“1199SEIU gives professionals a real voice in the progression of their careers and our facilities – that is why we joined 1199,” said John Nunes, a respiratory therapist at St. Elizabeth’s. “We’re ready to start developing new education programs so that we can sharpen our skills and provide the best care for our patients.”
Of course 2009’s historic union victories in the Greater Boston area will mean a higher quality of care for patients and a better quality of life for the members’ families – but
The organizing effort continues at every hospital in Boston. Workers at Norwood Hospital, Carney Hospital and St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center have pledged to help health care workers at facilities throughout the area as well as other Caritas Christi facilities – where union election campaigns are expected to launch later this year. “It’s great to have a united voice and work with management to provide the best patient care,” said Shaun O’Brien, a special procedures tech at Carney Hospital. “It’s making a big difference in our hospital and we’re excited to see what the future holds.” 11
1199SEIU League Training & Upgrading Fund Institute For Continuing Education 2010 CONTINUING EDUCATION CALENDAR 2010
Wednesday, May 5 - 9:00am – 5:00pm Lung Health 2010: The International Year of the Lung Co-Sponsored by The COPD Foundation and Columbia University, NYC 6 hrs, Interdisciplinary Program**
Location: New York Times Center, 242 W. 41st St. (btwn 7th & 8th Aves.), NYC Onsite, Videocast, Webcast (Internet)
Wednesday, May 26 - 5:30pm – 9:00pm Rehab Therapy: Doing More With Less Within Your Scope of Practice
3 hrs, PT’s, OT’s, PTA’s, COTA’s Location: Cherkasky/Davis Conference Center, 330 W. 42nd St. (Btwn 8th & 9th Aves.), NYC Onsite only
Wednesday, June 2 - 5:30pm – 9:00pm “View from the Door” Critical thinking and Patient Assessment
3 hrs, Respiratory Therapists Location: Cherkasky/Davis Conference Center, 330 W. 42nd St. (Btwn 8th & 9th Aves.), NYC Onsite only
Sunday, June 6 - 7:45am – 3:30pm Diabetes Symposium: Focus on Juvenile Diabetes 6 hrs, Interdisciplinary Program** Location: New York Times Center, 242 W. 41st St. (btwn 7th & 8th Aves.), NYC Onsite, Videocast, Webcast (Internet) ** Interdisciplinary seminars are usually accredited for Pharmacists, Respiratory Therapists, Dietitians, Radiologic Techs,
Laboratory Techs, Social Workers, Physician Assistants, and Nurses. Please call for specific professions.
EXAMINATION REVIEW COURSES Imaging Technologists ARRT Registry Exam Review Ultrasound - ARDMS Physics Exam review Ultrasound - ARDMS Specialty Areas Exam Review CT Registry Exam Review Surgical Technicians Surgical Technician Exam Review
Central Sterile Technicians CSPD Certification Exam Review Dialysis Technicians Dialysis Tech Certification Exam Review Pharmacy Technicians Pharmacy Tech Certification Exam Review Social Workers LMSW Exam Review
Register today. Call: 212-894-4390 Participants must be currently working in a title for which these review courses are offered. The review courses are FREE for 1199SEIU Training Fund members. Non-Members may enroll for a fee. Please contact the Institute for Continuing Education for fees and other information. Please call for specific location on each seminar. Email: Institute @1199Funds.org www.1199Funds.org - click “Training & Employment,” and then on “Continuing Education.”
1199SEIU Professional & Technical Department Staff Listing and Areas of Responsibility: Dolores Chase - Imaging, Respiratory, EMS Workers -- 212-261-2385 Joseph Chinea - Social Work, Substance Abuse Coundelors, OT/PT/Speech -- 212-857-4302 Farah Hargett - LPN’s, Physician Assistants, Dietitians -- 212-261-2246 Debora Hunte - Laboratory, Pharmacy, Surgical Technicians -- 212-857-4398 David Kranz, Director - All other professions not mentioned above -- 212-261-2494