APRIL 2018
A NEWSLETTER FOR NYSNA RNs AT ERIE COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER
Get Ready for Negotiations! Negotiations at Erie County Medical Center are just around the corner, and NYSNA nurses have begun gearing up to show our unity and strength. We are demonstrating that when we work together, we are unstoppable. Hundreds of ECMC nurses signed cards to protect our scope of practice, which were delivered to state legislators earlier this month. As a result, the NY State Assembly budget did not include a “community paramedicine pilot project,” which would have lowered the standards of patient care and put patients at risk by replacing nurses with EMTs and Paramedics in non-emergency home care settings. NYSNA supports EMTs and paramedics in integrated health initiatives, but not this proposed pilot program. This was a huge first victory in the battle to defeat this attack on nurses’ scope of practice once and for all! ECMC nurses have also been signing up for the new NYSNA Member ID card. Signing up for the card ensures all of your contact information is correct, so you don’t miss important negotiation updates. The card delivers new benefits, too. You will be able to use your Member ID to quickly check-in at events, sign-up for free CE classes, and earn points towards NYSNA swag! The card also reaffirms your committment as a NYSNA
member, which is so important in these times of increased attacks on unions and healthcare. Nursing may be the most trusted profession as far as the public is concerned, but earning that trust and respect from hospital management often feels like an uphill battle. Nurses need a strong voice that comes from the unity of our colleagues and the backing of a union now more than ever in the era of “do more with less” healthcare. The “Janus” case being heard right now in the Supreme Court could also lead to a dramatic weakening of unions, and ultimately our power to advocate for ourselves and our patients. Wearing the new Member ID will show that we are united for our profession and for our patients. If you have not filled out your Membership card application yet, please get in touch with us at 716-204-8076.
Come to Lobby Day April 23 When nurses talk, people listen. When nurses talk in one united voice for their patients, hospitals, union and practice—legislators have to listen. Register for Lobby Day on April 23rd to make your voice heard: http://bit.ly/ nysnalobby2018 Lawmakers in Albany need to hear the facts from bedside nurses, not the hospital and special interest lobby groups who come out in full force. This is an important part of advocating for our patients, who deserve an RN at every bedside in a safe environment with a safe staffing ratio. This is how we make it happen.