DECEMBER 2018
A NEWSLETTER FOR NYSNA RNs AT NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS
H+H Delegates and Activists Show Out at Convention! New York City’s public sector was well represented at the 2018 NYSNA Convention. Along with long-time leaders and newly elected delegates, rank and file H+H/Mayorals activists turned out on their day off to participate with their fellow nurses across the state. Sarah Dowd, RN, was attending as a delegate representing Harlem Hospital. She said: “I’m excited to take back the enthusiasm and energy of the Convention to reinvigorate the fights we’re involved in, whether it’s on our units, or for a better contract, or for safe staffing. Sometimes we get burned out on these fights, so it’s nice to be with other nurses who are also fighting for the same things.” Longtime Lincoln Hospital ER nurse, Regine Remy, RN, attended Convention for the first time, representing her facility as a delegate. She explained her role by saying, “I am here to gain knowledge by learning and seeing what my colleagues at other hospitals are doing. I will bring what I learn back to Lincoln Hospital and be a voice for those who could not attend this year.” Public sector nurses were invigorated by the rally at Central Park, where several elected officials spoke in
support of nurses and safe staffing. Janet Lewis, RN, a night nurse at Queens Hospital attended Convention on her own time. She said, “It’s important that we are in conversation with politicians. I want to let my colleagues know that these elected officials are listening. They are supporting safe staffing.” Bellevue RNs Steve Trust, RN, and Sara Artigot, RN, also attended the rally. “This is my first time as a Convention Delegate, and it’s a great experience,” said Steve Trust, RN. “It’s really educational, with all the changes going on in healthcare. I’m hoping to bring some answers back to my hospital. The nurses want updates on the greater workings of our union. We are usually so zeroed in on patient care, it’s good to take a step back and look at the big picture. NYSNA means solidarity to me. It’s all about the nurses coming together—for the nurses.” Jacobi night nurse, Sarita Jones, RN, also attended Convention on her own time, bringing along some of her colleagues. She said, “At Convention, you can’t help but get a feeling of support and love, and you’ll take it back to the floor, which is what I try to do each time I come out here. I get revitalized to get back out there and fight. Never give up!”