NY Nurse: September 2020

nurse New York

New york state edition | september 2020

Labor united for Albany Med RNs p. 4

NYSNA 2020 voter guide, pp. 7-14

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New York Nurse september 2020

The Year of the Nurse

By Judy SheridanGonzalez, RN, NYSNA President

Advocating for patients. Advancing the profession.SM Board of Directors President Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez, RN, MSN, FNP judy.sheridan-gonzalez@nysna.org First Vice President Anthony Ciampa, RN anthony.ciampa@nysna.org Second Vice President Karine M. Raymond, RN, MSN karine.raymond@nysna.org Secretary Tracey Kavanagh, RN, BSN tracey.kavanagh@nysna.org Treasurer Nancy Hagans, RN nancy.hagans@nysna.org Directors at Large Anne Bové, RN, MSN, BC, CCRN, ANP anne.bove@nysna.org Judith Cutchin, RN judith.cutchin@nysna.org Seth Dressekie, RN, MSN, NP seth.dressekie@nysna.org Jacqueline Gilbert, RN jackie.gilbert@nysna.org Robin Krinsky, RN robin.krinsky@nysna.org Lilia V. Marquez, RN lilia.marquez@nysna.org Nella Pineda-Marcon, RN, BC nella.pineda-marcon@nysna.org Verginia Stewart, RN verginia.stewart@nysna.org Marva Wade, RN marva.wade@nysna.org Regional Directors Southeastern Yasmine Beausejour, RN yasmine.beausejour@nysna.org Southern Sean Petty, RN sean.petty@nysna.org Central Marion Enright, RN marion.enright@nysna.org Lower Hudson/NJ Jayne Cammisa, RN, BSN jayne.cammisa@nysna.org Western Chiqkena Collins, RN chiqkena.collins@nysna.org Eastern Vacant 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: communications@nysna.org Website: www.nysna.org Subscription rate: $33 per year ISSN (Print) 1934-7588/ISSN (Online) 1934-7596 ©2020, All rights reserved

Florence Nightingale , the founder of modern nursing, was born in 1820. Thus, the international community celebrates 2020 as “The Year of the Nurse.”

Women in the United States won voting rights in 1920. As 91% of nurses are women, 2020 becomes a significant year for us, as a profession and a voting population.

So where have we gone with this profession and with our rights to participate in selecting leaders?

What does it mean to be a nurse today? How has the “Triple Crisis” impacted our profession, our lives and the lives of our communities?

Can we exercise our collective power to be change agents in a world suffering from disasters: hurricanes, floods, droughts, wildfires, pandemics, poverty, wars, unemployment, racism, misogyny, homophobia, xenophobia and intolerance to differences? What have we learned in the face of COVID-19 or the massive wildfires raging in the West, as our planet is literally burning up…

Unions A mere 40 years ago, most nurses saw themselves as too “professional” to join unions. But abysmal salaries and the absence of pensions and health plans (retired nurses lived in poverty), as maledominated unions enjoyed these benefits, nurses saw that the only people benefiting from their “nonunion professionalism,” were the wealthy employers.

Strikes, sick-outs, organizing drives and militant actions of the 80s terrified hospital bosses, who rapidly capitulated to our power by negotiating huge increases in salaries, benefit plans, pensions, safety provisions, staffing language, training and educational benefits and all that we possess today.

Knowing history How many new nurses know that EVERYTHING they enjoy, is the result of sacrifice and struggle by colleagues from previous generations? Establishing standards, defining practice parameters and supports are also key elements in union demands and contractual, legislative and regulatory provi-

sions. Where would we be without a union? What would the profession of nursing be without nurses organizing to defend our patients, our practice and our very own lives?

The virus Nothing made that clearer than when SARS-CoV-2 tore into New York in March of 2020. “The Year of the Nurse” was transfigured into “the year of nurse suffering,” heroism, infection and death. And Nurse Fightback—against every system that was supposed to protect us and our communities.

How many more patients would have died had our union not fought 24/7 against the horrendous conditions we were subjected to?

How many more of us would have succumbed to COVID were it not for our collective actions: demanding PPE, ventilation, testing, sick time, logistical support, workers comp, financial remuneration, training, staff, housing, food?

It was horrific—no question. But without NYSNA members’ militant actions, and our union leaders’ persistence with government, agencies and bosses, it would have been far worse. And, this fight isn’t over as Employers continue to use COVID as the excuse to cut staff, safety measures, essential services, avoid contractual provisions and refuse to ensure front line care givers have a seat at the table in deciding better ways of managing the status quo and the possible resurgence of the pandemic. Winter approaches, flu season isn’t generously choosing to disappear…and our hospitals are not prepared.

Diversity, density and divisions We’re a diverse union: our demographics are broad, we’re rural, urban, suburban, downstate, upstate (even New Jersey!), in areas of union density, and of union scarcity. We live in congested cities and

scattered communities. We work in the public sector (subject to “the budget”) and in the private sector.

That sector is divided into safety net facilities whose conditions mimic underfunded public institutions; and wealthy medical centers with better conditions—but these don’t translate into more respect for their nurses.

That’s what we share: our profession, our advocacy for our patients, to protect us all from harm, to practice safely, to be respected, to learn and thrive as caregivers, to be able to care for our families with dignity.

This far outweighs our differences. When any sector wins, every sector wins.

This myth of a finite pot of money is a ruse to get us to fight amongst ourselves for crumbs. It’s a lie. Nurses shouldn’t compete with one another. We’re so powerful when we’re united, when we listen to one another, walk in each other’s shoes, embrace and respect the unique and beautiful things we have to offer.

Management will always promote division among workers—not just nurses. Essential services like health care, education, housing, nutrition, environment, energy, protection and transportation shouldn’t compete for pennies, when billions are generated—by us—and hoarded by the powerful and wealthy few. The solution is not austerity, it’s changing tax codes so that the ultra-rich pay their fair share.

October 20th, 2020 Educational programs, beginning September 15th and culminating on October 20th with our virtual Convention are designed to create a forum to learn, discuss, decide and act, as a unified force, to make our union stronger, and thus our hospitals and state, better able to fulfill our commitment to the ideals of Florence Nightingale, and so many of our historic fighters for social justice.

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Unions: our time is now

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cross the US, union members are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic with the courage and work ethic that made America the most productive country in the world. Without adequate equipment or appropriate government and corporate direction, organized labor has gone to work with grit and determination in the face of a deadly pandemic—no matter the risk.

Here in New York, the epicenter of the COVID-19 crisis, nurses put their own lives at risk to save their fellow New Yorkers—75,000 lives saved and counting. We sound the cry for safer workplace practices not only to protect ourselves, but to protect the public’s health.

A new study of nursing home deaths in New York State found: “[I]n 355 nursing homes with available data, the presence of a health care worker union was associated with a 30 percent relative decrease in COVID-19 mortality rate for residents.

Unions were also associated with a 13.8 percent relative increase in access to N95 masks, a 7.3 percent relative increase in access to eye shields, and a 42 percent relative decrease in COVID-19 infection rate among nursing home residents.”

The study, reported in the September 10 issue of Health Affairs, was conducted by a political scientist and two MDs. It looks at nursing home deaths in New York State from March through May, and is the first to demonstrate that labor unions are associated with reduced COVID-19 infections and deaths in nursing homes.

“Labor unions representing health care workers perform several functions that may reduce SARSCoV-2 transmission,” the study states. “Unions generally demand high staff-to-patient ratios, paid sick leave, and higher wage and benefit levels that reduce staff turnover.

They educate workers about their health and safety rights, work to ensure that such rights are enforced, demand that employers mitigate known hazards, and give workers a collective voice that can improve communication with employers.”

By Pat Kane, RN, NYSNA Executive Director

Unions rally at Foley Square, September 3

Members submitting their COVID diaries, participating in virtual Town Halls, and COVID Action Teams, kept us learning, connecting and organizing throughout these months. When we failed to get answers from hospitals and government authorities, we took to the streets and to the press. We filed lawsuits- affidavits from nurses creating a permanent record of their experience and resolve. Notwithstanding the rulings in those cases, and though the defendants loathe to admit it, the litigations brought some important changes.

We are a powerful voice of patient advocacy and our collective power makes a difference in saving lives.

Unions make America safer We are not alone. We are part of a proud union movement that has stepped up at great personal risk to our health during this crisis.

The United Auto Workers built life-saving ventilators at Ford and General Motors.

United Food and Commercial Workers and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union are keeping the shelves stocked.

Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation (SMART) union members are working tirelessly running freight trains to maintain the flow of goods—such as delivering chlorine-based disinfectants for water, enabling e-commerce,

transporting food, and other essential products.

And the Transport Workers Union and the Amalgamated Transit Union keep us moving.

To name just a few…

The Labor Movement’s commitment in the face of this virus stands in stark contrast to the behavior of corporations and anti-labor politicians. Corporations are busy watching their bottom line while the Labor Movement is busy trying to save lives. CEO pay linked to profit and stock buybacks is the name of their game. Working people, particularly low-wage workers—disproportionately women and workers of color—have largely borne the costs of this pandemic.

Taking off the muzzle Bloomberg Businessweek chronicled a litany of intimidation, threats and firings directed from corporate suites in “Covid Gag Rules at U.S. Companies Are Putting Everyone at Risk.”

“Hundreds of U.S. employers across a wide range of industries have told workers not to share information about Covid-19 cases or even raise concerns about the virus, or have retaliated against workers for doing those things, according to workplace complaints filed with the NLRB and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).”

Continued on page 19

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New York Nurse september 2020

Contract Now Albany Med nurses, families and taxpayers deserve better Albany Med nurses participated in an online survey to assess their current health insurance plan. The survey results are in—and show that Albany Med’s family coverage is inadequate and unaffordable. l3 0% of nurses do not get health insurance through Albany Medical Center. l Among nurses with children under 18, 53% do not get their children’s health insurance through Albany Medical Center. l Among nurses with children, 22% have children who receive health insurance through Child Health Plus.

One nurse shared in the survey comments: “Child Health Plus is cheaper & better than the AMC family plan. The family plan is very expensive.”

AMC’s high cost family care also puts nurses’ kid’s health at risk.

Another commented said, “I am simply delaying all the health care issues of my children, as I simply cannot afford it under this insurance.”

Unfortunately, when Albany Med cuts corners on its nurses’ health, taxpayers pick up the tab. Because Child Health Plus is New York’s state-subsidized Medicaid program, AMC is costing taxpayers every year just to cover nurses’ children.

It is irresponsible and unacceptable for Albany Med to treat its healthcare professionals this way.

That’s why nurses are fighting back at the bargaining table to win the respect and decent benefits they and their families deserve.

Whatever it takes!

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apital District union and community members honored the spirit of Labor Day at a picnic and rally for NYSNA nurses fighting for a fair contract at Albany Medical Center (AMC).

Nurses at Albany Med have been negotiating their first contract with AMC management for more than two years.

The arrival of COVID-19 provided cover for management, who publicly celebrated nurses as heroes, while silencing their safety concerns and cutting their hours, staffing, and salaries—all behind closed doors.

During the worst of the initial COVID-19 surge, AMC was short on staffing and short on supplies.

“We can no longer wait patiently … We must have a voice. We must have respect. We must have a fair contract,” said Jen Bejo, RN, a nurse leader at Albany Med.

Nurses unite NYSNA nurses from Ellis and Bellevue Hospitals, who recently settled a contract that sets the labor union standard for the Capital Region, spoke out in solidarity (see page 18).

Cathy Dawson, RN, a nurse leader at Ellis Hospital, said, “I used to work at Albany Med, so I know firsthand how they have historically treated nurses poorly.

As a large academic medical center, they should be setting the standard for nursing care. At Ellis, we just won an amazing contract because we were persistent—we didn’t back down or give up. We know the Albany Med nurses can do the same, and we Ellis nurses are here in solidarity for as long as it takes.”

A supermajority of the 2,000 nurses at Albany Medical Center voted to authorize a strike if negotiations with the hospital continue to stall.

Nurses turn up the heat A mobile billboard circled the hospital and Albany Med President and CEO Dennis McKenna’s

house, part of a larger campaign that has generated hundreds of emails and phone calls to McKenna, demanding he show respect for COVID nurse heroes and settle a fair contract. Keep those calls coming and the pressure on, say nurses.

Among those present at the rally raising the cry: Congressman Paul Tonko, Assembly Member Carrie Woerner, Assembly Member Phil Steck, Assembly Member Pat Fahey, Assembly Member Angelo Santabarbara, Assembly Member John McDonald III, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Albany City Treasurer Darius Shanfir, North Greenbush Councilwoman Mary Frances Sabo, members of the Capital District Labor Federation, Greater Capital Region Building and Construction Trades Council, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Albany County Central Federation of Labor, Coalition of Labor Union Women, Pride@ Work, The Solidarity Committee, and Albany Teachers Association/ NYSUT as well as community members from the Albany NAACP, Citizen Action, Labor-

Religion Coalition of New York State, Working Families Party, and Veterans for Peace.

Back to the table The nurses at Albany Med now head back to the bargaining table to fight for safe staffing, wage increases, affordable health insurance, and better health and safety measures for nurses and patients.

Behind them: the collective muscle of a steadfast coalition of community members, activists, unions and politicians. Albany County Legislator Dustin Reidy put it this way: “Two years ago they [nurses] voted overwhelmingly to unionize and still AMC refuses to negotiate a fair contract. I’ll keep standing with our nurses as they will always stand and take care of us in our time of deepest need.”

Capital District Area Labor Federation President Mike Blue added: “The Capital District Area Labor Federation and all of our affiliates, members and families stand 100% behind the NYSNA nurses at Albany Med. On this Labor Day, we say fair contract now.”

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2020 Convention, nurses respond to the triple crisis

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n October 20th, NYSNA members from across New York will gather for our union’s first virtual convention, and the timing couldn’t be more critical.

Even before the pandemic, 2020 was going to be a pivotal year for New Yorkers, indeed, for the whole country. But the COVID crisis has exposed staggering shortcomings in our healthcare system and the deep racial disparities in our society.

New Yorkers from every corner of the state have struggled with the unprecedented economic fallout from COVID-19, and we’re heading to the polls in November for what is surely one of the most important election of our lifetimes.

A critical time We know we can’t be face-toface with one another, but through our virtual Convention on October 20th we can take stock of what we’ve been through, honor our collective sacrifices, and mourn the colleagues we’ve lost.

This is a pivotal time for our union, so it’s also important that we come together to strategize and

debate our direction, and what it will take to ensure New York comes out of this pandemic stronger.

Understanding the triple crisis The following charts illustrate the triple crisis we’re facing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Yorkers are hungry for bold solutions from Washington and Albany, but first we much understand the scope of the problems we’re facing.

First there is the pandemic itself.

COVID-19 has infected over 6 million people in the U.S., including nearly half a million New Yorkers. And as the New York Nurse goes to press we are about to pass another sober milestone, with

200,000 people killed by this virus, including more than 25,000 New Yorkers.

COVID-19 has also laid bare the racial inequalities woven throughout our healthcare system and throughout society. As the maps on the following page illustrate, New York’s communities of color have been hardest hit by this virus, driven primarily by the material differences we now call the social determinants of health. On the following page, we also illustrate the economic toll of COVID-19, from unemployment, to loss of health insurance, to food and housing insecurity.

Despite all the challenges we faced last spring, nurses and other frontline healthcare workers have saved the lives of over 76,000 New Yorkers. It’s clear that nurses must have a seat at the table if we want to ensure this never happens again and New York comes out of this crisis stronger. Please join us on October 20th to help chart our course!

New COVID-19 Cases per 100,000, by County

0 10 30

This map is based on county-level data for September 14th, 7-day moving average of new cases, downloaded from the Harvard Global Health Institute, globalepidemics.org.

Register for Convention today nysna.org/2020convention

COVID-19’s Cumulative Impact US

NY

Total 6,522,317 444,948 Cases

Total 186,571 25,394 Deaths COVID-19 case and fatality information are cumulative through September 14, 2020, drawn from covidtracking.com.

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New York Nurse september 2020

COVID-19’s racial disparities, by zip code

These four maps illustrate the ways COVID-19 disproportionately impacted New York City’s Black, Latinx, and Asian communities. Data on the mortality rate per 100,000 residents and percentage of residents testing positive for COVID-19 antibodies are drawn from the New York City Department of Health, as of September 22, 2020.

Demographic data are from the Census Department’s American Community Survey for 2018.

Asthma Emergency Department visits for children age 5 to 17 per 10,000 are from 2012-2014 are drawn from the New York State Department of Health and illustrate the close connection between social determinants of health are COVID-19 outcomes.

COVID-19 Mortality Rate

Neighborhood Demographics

Antibody Testing

Childhood Asthma, ED Visits

The Pandemic’s Economic Fallout Employment

Health Insurance

53 million

27 million people have

thrown out of work

lost coverage, including

including

3.6 million

New Yorkers.

Food Insecurity

1 in 4 households 41% of families with

1.5 million New Yorkers 43 million people at risk.

4 out of 5 will end up on Medicaid.

Housing

young children

40 million people may

43 million people now on

face eviction by January.

food stamps.

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NYSNA 2020 Voter Guide

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ur Voter Guide provides endorsements for State Assembly and State Senate races, and for President of the United States. This Guide lists candidates for elected office—US House of Representatives/Congress, NY State Senate, NY State Assembly— who have been endorsed by NYSNA. For the Presidential race, NYSNA conducted an advisory poll of members in which an overwhelming majority—70%— voted to endorse Joe Biden.

Congratulations to the members who participated in the poll and made their voices heard.

Our ability to address issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis and to pass legislation like safe staffing and healthcare for all depends on each of us doing our part to elect candidates who have stood with nurses and our communities.

How to use this election guide For easy referral, candidates are listed by region and by Assembly or Senate District. There are candidates highlighted in each region who are involved in important races. Many have gone above and beyond to stand with us—on picket lines, at meetings with employers, and wherever we’ve needed their support.

Use this Election Guide to familiarize yourself with the candidates in your district and be prepared to vote—either early voting beginning October 24, on Election Day November 3, or by absentee ballot.

Over the next few weeks, there are a few steps you can take to prepare to vote.

1. Register to vote / Confirm your voter registration!

The New York State Board of Elections web site provides links for registering, checking your voter registration, changing political party affiliation, district maps, and more: www.elections.ny.gov Share the link with family and friends who aren’t yet registered or want to confirm that their registration is current.

You can register to vote online, by mail or in person 25 days before Election Day. If registering by mail, it must be postmarked 25 days before Election Day and received 20 days before Election Day.

2. Early voting starts October 24 You can avoid the crowds and vote in person each day between Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, November 1. Find your polling location here: https://voterlookup. elections.ny.gov/.

NYC residents can look up their polling site at https://nyc. pollsitelocator.com/search.

3. Request an absentee ballot If you will be out of town on November 3 or wish to limit your exposure to COVID-19, you can request an absentee ballot. You can request your absentee ballot online by visiting the State Board of Elections website at https:// www.elections.ny.gov/votingabsentee.html. NYC residents can also request an absentee ballot online: https://nycabsentee.com/ The deadline to send in your absentee ballot application by email, mail or fax is October 27. You will receive your absentee ballot by mail, which must be sent to the Board of elections by November 3.

Volunteer to GOTV! Please consider volunteering your time over the next several

weeks to ensure NYSNA-endorsed candidates are elected. With several opportunities to elect and re-elect NYSNA champions, we have an excellent opportunity to change the landscape of New York politics to move a bold agenda to protect the public’s health including staffing, healthcare for all, and fair taxation. NYSNA is also partnering with our labor allies to get out the vote for President and Vice President in battleground states. Take the pledge to vote and sign up to volunteer at https:// nysna.salsalabs.org/pledgetovote

Know your right to vote!

In New York State, a registered voter may, without loss of pay for up to three hours, take off so much working time as will enable him or her to vote at any election.

The employee shall be allowed time off for voting only at the beginning or end of his or her working shift, as the employer may designate, unless otherwise mutually agreed.

If the employee requires working time off to vote the employee shall notify his or her employer not less than two working days before the day of the election that he or she requires time off to vote in accordance with the provisions of this section.

Not less than ten working days before every election, every employer shall post conspicuously in the place of work where it can be seen as employees come or go to their place of work, a notice setting forth the provisions of this section.

Such notice shall be kept posted until the close of the polls on election day.

If you wish to volunteer for a political campaign or as a poll worker, you can request time off from your employer through the usual process.

November 3 is fast approaching!

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Joe Biden/Kamala Harris for President/Vice President

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acked by a large majority—70%—in our recent membership advisory poll concluded on September 3, Democrat Joe Biden has received NYSNA’s endorsement for President of the United States. Born to a working class family, Joe Biden has dedicated his life to public service, becoming one of the youngest people ever elected to the U.S. Senate at age 29.

He served for eight years as President Obama’s Vice President, advocating for the middle class, a lasting economic recovery after the 2008 Great Recession, and the expansion of healthcare access through the Affordable Care Act. Biden has framed his candidacy as a battle for the soul of the nation; and his values and priorities match many of NYSNA nurses’, including ensuring healthcare for all, respecting and protecting frontline workers, strengthening union power, tackling systemic racism, climate justice, and ending gun violence.

We encourage members to vote for Joe Biden on the Working Families Party ballot line.

Healthcare

Kamala Harris has served as a California Senator since 2017. She previously served as California’s attorney general, focusing on protecting homeowners hit by the foreclosure crisis, defending California’s landmark climate change law, protecting the Affordable Care Act, helping win marriage equality for all Californians, and prosecuting transnational gangs that trafficked in guns, drugs, and human beings. She is accustomed to blazing trails in many of her positions.

If elected Vice President, Harris would be the first African-American, South Asian-American, and woman to hold that office.

Biden believes healthcare is a right for all, not a privilege for just a few. His healthcare plan focuses on protecting the Affordable Care Act and expanding on it to give Americans more choice, reduce health care costs, and make our health care system less complex to navigate. He would create a public option, expand access to mental healthcare, improve affordability through tax credits, and take on the power of the pharmaceutical industry by allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices and allowing patients to buy prescription drugs from other countries. He would defend healthcare protections for all, regardless of gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. He would also create a national strategy to reduce our nation’s unacceptably high maternal mortality rate,

which disproportionately impacts women of color.

COVID-19 and Essential Workers Biden will focus on respecting essential workers through the immediate COVID-19 crisis and for the long-term, through raising wages, guaranteeing quality, affordable health care, providing free tuition for public higher education, and encouraging unionization and collective bargaining. More immediately, he is calling on the Trump administration to give priority access to PPE and COVID testing to frontline workers, use the Defense Production Act to produce an adequate supply of PPE, establish and enforce health and safety standards for workplaces, and enact premium pay for frontline workers putting themselves at risk.

Biden also promises to increase economic recovery aid to the unemployed and small businesses.

Strengthening Union Power Biden believes that strong unions built the middle class, and he intends to roll back the right-wing war on workers that has reduced the bargaining power of workers and caused income inequality to soar to historic heights. His plan is to aggressively enforce labor law and pursue employers who engage in wage theft, including making employees work through breaks, or work overtime without overtime pay. He supports the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), which penalizes companies and their executives for union-busting and bargaining in bad faith. He will extend the right to organize to public employees in every state, repeal the Taft-Hartley provisions that allow states to impose “right to work” laws, and allow workers to organize via “card check.”

Tackling Systemic Racism Biden believes that strengthening America’s commitment to justice requires rooting out systemic racism from our laws, our policies, our

institutions, and our hearts. His plan is to make investments that end racial disparities in healthcare, close the racial wealth gap through fair lending, home ownership and small business initiatives, expand access to high-quality education, promote diversity, equity and inclusion in schools and workplaces, and make the right to vote and the right to equal protection real for African Americans. Biden understands that our criminal justice system cannot be just unless we root out the racial, gender, and income-based disparities in the system.

Climate Justice Biden believes that climate change is real, is man-made, and poses an existential threat—not just to our environment, but to our health, our communities, our national security, and our economic well-being. His clean energy plan resembles the Green New Deal, with a focus on moving to a 100% clean energy economy and with net-zero emissions no later than 2050, a just transition for workers in pollution-based industries, and a focus on stopping polluters who disproportionately harm communities of color and low-income communities.

Ending gun violence Biden views gun violence as a public health epidemic. While in the Senate in the 90s, he championed the bills that established the background check system and the ten-year ban on assault rifles. As President, we would renew and strengthen these initiatives to keep weapons of war off our streets and out of the hands of criminals, as well as people unable to manage their affairs for mental reasons, which President Trump reversed.

He will also take on the deadly connection between domestic violence and gun violence and provide more support and trauma-centered care to survivors of violence and their communities.

[References: www.joebiden.com]

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Highlighted Races United stateS Congress Long Island

Central NY CD-22 Anthony Brindisi Anthony Brindsi is running for re-election to New York’s 22nd Congressional District. He has advocated against the rising costs of prescription drug prices and voted to protect the Affordable Care Act in Congress. While in

CD-21 Tedra Cobb

CD-2 Jackie Gordon Jackie Gordon is running for Congress in Long Island’s District 2. Gordon is a combat veteran and a retired high school guidance counselor. She has made affordable and accessible healthcare a top issue in her campaign. “Our nurses provide critical, lifesaving care to our community every day,” she says. “I’m proud to stand with them in advocating for every American’s right to quality, affordable healthcare.”

Staten Island CD-11 Max Rose Max Rose is a US Army veteran who has served Congressional District 11, representing Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn, since 2018. He has advocated for improving veterans’ healthcare and has proposed measures to lower healthcare costs and move towards universal coverage. He’s also focused on addressing the opioid epidemic, bringing a medical clinic and drug recovery center to Staten Island. Most recently, he fought to expand COVID-19 testing and funding for community health centers during the pandemic. Max Rose’s record shows he sees the local issues nurses face and is committed to solving them.

Tedra Cobb is running to represent New York’s 21st Congressional District. Cobb has experience on the frontlines, having worked as a corrections counselor, a volunteer firefighter, and in HIV/AIDS outreach. She started a community health agency in 1999, expanding critical healthcare infrastructure in Northern New York. She previously served on the St. Lawrence County Legislature, where she led a successful initiative to lower prescription drug costs. She has committed to expanding access to healthcare in Congress, with a special focus on the needs of our rural hospitals and the nurses that serve them. She stood alongside Nathan Littauer nurses in their last contract campaign.

Max Rose at NYSNA’s 2018 Convention

the New York State Assembly, he has voted for safe staffing legislation and has stood alongside St. Elizabeth nurses during their last contract fight. He continues to stand alongside them in their current contract fight and holds district meetings with nurses to discuss staffing issues during the COVID pandemic.

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New York State Senate Long Island

“It is a great honor to have the endorsement and support of the New York State Nurses Association and its true frontline professionals, who protected and cared for our residents during the Covid19 pandemic.

Our efforts in safeguarding our communities would not be possible without the dedication and capabilities of nurses.”

Senator Pete Harckham

NYSNA nurse leaders got out the vote for State Senator Gounardes back in 2018.

SD-3 Monica Martinez Monica Martinez is running for reelection to New York’s 3rd Senate District. She is a member of the Alcoholism & Substance Abuse, Budget & Revenues, and Labor Committees, just to name a few.

Senator Martinez authored legislation protecting and expanding a woman’s right to quality healthcare, as well as co-sponsored one of the most progressive pieces of climate change legislation in the country. When she was elected in 2018, NYSNA did not endorse her, but she has since been an advocate for NYSNA nurses, co-sponsoring both the NY Health Act and the Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act. Her general election is a priority for Democrats in LI, since her seat is at risk, and her challenger Alex Weik is very conservative. Labor is rallying behind her, including CWA, IBEW, Steamfitters, RWDSU, Laborers, Teamsters, and NYSUT.

Committee, he has authored and co-sponsored legislation to protect individual’s health data, especially communities of color, from exploitation. Senator Thomas has advocated for nurses’ priorities, such as legislation for safe staffing ratios and the NY Health Act. In August, he rallied alongside nurses at LIJ Valley Stream for a new contract and better working conditions.

NYC SD-22 Andrew Gounardes Andrew Gounardes is running for

re-election in New York’s 22nd State Senate District. Throughout his time in the Senate, he has taken action to protect and empower nurses, patients, and workers.

He championed the recently won COVID-19 death benefit bill for public sector workers, including Health + Hospital/ Mayorals nurses. He also introduced legislation requiring all public sector employers to implement plans to protect public workers and the public health during COVID, which was recently signed into law by the Governor.

SD-6 Kevin Thomas Kevin Thomas was elected in 2018 to represent the 6th District in Nassau County, becoming the first Indian-American in New York history to serve in the State Senate. As Chair of the Consumer Protection

State Senator Kevin Thomas rallies with nurses outside LIJ Valley Stream in August.

NEW YORK NURSE september 2020

New York State Senate Hudson Valley

SD-39 James Skoufis James Skoufis is running for reelection in New York’s 29th Senate District, representing much of Orange County. Elected in 2019, he has fought alongside nurses by supporting important legislation, such as the Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act. During the pandemic, Senator Skoufis helped distribute hundreds of masks and hand sanitizers in his district and hosted a COVID-19 testing site for first responders. When the NYSDOH released their flawed report on nurse staffing enhancements that inflated cost estimates, Senator Skoufis was among the lawmakers who stepped up to condemn the report.

SD-40 Peter Harckham Pete Harckham is running for reelection in New York’s 40th State Senate District. Pete has been a strong advocate for safe staffing ratios, a fair contract and worker protections, and a fair state budget where the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share. Throughout the pandemic, he has joined alongside COVID nurse heroes at NYPHudson Valley Hospital who have been fighting for a fair contract for nearly two years.

SD-42 Jen Metzger Jen Metzger is running for reelection in New York’s State Senate District 42. She understands the need for patients in her district to have access to essential healthcare services, like inpatient mental

healthcare and detox services at Health Alliance Hudson Valley in Kingston. Jen is the strong advocate we need in Albany to fight for healthcare, education, the environment, and the economy.

ECMC nurses meet with Senator Sean Ryan in Albany during a 2018 Lobby Day

Western NY SD-60 Sean Ryan Sean Ryan is running for New York’s 60th Senate District. He was first elected to New York State Assembly in 2011, where he has advocated for nurses’ priorities such as safe staffing legislation. He has highlighted the need for safe staffing ratios in nursing homes and has urged state lawmakers to pass the bill during COVID-19.

Senator Peter Harckham spoke out in solidarity with NYP-Hudson Valley Hospital nurses fighting for a first contract this summer.

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New York Nurse september 2020

NY State Assembly NYC

Capital Region AD-110 Phil Steck Phil Steck is running for reelection to New York’s 110th Assembly District, which he has represented since 2013. Phil has been a strong advocate for nurses and the Capital Region’s working

families. He has co-sponsored safe staffing legislation and the New York Health Act. From standing alongside Bellevue Women’s Center nurses in 2013 to rallying with Albany Medical Center nurses in 2020, he has always been in solidarity with nurses in their fight for a fair contract.

AD-76 Rebecca Seawright Rebecca Seawright is lifelong Democrat running for re-election to New York’s 76th Assembly District on the “Rise and Unite” ballot line. At the height of the pandemic, Rebecca helped deliver thousands of PPE to hospitals and nursing homes in her district. Rebecca has always supported nurse’s priorities such as staff staffing ratios in our healthcare facilities.

Assembly Member Phil Steck spoke out on Labor Day 2020, ready to do “whatever it takes” to support Albany Med nurses.

NEW YORK NURSE september 2020

CENTRAL NY

District Candidate (affiliation)

NYS SENATE SD 50 John Mannion

Long Island

SD 53 Rachel May

NY02 Jackie Gordon NY03 Tom Suozzi

NYS ASSEMBLY AD 115 Billy Jones

(D-WFP)

(D)

Greg Meeks

(D-WFP)

NY07 Nydia Velazquez NY08 Hakeem Jeffries NY10 Jerry Nadler

NYS SENATE SD 3 Monica Martinez

(D-WFP)

NY09 Yvette Clarke

(D)

LONG ISLAND

(D)

NY06 Grace Meng

NY11 Max Rose

(D-WFP)

AD 119 Marianne Buttenschon

New York City NY05

(D-WFP)

(D-WFP) (D-WFP)

(D)

(D-WFP)

(D)

NY12 Carolyn Maloney NY13 Adriano Espaillat

(D)

NY14 Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

SD 4

Christine Pellegrino

SD 5

James Gaughran

SD 6

Kevin Thomas

SD 7

Anna Kaplan

SD 8

John Brooks

(D-WFP)

NYS ASSEMBLY AD 1 Fred Thiele

(D-WFP)

(D)

(D)

(D) (D)

SD 9 Todd Kaminsky

(D-WFP)

(D)

(D)

(D-WFP)

Westchester/ Hudson Valley

AD 2 Laura Jens-Smith

(D)

NY16 Jamaal Bowman

(D-WFP)

AD 4 Steve Englebright

(D-WFP)

NY17 Mondaire Jones

(D-WFP)

AD 6 Phil Ramos

NY18 Sean Patrick Maloney NY19 Antonio Delgado

(D-WFP)

(D-WFP)

Capital/ North Country Region NY20 Paul Tonko

(D-WFP)

NY21 Tedra Cobb

(D-WFP)

NY State

AD 15 Mike Montesano

(R)

(D)

AD 22 Michaelle Solages

(D-WFP)

NYS SENATE SD 35 Andrea Stewart-Cousins

SD 45 Kimberly Davis

(D-WFP)

AD 113 Carrie Woerner

(D)

(D-WFP)

(D-WFP)

AD 93 Chris Burdick

(D-WFP)

(WFP)

(D-WFP)

NYS ASSEMBLY AD 92 Thomas Abinanti

(D)

AD 111 Angelo Santabarbara

SD 41 Karen Smythe SD 42 Jen Metzger

(D)

AD 97 Ellen Jaffee

(D-WFP)

(D-WFP)

(D-WFP)

AD 100 Aileen Gunther AD 103 Kevin Cahill

(D-WFP)

(D-WFP)

AD 104 Jonathan Jacobson AD 106 Didi Barrett

(D)

(D-WFP)

SD 40 Peter Harckham

(D-WFP)

SD 46 Michelle Hinchey

(D-WFP)

SD 38 Elijah Reichlin-Melnik

(D-WFP)

(D-WFP)

(D-WFP)

SD 39 James Skoufis

AD 112 Joe Seeman

(R)

(D)

SD 37 Shelley Mayer

CAPITAL REGION

NYS ASSEMBLY AD 109 Patricia Fahy

(D)

AD 14 David McDonough

SD 36 Jamaal Bailey

NYS SENATE SD 44 Neil Breslin

(D)

WESTCHESTER/ HUDSON VALLEY (D-WFP)

NY27 Nate McMurray

AD 110 Phil Steck

AD 13 Charles Lavine

AD 21 Judy Griffin

(D-WFP)

Western New York NY26 Brian Higgins

AD 11 Kimberly Jean-Pierre

AD 18 Taylor Darling

(D-WFP)

NY22 Anthony Brindisi

(D-WFP)

(D-WFP)

(D-WFP)

NYSNA Voter Guide

US Congress

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New York Nurse september 2020

NYSNA Voter Guide

14

WESTERN NY

AD 57 Phara Souffrant Forrest

NYS SENATE SD 55 Samra Brouk

AD 59 Jaime Williams

(D-WFP)

AD 60 Charles Barron

(D)

(D-WFP)

SD 56 Jeremy Cooney SD 60 Sean Ryan

AD 61 Charles Fall

(D-WFP)

SD 61 Jacqui Berger

(D-WFP)

SD 63 Tim Kennedy

(D-WFP)

NYS ASSEMBLY AD 141 Crystal Peoples-Stokes

NYS SENATE SD 23 Diane Savino (D)

(D)

AD 64 Brandon Patterson

(D-WFP)

AD 146 Karen McMahon

(D)

NYS ASSEMBLY AD 63 Michael Cusick

(D-WFP)

AD 143 Monica Wallace

(D)

STATEN ISLAND

(D-WFP)

AD 142 Patrick Burke

NYC QUEENS

SD 28 Liz Krueger

NYS SENATE SD 10 James Sanders Jr.

SD 31 Robert Jackson

(D-WFP)

(D-WFP)

NYS ASSEMBLY AD 65 Yuh-Line Niou

(D-WFP)

(D-WFP)

(D-WFP)

(D-WFP)

SD 12 Mike Gianaris

(D-WFP)

AD 69 Daniel O’Donnell

SD 13 Jessica Ramos

(D-WFP)

AD 70 Inez Dickens AD 71 Al Taylor

NYS ASSEMBLY AD 24 David Weprin

AD 29 Alicia Hyndman AD 30 Brian Barnwell

AD 34 Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas

(D-WFP)

AD 76 Rebecca Seawright

(D-WFP)

(D)

AD 36 Zohran Kwame Momdani AD 40 Ronald Kim

(D-WFP)

AD 75 Richard Gottfried (D-WFP)

(D)

(D-WFP)

(D-WFP)

(D-WFP)

(D-WFP)

AD 74 Harvey Epstein

(D)

AD 31 Khaleel Anderson

AD 39 Catalina Cruz

(D)

(D-WFP)

AD 73 Dan Quart

(D)

(D)

AD 35 Jeffrion Aubry

(D)

AD 72 Carmen de la Rosa

(D)

AD 27 Daniel Rosenthal

(D)

MANHATTAN

(D-WFP)

NYS SENATE SD 27 Brad Hoylman

SD 11 John Liu

(WFP)

BRONX NYS SENATE SD 32 Luis Sepulveda

(D-WFP)

SD 33 Gustavo Rivera

(D-WFP)

SD 34 Alessandra Biaggi

(D-WFP)

BROOKLYN

SD 35 Andrea Stewart-Cousins

NYS SENATE SD 20 Zellnor Myrie

SD 36 Jamaal Bailey

(D-WFP)

NYS ASSEMBLY AD 77 Latoya Joyner

(D)

SD 21 Kevin Parker

(D-WFP)

(D)

SD 22 Andrew Gounardes SD 25 Jabari Brisport

(D-WFP)

(D-WFP)

(D-WFP)

AD 43 Diana Richardson

(D-WFP)

(D-WFP)

AD 46 Mathylde Frontus AD 52 Jo Anne Simon AD 55 Latrice Walker

(D-WFP)

(D)

(D)

AD 80 Nathalia Fernandez AD 83 Carl Heastie

(D-WFP)

(D)

(D)

AD 84 Amanda Septimo

NYS ASSEMBLY AD 41 Helene Weinstein AD 44 Robert Carroll

(D)

AD 86 Victor Pichardo AD 87 Karines Reyes

(D-WFP)

(D)

(D-WFP)

For a full list of NYSNA endorsements, including for elections in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, please visit www.nysna.org/2020-endorsements

NEW YORK NURSE

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september 2020

Workers’ Comp

A win for our side

O

n September 16, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) with the Workers’ Compensation Board issued a breakthrough ruling: a New York registered nurse who had contracted COVID-19 while working with infected patients was awarded benefits.

Unlike prior claims, point of contact on the job or proof of exposure through an individual patient was not the determining factor. Rather, the prevalence of COVID-19 in a New York City hospital meant that a nurse who fell ill should be entitled to benefits.

Until this ruling, in order to receive workers’ compensation, infected front-line workers have been asked to prove they contracted the virus on the job.

The nurse, who worked at a major New York City medical cen-

ter at the height of the COVID-19 crisis, experienced serious complications from COVID. The RN testified that she had been exposed multiple times at work.

That did not stop the medical center from fighting her claim. The medical center’s insurer initially denied the nurse her benefits, stating she had not contracted the virus at work.

covid-19 was prevalent at a major NYC medical center The ALJ saw it differently.

COVID-19 was prevalent at the medical center, the ALJ found. The level of exposure was “extraordinary.” The Judge awarded both wage replacement benefits and medical care and treatment benefits for ongoing COVID-19 complications.

The RN in the case reported, above, was represented by the

law firm of Grey and Grey LLP. It is important for nurses whose benefits are initially denied to consider obtaining an attorney specializing in workers compensation (who work on a commission basis). RNs should also make sure to submit medical documentation of treatment and testing results to the Workers’ Compensation Board so their case will be considered.

Thousands of NYSNA nurses were sickened from their exposure to the COVID-19 virus at work so far this year.

A legal “presumption” in these cases is a top priority for NYSNA. We are working with union allies and supportive politicians to seek legislation so that recovery in these cases can be accomplished expeditiously before the Workers’ Compensation Board.

“It is outrageous that nurses who served during Covid to heal their community are now being denied coverage when they need it. No one knows the long-term ramifications of this disease. We need to be united in our fight for presumption so every healthcare worker is covered.”

Renee Tucker, RN, NYSNA

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New York Nurse september 2020

NYSNA Board Member Judith Cutchin, RN, President of NYSNA’s NYC Health + Hospital/Mayoral nurses Executive Council, is at microphone, center. In August and September, Cutchin spoke at speak outs/press conferences at two NYC H + H Hospitals: Elmhurst and Bellevue.

No to budget cuts!

N NYSNA Board Member Anne Bové, RN, spoke at press conferences at Bellevue Hospital (above) and Elmhurst Hospital. Her legacy in patient care and mentoring nursing students at Bellevue Hospital is renowned.

ew York City’s public hospital nurses were on the frontlines during COVID-19, saving countless patients from this deadly virus. Now they are leading the fight against a looming threat to the public’s health—devastating budget cuts.

For months Albany has warned that healthcare, public transit, and school funding could face steep cuts if Washington doesn’t pass another COVID stimulus bill. But with Congress still deadlocked, a 20 percent across-theboard state budget cut is a clear and present danger. This year’s budget already included $2.5 billion in Medicaid cuts, and that’s

why NYSNA, led by New York City Health + Hospital/Mayoral nurses, have been organizing to say no to these crippling cuts.

Building a movement Over the summer, hundreds of NYSNA members participated in town hall meetings, discussing how New York can raise muchneeded revenue and planning actions to amplify our message.

Nurses kicked off NYSNA’s revenue campaign on August 25th in the Bronx, with demonstrations at Jacobi Medical Center and Lincoln Hospital. Hundreds of NYSNA members, elected officials, and community were on hand to demand immediate relief from

(at microphone) Patricia Tyrrell, RN, NYC Health + Hospital/Mayoral nurses

Bellevue Hospital nurses

Washington, and tell Albany it’s time for the richest New Yorkers to pay their fair share.

“We’ve done so much with so little for so long, there are those now who are convinced we can do

public hospitals

NEW YORK NURSE september 2020

everything with nothing. These budget cuts will destroy our public hospital system,” Sonia Lawrence, an RN at Lincoln Medical Center.

Public hospitals like Lincoln and Jacobi are the backbone of care in working class communities across New York City, particularly communities of color. “If you care about justice, if you care about equity, if you care about healthcare, if you care about immigrants, if you care about Black and Brown communities, if you care about nurses, don’t you dare cut the funding,” said Assemblyman Mike Blake.

On September 9, NYSNA members took the revenue campaign to Queens, rallying in front of Elmhurst hospital, once the global epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our hospital has been pushed to the brink by COVID19,” said Anthony Graniela, a nurse at Elmhurst hospital. “If Elmhurst can survive this pandemic, imagine with the right resources, the right staff, the right attention what we could accomplish.”

Richest New Yorkers must pay fair share Speaking to the crowd gathered in front of Elmhurst hospital, Judith Cutchin, RN, president of the NYC Health + Hospitals Executive Council, outlined the stakes of this fight. “The public hospital system has been severely underfunded for generations,” she said, pointing out that the proposed cuts could drain over $800 million from the Health + Hospitals system. “Some of our patients can’t afford any payment at all,” Cutchin noted.

Elmhurst Hospital nurses

“But they are welcome here. We take care of all New Yorkers.”

Nurses recognize the severe economic fallout from COVID-19, with over 3.5 million New Yorkers thrown out of work, and 1.5 million losing their employer-provided health insurance. But nurses have also been quick to point out that New York’s 118 billionaires have had a different experience, seeing their fortunes increase by $77 billion between March and June.

On Tuesday September 15, NYSNA members rallied outside Bellevue Hospital, carrying our revenue message forward. Elected officials and community leaders joined nurses to say it’s time for the wealthiest New Yorkers to pay their fair share.

“Bellevue nurses helped save New York from Ebola and COVID-19, but we won’t be able to save it from the massive budget and Medicaid cuts on the horizon,” said Todd Schultz, RN

and LBU President at Bellevue.

“COVID-19 was a reminder that the people of NYC and our entire healthcare system, including private sector hospitals, depend on public sector hospitals to function.

Our work is essential and should be fully-funded. If the federal government is not willing to do the right thing and deliver funding to defeat COVID-19 and the economic crisis, New York State and City must step up!”

“A 20% cut will obliterate us. It will be the death of the public system.”

Sonia Lawrence, RN, Lincoln Hospital Sonia Lawrence, RN, Lincoln Hospital

Todd Schultz, RN, Bellevue Hospital

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New York Nurse september 2020

A

Upstate contract wins! key underpinning to an entire region’s progress in winning RN contracts was strengthened at Ellis Hospital and Bellevue Woman’s Center, as both ratified contracts in September. These wins demonstrated significant progress on nurse and patient safety issues. The four-year master contract for both establishes guidelines on RN-to-patient ratios, allows nurses to work part-time and receive full-time individual insurance starting at age 62, added

together for our patients, our families and ourselves,” said Jennifer Gunderman, RN, Bellevue Woman’s Center. “Despite the enormous challenges we faced during this pandemic we were able to secure safe staffing for our patients and improvements to our benefit package and language that will help us recruit and retain nurses. We will establish a committee with management that addresses diversity and fights racism that I believe will

registered nurse at Ellis Medicine for 37 years. “Every nurse at Ellis Medicine and Bellevue Woman’s Center cares deeply about giving our patients safe and quality care.

This contract ensures that when you come to the hospital, Capital Region patients get the gold-star care that they deserve.”

“The RNs of Ellis Medicine and Bellevue Woman’s Hospital have achieved significant contractual gains,” said Patricia Donahue, RN, who works the post-anesthesia care unit at Ellis. “Safe patient care is a basic human right and all nurses should have a say in guidelines and unit-based staffing committees are provided in the new contract.

All hospitals in the Capital Region should strive to meet these standards to ensure the highest quality patient care.”

Strong contract gains

Nurses tell Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital what to do

a longevity bonus, and established self-scheduling.

Earlier this year, Bellevue Woman’s Center, announced the opening of its new Maternal Fetal Medicine Practice to help deliver more care to women with high-risk pregnancies and perform level two ultrasounds. This new practice will also help treat women who have pregnancy complications or have underlying health issues that can affect pregnancy.

“We are so proud of the contract we have accomplished here

become a model for workplaces throughout the state and perhaps the country itself.”

There are 600 nurses at Ellis Medicine in Schenectady, making it the third largest healthcare system in the Albany area. Bellevue Woman’s employs just short of 120 RNs and is located in Niskayuna.

Safe patient care top priority “What a win for our patients!

The new contract is going to make people’s lives healthier and better,” said Catherine Lucas, a

Contracts for both facilities include the creation of a nursing resource team (NRT) that provides a mechanism for immediate relief for RNs when unsafe staffing is encountered during their shifts.

At Ellis, 15 FTEs are being added in a joint NYSNA-management allocation process. Float pools are being established to provide additional staffing relief.

The Ellis Medicine contract also provides stronger union security, an important goal of members in the bargaining unit.

At Bellevue Woman’s enforceable staffing guidelines and unit-based staffing committees are provided in the new contract.

Immediate wage increases of 15-18 percent, 24-27 percent over the four-year deals, were won at the two hospitals. These wages make RNs at Ellis Medicine and Bellevue Woman’s among the highest paid nurses in the region.

“This is a very good contract and will set a new wage standard for nurses in the Capital Region,” said Vickie Decker, RN, of Bellevue Woman’s. “In addition to wage increases for all members, this contract also contains major healthcare gains. This contract is something to be very proud of.”

NEW YORK NURSE september 2020

Unions: the time is now Continued from page 3

The escalations of threats meant to silence healthcare workers were the most egregious.

According to Business Insider, Hospital Corporation of America informed their employees that anyone who publicly discusses their coronavirus policies could face suspension or even termination.

Bloomberg news reported that NYU Langone Health system informed employees that they would face disciplinary action for talking to media outlets without prior authorization.

NYSNA nurses across New York faced similar threats.

By the end of May, OSHA had received more than 1,600 whistleblower complaints related to COVID-19.

Thousands of OSHA complaints about COVID safety issues have yielded citations against just two companies.

But our resolve remained strong—Union Strong—standing united, we won’t be silenced. We took action.

On June 17, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed into law an amendment to the New York healthcare whistleblower law to create a new protected category, “improper quality of workplace safety,” and to expand protected channels to include news and social media outlets for reporting violations of improper quality of patient care or workplace safety.

Protection for our voices Under the new amendment, healthcare employers cannot take retaliatory action because an employee complains to the press or on social media about workplace conditions that significantly threaten both patient and employee health and safety. A healthcare employee may seek enforcement in a civil action for an injunction, reinstatement, with back pay and benefits, and legal costs.

Employers are also liable for fines of up to $10,000.

Union members raising their voices led to this important vic-

tory for all healthcare workers and patients. Two labor women, State Senator Diane Savino and State Assembly Member Karines Reyes, RN—one of our own—heard us and sponsored this legislation.

Together, we rallied the support needed to get it done.

Here’s some of the new law’s language: “… no employer shall take retaliatory action against any employee because the employee does any of the following: (a) discloses or threatens to disclose to a supervisor, or to a public body, to a news media outlet, or to a social media forum … an activity, policy or practice of the employer or agent that the employee, in good faith, reasonably believes constitutes improper quality of patient care or improper quality of workplace safety” There is talk already among fellow patient advocates and allies to expand whistleblower laws further.

It will take our union movement to set America right. The time is now.

Reopen inpatient psych services Closings of inpatient psychiatric services are adding up at major hospital systems. Some promise the closings are temporary; others have simply shuddered the service. Meanwhile, need is mounting. Ulster County reported that opioid overdoses are running at nearly twice last year’s rate to date.

NYSNA members are taking action. In Town Halls that drew participants from around the state and at press conferences from the top of Manhatttan,

to Kingston, Brooklyn and Syosset, NYSNA has brought together psychiatric RNs with patients and their families, public health experts, advocates and politicians in a NYSNA member working group on the closures. The message: re-open these critical inpatient psych units without delay.

We welcome in this issue of New York Nurse a message from a partner in our working group on the closures, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Don’t lose psych beds

T

he COVID-19 outbreak has prompted a renewed attention given to mental health, and New York State should be applauded for integrating mental health services into their COVID-19 response; however, we cannot lose sight of the fact that this silver-lining surrounds a serious thunderstorm when it comes to mental health treatment, and to make matters worse we may not have shelter from this storm.

While COVID-19 has increased the need for mental health services, it is also allowing hospitals to reduce and eliminate vital inpatient psychiatric beds due to the state mandate that 30% of hospitals’

beds be available in case of another COVID surge. Many hospitals have disproportionately targeted psychiatric beds for elimination in order to meet the mandate. Some hospitals have totally eliminated their psychiatric beds; in many cases we fear that the beds will be lost for good, as hospitals have long aimed to abolish these beds due to their lack of profitability in relation to other health issues requiring hospitalization.

In the most drastic example, Kingston Hospital, the sole inpatient psychiatric provider for Ulster, Delaware and Otsego counties, has totally eliminated their psychiatric unit. We are also see-

ing this trend in New York City and Long Island, despite the fact that there was already a chronic shortage of beds throughout the state prior to COVID-19. As the Kingston example demonstrates, too many people are already traveling long distances to access services. This reduction will only make a bad situation much worse.

As the need for psychiatric services increases, we must ensure that we have a system in place to meet that need.

Matt Matthew Shapiro Associate Director, Public Affairs NAMI-NYS www.naminys.org

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NEW YORK NURSE

Non-Profit US Postage Paid NYSNA

september 2020

131 West 33rd Street, 4th Floor New York, NY 10001

INSIDE

AMC contract now! p. 4

NYSNA 2020 VOTER GUIDE pp. 7-14

No to budget cuts! pp. 16-17