Nynurse si junejuly

New York

nurse staten island Edition | june/july 2018

the official publication of the new york state nurses association

Siuh members and the Executive Committee

CONTRACT WIN AT SIUH-NORTHWELL!!, p.11 A win on safe staffing!

pp. 3, 11

Strong unions can defeat Janus, pp. 4-6

Governor Cuomo commits on staffing and orders protection of RN rights on job

Election results: NYSNA Board of Directors & Delegates, pp. 7-10

2

New York Nurse june/july 2018

Suffer the little children

N

By Judy SheridanGonzalez, RN, NYSNA President

o one can argue against enter the profession because we care, kids in the richest nation on earth!

Thousands of children of immihow precious our children we have empathy and compassion, grants are separated from their are to us: as parents, as we are thirsty for knowledge and parents and caregivers—a quantity families and as a society. want to make a contribution toward that has mushroomed exponenAll animal species develop elaboa greater good. This is why we are tially as a result of impossible-torate plans to protect their young. the most trusted and respected probelieve federal rulings.

It is a biological necessity. Among fession in every public survey. humans, it is a moral imperative.

But, having said that, experiAn international community So when people turn a blind eye enced nurses have a unique and to child abuse, it becomes a cause critically important role to play in If our youngest and most vulfor great concern. If we don’t pronurturing younger colleagues. This nerable populations are so importect the most vulnerable and innois the scientific basis for longevity tant, why are we not up in arms, cent among us, what does that say pay and experience differentials. way beyond even the formidable about us as a people?

Doctors call in specialists for conturnouts we are seeing? Have we In primitive societbecome a complacent ies, in many of our society wherein we countries of origin and cocoon ourselves in even in the last century, our air-conditioned children were seen as homes, buried in our the responsibility of electronic devices, the clan or tribe or obsessing over reality extended organizationTV, sports and celebal structure. Did we rities while real-life somehow lose our princonditions in our cities, ciples along the way? nation and world pose When did so many of as merely an irritating our United States citibackdrop? zens become so “me” We are an internaThere can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than oriented instead of tional community. the way in which it treats its children.” -Nelson Mandela “we” embracing?

Our interconnectivity is unavoidable. What happens in sultation when they are stymied in Nurses eat their young—true or Syria resonates from Australia to diagnosing and treating patients. false?

Denmark to Canada. The United Nurses, on the other hand, ask States used to serve as a beacon of experienced coworkers.

This statement derives from a hope for oppressed and desperate Creating a supportive and lovtotally skewed perspective. Nurses, populations. There was no such ing environment in our facilities like the rest of society, are maniputhing as “illegal” immigration depends on how we treat one lated to feel alienated from one (except for the Chinese—another another and how we treat our another. Our selfish orientation— patients. It takes a special person to story…) until 1923, less than 100 perpetuated by a power structure years ago. So for those folks who resist the temptation to solely prothat maintains its control precisely say: “My grandparents came over tect oneself. And I know that there by keeping us all apart—serves its legally”—of course they did! There are so many special people among purpose well in a work place that were no “illegals” back then! thrives on conformity. If we are sus- us! Bridging the divides among us If we are concerned about being picious and ignorant of one another, is a first step in forging understandsegregated by age, gender, race, eth- ing and generating mutual support. “crowded out” by “others,” we have a responsibility to understand Nurses don’t “eat their young;” nicity, religion, sexual orientation the roots of problems elsewhere. new nurses aren’t “just in it for the and country of origin, it is much money.” We are all individuals with Developed nations have played a harder to unite around the issues critical role in fostering internasomething valuable to bring to the we share and desire: safe staffing, table. But we won’t know that if we tional misery. We have to work as decent salaries and benefits, quality a worldwide community to address don’t share our tables. care for our patients, professional these issues. The solution is not autonomy, ongoing education, Our broader society suffers the to cause harm to families who adequate resources, respect for the same illness only want the best for their kids, work we do, a safe and healthy just like we do. The solution is to work environment, opportunities The period of the most rapid construct a safer and better world, for professional growth—the list of brain development occurs among working with others in tandem. In what we share is never-ending. infants and preschoolers, yet in the the same way, nurses can create a No one demographic has a monop- US, one in five live in poverty. One safer, better work place by working oly on greatness in nursing. And in 11 children live in extreme povthe tiny minority of “bad apples,” erty (approximately $12,000 or less together, in our unions and among our own broader communities. likewise, exists in every group. The per year for a family of four). We Kindness knows no boundaries. overwhelming majority of nurses are talking about nearly 11 million

“

Advocating for patients. Advancing the profession.SM Board of Directors President Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez, RN, MSN, FNP First Vice President Anthony Ciampa, RN Second Vice President Karine M. Raymond, RN, MSN Secretary Tracey Kavanagh, RN, BSN Treasurer Patricia Kane, RN Directors at Large Anne Bové, RN, MSN, BC, CCRN, ANP Judith Cutchin, RN Seth Dressekie, RN, MSN, NP Jacqueline Gilbert, RN Nancy Hagans, RN Robin Krinsky, RN Lilia V. Marquez, RN Nella Pineda Marcon, RN, BC Verginia Stewart, RN Marva Wade, RN Regional Directors Southeastern Yasmine Beausejour, RN Southern Sean Petty, RN Central Marion Enright, RN Lower Hudson/NJ Jayne Cammisa, RN, BSN Western Chiqkena Collins, RN Eastern Martha Wilcox, RN Executive Editor Jill Furillo, RN, BSN, PHN Executive Director Editorial offices located at: 131 W 33rd St., New York, NY 10001 Phone: 212-785-0157 x 159 Email: communications@nysna.org Website: www.nysna.org Subscription rate: $33 per year ISSN (Print) 1934-7588/ISSN (Online) 1934-7596 ©2018, All rights reserved

NEW YORK NURSE

safe staffing

june/july 2018

Governor Cuomo commits to safe staffing and enforces workforce protections

W

e spoke out. At town and city councils.

Before local and state elected officials.

We gathered in our hospitals and told our managers, with POAs and petitions. We rallied in our communities and traveled to Albany on Lobby Days. We leafletted with reference to scientific studies with data in our support. We worked with many devoted allies. And we chanted. (See p. 11) Safe Staffing Saves Lives!

Safe staffing levels

On June 22, Governor Andrew Cuomo stepped forward with a resounding answer. “Next session,” he said, “I will introduce legislation allowing the Department of Health to set safe staffing levels by regulation….” (See box, below, for full text.)

In January, 2019, Governor Cuomo will place before the Legislature a law that will empower the Department of Health to create regulations for safe staffing levels—safe staffing by law! For all hospitals and nursing homes in New York State! For nurses and other care givers!

Governor Andrew Cuomo

There was more. That same day, he instructed the NYS Department of Labor to “vigorously enforce workforce protections.” The rights of nurses under existing law to overtime pay, meal breaks and rest periods, protection from mandated overtime. To violate state law, said the Governor, “will result in penalty-pay to each nurse….”

Renewed strength

“I commend Governor Cuomo for setting in motion a process to give nurses both the safe staffing we need and protections for conditions on the job,” said NYSNA First Vice President Anthony Ciampa, RN. “Together these measures give us renewed strength to give our patients they very best care they deserve.”

Bronx CB1 Health Committee Chair and Lincoln Auxilliary Board Member, Brenda Goodwin, and Lincoln RN, Lorraine Pierre after the CB voted for our safe staffing resolution

3

4

New York Nurse

janus case

june/july 2018

New York is a union state

O

By Jill Furillo, RN, NYSNA Executive Director

We thank Governor Cuomo for making New York the first state to issue an Executive Order to protect public sector union members from harassment and to prohibit disclosure of personal information for all public sector employees.

n June 27, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a 5-to-4 decision in Janus v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 31 that profoundly affects the future of workers’ rights, democratic decision-making in the workplace, and the preservation of good jobs in public employment. Overturning 41 years of precedent, the Court elevated the objections of a minority over the democratically determined choices of the majority of workers, stopping state and local government workers from negotiating collective bargaining agreements with fair share fee arrangements.

Janus was couched in terms of the First Amendment. But it not really a about the Bill of Rights.

Rather, it is a head-on campaign by the country’s richest elites to take down unions and build greater wealth and power. Its immediate goals are to undercut the wages, pensions and health benefits of public workers. It is an attack on the long-established rights of collective bargaining, without which working people confront an uphill struggle against corporate might.

“New York is a union state.”

Governor Cuomo is well aware of the meaning of Janus to the working people of New York.

The very day Janus came down, he said: “The … Janus decision was advanced by billionaires and extreme conservatives who want to destroy the labor movement, and now those same forces are shamelessly trying to intimidate public employees into leaving unions. In New York, we say no way, no how to union busting. New York is a union state, and as long as I am governor of the State of New York, we will do everything in our power to protect union members and ensure the labor movement continues to deliver on the promise of the American Dream.”

He started months before Janus came down, spearheading a successful effort in the NYS Legislature that was passed. Dubbed “Part RRR,” it is part of the Budget Bill and relates to union dues and the

This pernicious case, financed by a small group of foundations with ties to the largest and most powerful corporate elites, is countered by unions, community advocates and New York’s pro-union Governor. duty of fair representation. It serves to blunt Janus.

Specifically, Part RRR requires public employers to: l Notify the relevant union within 30 days of a new employee being hired, rehired, or promoted into a bargaining unit represented by that union; l Provide the new employee’s name, address, and work location to the union; l Require dues to be reinstated automatically if a union member employee leaves service but is reinstated to a position with the same employer in the same bargaining unit within one year; l Recognize dues deduction authorizations that are signed electronically; and l Continue to recognize an employee’s union membership during any paid or unpaid leave of absence, voluntary or otherwise.

We thank Governor Cuomo for making New York the first state to issue an Executive Order to protect public sector union members from harassment and to prohibit disclosure of personal information for all public sector employees. (See statement below.)

No denying, Janus will have profound implications in the U.S.—not just for the 6.8 million state and local government workers covered by a union contract, but all 17.3 million state and local public workers and, indeed, for every working person throughout the country.

Closing ranks

But in New York, thanks to Governor Cuomo’s leadership, this pernicious case, financed by a small group of foundations with ties to the largest and most powerful corporate elites, is countered by unions, community advocates and New York’s pro-union Governor.

We are ready with Governor Cuomo and our many allies in labor and among community advocates to fight the forces behind Janus. The recent teachers’ strikes in West Virginia, Oklahoma and others provide important examples of the effects of denying workers the right to collective bargaining.

Working people are sick and tired of attempts to marginalize their jobs and the communities where they work and live.

We are closing ranks, and Governor Cuomo is with us.

IN RESPONSE TO JANUS DECISION, GOVERNOR CUOMO SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO PROTECT UNION MEMBERS FROM HARASSMENT AND INTIMIDATION June 27 (the day Janus was hand down) [excerpted] Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed an executive order to protect union members from harassment and intimidation, representing the first state action taken in response to the Supreme Court’s Janus decision. The executive order prohibits state entities from disclosing personal contact information for state employees amid reports of individuals and organizations harassing union members or prospective union members. The governor also announced that he will be advancing legislation to prohibit the disclosure of personal information for all public sector employees, including state and municipal employees.

NEW YORK NURSE june/july 2018

RNs say:

The union makes us strong!

NYSNA

nurses confronted with the U.S. Supreme Court decision (a bare majority 5-4) in the Janus case are standing tall and speaking out: the union makes us strong!

NYSNA members, in concert with other public sector union members directly impacted by the court decision, are firm in the beliefs that the unity and power of the union is what protects their jobs, wages and benefits, and combines to deliver quality care to patients and defend a decent quality of life in communities around the stat “We have accomplished a great deal through the unity of our

“You can’t take away NYSNA. Who would then advocate for us?”

–Mireille Agokeng, RN, ER, Lincoln Hospital

“We are about caring. The union is very important to make sure we get fair treatment.”

Continued on page 6

–Ukenna Chizoba,RN, Surgical ICU, Lincoln Hospital (L-R) Mireille Agokeng, RN, ER, Monique Almuerte, RN, ER, Ukenna Chizoba, RN, Surgical ICU, Lincoln Hospital members

“Some people believe that the union just advocates for the nurses, but we advocate for the patients, too. Safe nurses mean safe patients. If you have a nurse who is overexerted because of unsafe staffing, then it’s not safe for the patient. It’s important to have everything well run, and the union is part of that.”

–Yvonne Tulsie Seymour, RN, Medical ICU, Bellevue

“I had an experience where I was out sick and I had a couple of days off in between. Management decided that they weren’t going to pay me for the day that I called in sick and another day. I reached out to my Reps and they were very instrumental in getting me my money back. One of the greatest things we have is representation.”

–Odette Freckleton, RN, Labor & Delivery, Kings County

“We have accomplished a great deal through the unity of our union.

And we will use that unity to blunt the Janus decision and its goals to do away with collective bargaining and unions altogether.”

–Deb Cava, RN, Westchester Medical Center

5

6

New York Nurse june/july 2018

Janus

Continued from page 5

”The unity of NYSNA got us a good contract that protects our patients who come from many communities in many surrounding counties. We will fight for our union and our patients.”

–Lisa Hauss, RN, ECMC Unit Manager

From Justice Kagan’s dissent in Janus “Speech is everywhere—a part of human activity (employment, healthcare, securities trading, you name it). For that reason, almost all economic and regulatory policy affects or touches speech. So the majority’s road runs long. And at every stop are black-robed rulers overriding citizens’ choices.

The First Amendment was meant for better things.

It was meant not to undermine, but to protect democratic governance— including over the role of public-sector unions.”

union. And we will use that unity to blunt the Janus decision and its goals to do away with collective bargaining and unions altogether,” said Deb Cava, an RN at Westchester Medical Center.

RNs ready to fight the Janus threat

“We understand that the Janus decision is aimed directly at us.

The forces behind it want to end collective bargaining and our union. Our existence as professional nurses is being threatened and we will band together to stop it. The unity of NYSNA got us a good contract that protects our patients who come from many communities in many surrounding counties. We will fight for our union and our patients,” said Lisa Hauss, an RN and Erie County Medical Center unit manager.

“Our fight is not over. There are powerful forces that will attempt to thwart the progress we have made. It is only through our own determination and on-going commitment as nurses, working within a democratic and activist union, that we can defeat these forces; the same forces that created Janus and seek to destroy unions and the rights of working people. When we fight we win! Never give up!”

–NYSNA President Judy SheridanGonzalez, RN

NYSNA Board Member Judith Cutchin, RN, president of NYSNA’s H+H/Mayorals Executive Council at a Janus rally June 27

Statement–Judith Cutchin, RN We are living in the midst of a profound shift in power in this nation.

The Janus decision is a piece of that shift.

It is not really about the Bill of Rights.

It is about the power of America’s elites to gain greater power over the resources of this nation.

It is a bold assertion to take down public unions, and ultimately all unions.

By doing away with agency fees and allowing the free ride in public unions, the Court perpetuates a terrible wrong.

Justice Kagan, in her dissent, wrote that with Janus the court: Interferes with “thousands of ongoing contracts involving millions of employees” and “prevents the american people… from making important choices about workplace governance.”

She concluded:

“We need to stay union strong.

Without the union, we have no voice.

When we are union–we become one group, one voice. Whenever there’s a problem, we are stronger as a team than as individuals.”

–Speranta Duliepre, RN, Harlem Hospital

“The First Amendment was meant for better things. It was meant not to undermine but to protect democratic governance—incuding over the role of public-sector unions.”

We join today with our brothers and sisters in public unions to say: “We will not be defeated by Janus!”

Our members have already come forward in large numbers to say: “Our union is fundamental to our work and the protection of the millions of patients we see in the New York City public system each year. We stand with it.”

We also know that the strength of unions is the way to put America back on a track that protects communities, public services, the environment and decent wages and benefits. For all Americans.

For those attacking immigrant families at the border, seeking to take away healthcare for millions of families, undoing our public schools and services, taking America away from its people…

We say: “No way!!”

We will push Janus aside!

We will stop the billionaire elites and the inequality they are bringing on!

We can do it with our unions.

Union solidarity is the answer.

Unions make us strong!!

New York

nurse special edition | june/july 2018

the official publication of the new york state nurses association

2018 ELECTION RESULTS NYSNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND DELEGATES NYSNA Board of Directors President

Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez First Vice President

Anthony Ciampa

Second Vice President

Karine Raymond Secretary

Tracey Kavanagh Treasurer

Patricia Kane Winners in bold

Directors at Large

Anne BovĂŠ Judith Cutchin Seth Dressekie Jacqueline Gilbert Nancy Hagans Robin Krinsky Lilia V. Marquez Nella Pineda Marcon Verginia Stewart Marva Wade Patricia James Zina Klein

Regional Directors Central

Marion Enright Eastern

Martha Wilcox Southeastern

Yasmine Beausejour Hudson/NJ

Jayne Cammisa Southern

Sean Petty Western

Chiqkena Collins

8

New York Nurse june/july 2018

NYSNA Delegates BROOKLYN/QUEENS/SI/NJ/ SPECIALTIES Brooklyn Hospital Center Ingred Boyce Deb Ambrose Lisa Collins Samuel Marcelle Ferdinand Shirley Gibbs Rehana Lowtan Pat Mitchell Elizabeth Paul Sharon Rivera Brooklyn Methodist Hospital (NYP) Allyson Selby Aldrich Crispino Irving Campbell Peggy Magnavita Gina Cafaro Maria Arizmendi Diane Bonet Julie Chen Pat Green Sharonda Carter Green Malika Cobb Yvette Maisonet Chipocco Flushing Hospital Medical Center Theresa McGorty ELECTION ON JULY 12 for 7 delegates Interfaith Medical Center Ari Moma Soloman Bakare Sharon Bedford Christine Toomer Julannah Gregory Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center Vivienne Phillips Lisa Cheatham Julie Keefe Salina Flores Keturah Ponce Judy Johnson Rosemary Oluh Long Island College Hospital(Staffco of Brooklyn, LLC) (2 Delegates – Results Pending) Maimonides Medical Center Nancy Hagans Lisa Richard Margaret Sosnowski Marjorie Alves Lourdes Estrella Alana Hunter Patricia Sampson Dawn White Kathy Smith Loinda Marino Vincent Panerella Perceval Findlay Denique Blackman Ronald Barranco Lynette Moore Elana Fuchs Evgania Arapova New York Dialysis Svcs, Inc (ABC Sites) (2 Delegates – Results Pending) Northwell Health System/Staten Island Univ Hospital-North Maddalena Spero Dawn Cardello Michelle Pittman Lisa Scaccia Helene Lapolla Nicole Luisi JaimeLynn Macari AnneMarie Cori Maria Andie Areza Dorothy Graffigna Stefanie Artese

Names in Bold indicate LBU Chairs.

Donna Magrone Linda Sirlin Tara Sherry NY Dialysis Services (2 Delegates – Results Pending) Ozanam Hall Queens Nursing Home, Inc. Desiree Puzio ELECTION ON JULY 18 for 1 delegate Richmond University Medical Center Diane Donaghy Carmen Arocho Ronnie McMahon Maryann Montforte-Ditore Pat Santoro Diana Umana Josephine DiJoseph Karen Holdman Joanne O’Conner Shore Memorial Hospital dba Shore Medical Center Dorothy Rudert Tina Hamlet Gina Schlachter Marcie Gobasack Colleen Beaver James Casas St Cabrini Nursing Home (2 Delegates – Results Pending) SVCMC-US Family Health Plan (2 Delegates – Results Pending) Visiting Nurse Association Staten Island ELECTION ON JULY 2 for 2 delegates Wyckoff Heights Medical Center Tanisha Thompson Dalia Branford Patricia Nelson Christina Obeng Joycelyn Parris Colleen Peters Evengeline Tan

NYC HHC Administration for Children’s Services Naomi Greene Nonceba Lubanga Bellevue Hospital Center Todd Schultz Josephine Deocampo Juan Carlos Fuenzilida Rosie Go Anselm Lalla Sabrina Lauriston Viviana Medina Susan Neverson Kusuman Siritakool Vivian Tabaranza Beth Tambor Steven Trust Maria Vasquez Coler Specialty Hospital & Nursing Fac Jovana Woodley Mitchell Gibbs Asia Malakhova Anette Sinclair Coney Island Hospital Ray Briggs Coleen Brim Zhanna Maksymova Dawn Palmer Norma Wilson Jemma Wilson Joanne Saint-Vil Sandra Nau-Brazela Adeline Cetoute Marla Scheiner

Nominations Committee Southern Representative Correctional Health Services Audrey Morgan Nadine Pressly James Cassar Jeanne Israel Alicia Butler Cumberland D & T Center Florence Exinor Allison Shermera CUNY Isabel Hocevar Terri Calhoun-Fendt Department of Correction (City of NY) Keysha Morris Yvette Bedell Department of Sanitation (City of NY) Theresa Minarik Dr Susan Smith McKinney Nsg & Rehab Ctr Jacqueline Leach Marlene Guillaume East NY D & T Center Deborah Gatson Dahlia McNeill Elmhurst Hospital Center Pauline Williams David Belgrave Chenice Coq Belinda Ellis Ahmed Eshun Daphnee Georges Anthony Graniela Rose Green Rita Morgan Beverly Parris-Fray Pavel Shchegol Karen Thomas Maria Elena Ferreira-Ortiz Fire Department (City of New York)/ Emergency Medical Services James Ambery Kerry McGuire Gouverneur Healthcare Services Lourdes Marti Cruz Maria Quezada Laura Sklar Harlem Hospital Center Kittie McGee Teresita Bailey Jacqueline Gilbert Alizia McMyers Marion Parkins Nereida Solis Henry J. Carter Specialty Hospital & Nursing Facility Peter Pacheco Latoya Lasile Leila Campomanes VACANT HHC Health and Home Care Rivka Elyahu Ivette Candelaria Human Resources Admin.

Yelena Levin Nichele Pugh Jacobi Medical Center Mary Simon Sean Petty Kelly Cabrera Rosemarie Mason Nadia Jackson Judith Haughton Dora Acevedo Sonia Swanagan Marie Gelin Sandra Vasquez Michelle Webb

Patricia James

Hudson Valley / New Jersey

Zina Klein

Elections Committee

Colleen Murphy Savitri Prashad Todd Schultz

Kings County Hospital Center Curlean Duncan-Britton Patricia James Valerie Bowers Suzette Williams Isaac Davis Noreen Roach Abiola Pardieu Desrene Fearon Francena Allen Marie Fontaine Angela Blair-Boykin Aminat Akintola Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center Marsha Bernard-Wilson William Long Sonia Lawrence Viviene Brown Regine Remy VACANT VACANT VACANT VACANT VACANT VACANT Metropolitan Hospital Center Charles Mighty Jude Cove Jeannette Marin Carlene Jones Yvonne Brown Evelyn Nebrja Donald Edwards Morrisania D & T Center Nicole Smith-Ferguson (1 Delegate – Results Pending) North Central Bronx Hospital Sharon Greenaway Viola White Ester Devadoss Jonita Guishard Diana Rolle Chunmalla Bhumnarain Physician Affiliate Group of New York PC Mary Sampino Cynthia Rodriquez Police Department (City of New York) Lynne Sanderson-Burgess Patricia Tyrrell Queens Hospital Center Lindella Artman Donna Hay Kalon Francis Mona Charles Ava-Joan Hinksons Reginalt Atangan Barbara Alaby April Dihayco Renaissance Healthcare Network Stephen Nartey Sonji Slay Sea View Hospital Rehabilitation Center & Home Kimberly Yeo Cerlea Viray Norma Moreira

NEW YORK NURSE

9

june/july 2018 Segundo Ruiz Belvis D&TC Natalie Solomon (1 Delegate – Results Pending) Woodhull Medical & Mental Health Center Judith Cutchin Sharo Martin Wendy Doctor Phoebe Valenton Jennifer Cook-Medina Yvonne Lam Mary Aikhuele Karen Simon Claudine Damis

Long Island Amityville Union Free School District Patricia Johnson Nancy Ludor Brunswick Hospital Center Cathy Demars Dennis Adjei-Boateng Copiague Union Free School District Theresa Donna Michele McCarthy LIJ Valley Stream Northwell Health Leesamma John Lydie Alexandre Binessh George Marie F. Beauduy Villflor Andres Philomene Augustin Lindenhurst Union Free School District Fran Dellasperanzo Valerie Deacon Northwell Health System/Plainview Sherri Bloom John Conner Linda Calabrese Christine Miceli Robert Miceli Michelle Carboy Northwell Health System/Southside Marianne Walsh Elizabeth Cidoni Trina McGrath Marie Boyle Joanne Benus-Cheatam Bridget Walsh Kevin Kennedy Kelly McLaughlin John Young Louise Aurisano Northwell Health System/Syosset Ann Tahaney Larry Wills Maria L. Policastro Susan Stefanak Carol Gravely Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation Joan Laterza Helen Nnabuogor Reginald Semilfort Parker Jewish Long Term Home Health Care and Hospice Aliza Teitelbaum Carol Edwards Peconic Bay Medical Center Diane Groneman Kim Wise Bruce Lavalle Peter Klopfer Merve Kaya Caitlin Saxtein Laura Cross St Catherine of Siena Medical Center Tammy Miller Victoria Diaz Francine Gerondel Joanne Brieva Lorraine Incarnato Antoinette Probish Heather Speciale Randi Stewart

St Charles Hospital Tracy Kosciuk Robert Barone Melissa Chao Emily Wood Julie Venegoni Rosemary Jackson Gwendelyn Artis St Joseph Hospital Jenmarie Byrnes Mary Furey Margaret M. Perry Heather Gabler Daniel Mills

Lower Hudson/Westchester AO Fox Memorial Hospital Diane Earl Jessica Stacy VACANT Arlington Central School District (2 Delegates – Results Pending) Catskill Regional Medical Center Karen Faraci Lisa Ryman Jenny Phelps Julie Swensen Neal Meddaugh Chemung County Stephanie Robbins Cheryl Montgomery Christina Standt Chenango Co. Pub Hlth Service County Office Shannon Winner Heather Miller Health Dept Karen Harrity Susan Osterhoudt Delaware Co. Nursing Service Vera Buel VACANT Health Alliance Marys Ave Campus Estela Aquino-Woych (4 Delegates – Results Pending) Horseheads Central School Dist Collen Ignaszewski Julie Burr Montefiore Nyack Hospital Anna Perkins Margaret Bravo Maureen Cifuni Lidia Martinho Kerri Pickford Venus Rulona Stella Sampson Opioid Treatment Center a Division of St Joseph’s Medical Center Helen Pavlicek Marjory Thompson St John’s Riverside Hospital Cochran School of Nursing Kathy Hoffer John Edwards Rosa Lundberg Karen McCue Devin McLaughlin Myra Tampus St Joseph’s Hospital(Arnot Health) Kathy Doty Carla Sweet-McQuay St Joseph’s Medical Center Hasam Hamam Renne Carson Marilyn Henry Jan McGovern Savita Gewan Ruth Ginsburg

St Vincent Hospital Westchester a Division of St Joseph’s Medical Cntr William O’Connell Robert Janelli Mike Divon Sullivan County April Novello Janna Walter Vassar Brothers Medical Center Jen Beyer Delegate Delegate Delegate Delegate Delegate Delegate Delegate Delegate Delegate Delegate Cabrini of Westchester (1 Delegate – Results Pending) Westchester County Dept of Health Susan Leone Rosemarie Camia Westchester Medical Center Claire Maggio Jane Barrett Mary Lynn Boyts Sam Caquias Deb Cava Deb Coyne Kathy Drogan Terry Edwards Zina Klein David Long Lori Maruschak Philip Mattioli Corinne Noonan Lorena Padilla Francesca Palma Mary Pat Salsbery-Stoller Wilma Wynter

Montefiore Team Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Yeshiva University Bob Cashin Ferdinand Braaf Centerlight Janine Hughes-Lindo Awilda Acosta Barbara Hughes Centers for Care (formerly Beth Abe) (2 Delegates – Results Pending) Montefiore at New Rochelle (formerly Soundshore Med. Cntr) Kathy Santoiemma David Nightingale Marcia Hayles Barbara Tarricone Alex Riobe Geraldine Brown Montefiore HHA Vanessa Weldon Michele Brailsford Shaiju Kalathil Montefiore Hutchinson Campus Shelley Hobson Chinyere Onwumelu Nanette Hazely

Montefiore Moses Mary Fitzgerald Annie George Benny Mathew Bernita Stewart Collette Dobbins Deanna Williams Dianne Harris Gail James Janine Hawkins Kate Pugh Lorraine Von Edene Lourdes Blanco Marilyn Gordon Michelle Gonzalez Renee Tucker Shawnte Thompson Una Davis Vinel Malcolm Virginia Campbell Xenia Greene Yvette Simon Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital (formerly Mt. Vernon Hosp) Tracey McCook Shavelle Edmond Brendaline Nibbs Montefiore Weiler Karine Raymond Katherine Fernandez Wendy Braithwaite Ana Reyes Marlene Brown Gurmohan Purewal Ana Cruz Crystal De La Ros Claire Braithwaite Solomon Kumah Kelly Prendergast-Massop Natalie Ramos Montefiore Westchester Square Clare Hughes VACANT VACANT Fresenius Bronx Albertha Mullings VACANT Fresenius New Rochelle Mercy Philipose VACANT The Plaza Rehab and Nursing Center (formerly Jewish Home) Salamma George VACANT Union Community Health Center, Inc. Adriana Pena VACANT

Newly Organized Albany Medical Center (24 Delegates – Results Pending) Putnam Hospital Delegate Delegate Delegate Delegate Delegate

Continued on page 10

10

New York Nurse june/july 2018

Delegates Continued from page 9

Presby Team Gracie Square Hospital Jeniece Jackman Jacqueline Battice New York–Presbyterian Hospital Anthony Ciampa Judith Abuada-Gumban (Milstein) Jaiveer Grewal (Milstein) Pat Cammarata (Milstein) Lela Brooks (Milstein) Katherine Hunt-Morales (Milstein) Lori Wagner (Milstein) Cora Garcellano (Milstein) Jose Planillo (Milstein) Delores Steele (Milstein) Katherine Rivieccio (Milstein) Melissa Balough (Milstein) Roland Collins (Milstein) Ron Rigor (Milstein) Brian Aquino (Milstein) Patrick Klein (Milstein) Shanna Murphy (CHONY) Annette Martens (CHONY) Aretha Morgan (CHONY) Ma Evie Cahn (CHONY) Eugenia Karlson (CHONY) Nora Murphy (Allen) Raylene Price (Allen) Marivel Seno (Allen) Mildred Johnson (Allen) Helen Montano (Allen) Carmen Fascio (Allen) Minerva Concepcion-Green (ACN) Sally Ortiz (ACN) Bianca Thomas (ACN) Sandra Rodriguez (ACN) Laurie Katz-Smith (APN) Patrick Ryan (APN) Mary Nolan (APN) Carlos Domingue (APN)

Sinai System Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Joan Bruce Ingrid Andino Desiree Joseph Flandersia Jones Victoria Laurel Kathy Roberts Tammy Steele Sunday Olanrewaju-Okege Sheree Brown Carter Mary Asiedu Natalie Green Nancy Uwoghiren Bronx-Lebanon Midwives (2 Delegates – Results Pending) Bronx-Lebanon Special Care Center Inc Odette Baker Dennie Jessamy Mount Sinai Hospital Robin Krinsky Valerie Burgos-Kneeland Ted Levine Diane Fields Evelyn Sotomayar Vic Tolo Shirley Wilson Tracy Kwon Tywana Donaldson Florence Badoy Dominique Monsegur Tracey Barnwell Tim Munier Torrence Mars Tasha Smith Felice Rosen

Lindsay Pillarella Osiris Mendoza Lori Crump Carol Strodes Daniel Prifti Marichu Lomocso Gueldye Beaubrun Matthew Allen Duane Hampton Sandra Augustine Dionne Forrester Sasha Winslow Amanda Ruggieri Shelly-Ann Logan Amabelle Omay Erin Hogan Mount Sinai St. Luke’s and West Clifford Krinsky Marie Gloria Altidor Iona Ayers Mercy Grace Cana-Cooper Janet Christoforous Joo Young Park Janell Clementson Michael DeMarco Peggy Desiderio Tatiana Duplessis Jennie Hubert Beverley Jocelyn-Patrick Ramon Macaraya Debbie Mason Heather McCartney Mary Moloney Nella Pineda-Marcon Linda Sledge Diana Torres Mary Ellen Warden Oluranti Adeoshun NY Eye and Ear Infirmary Maria Teresa De Jesus Gajdosova Iveta Jung Oh Grissel Reynoso Terence Cardinal Cooke Hlth Care Ctr Viviene Johnson Eunice Teresita Ragpa Vicky Martinez The New Jewish Home (formerly Jewish Home Manhattan) Deborah McMillan

Upstate Adirondack Medical Center-Saranac Lake Patrick Valentine Lisa Frechette Joanna Bein Luke Meissner Bill Schneider Alice Hyde Medical Center Jean Harrigan Courtnee Davenport Allegany County Health Department (2 Delegates – Results Pending) Bellevue Woman’s Center Jennifer Gunderman Heather Bulger Robbien Quill Bertrand Chaffee Hosp & Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home, Inc. (2 Delegates – Results Pending) Brooks Memorial Hospital Al Palmatier Laura Szymonowicz Cheryl Skurzewski Evan Davis Canton-Potsdam Hospital Robin Hilyard Sue Quinnel Linda Stank Chris Colbert Amanda Barnard

Carthage Area Hospital Inc. Paula Bigelow Twila Ottinger Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital Dea Lacey Holly Benoit Vicki Davis-Courson Scott Ebersol Angela Fleming Rose Galvezo Kristen Hendrie Lou A. Nelson Katie Rostak Katherine Tarasavage Zachary Witkop Claxton Hepburn Medical Center Sharon Leeson Grant Prud’homme April Spooner Julia Wilkinson Eastern Niagara Hospital (Newfane Facility) (2 Delegates – Results Pending) Elizabethtown Community Hospital Carmen Cassavaugh Karla whitehurst Ellis Hospital Patricia Donahue Kara Keller Catherine Dawson Tamara Christman Nancy Whitmore Donna Ferguson Terri Belli Frederick Durocher Ellis Medicine/Medical Center of Clifton Park (1 Delegate – Results Pending) Erie County Health Dept (2 Delegates – Results Pending) Erie County Medical Center Tamara Barr Murnita Bennett Jennifer Brinkworth Cathy Bystrak Kena Collins Shawntres Suchalady Currin Kevin Donovan Jr. Rachel Larkin Lulu Lala Lorelei Loretta Palermo Raymond Rebmann Julie Roman Heather Scott Dana Bellido Clark Anne Dowdell Valeta Dunn Liam Morrissey Alexandra Vazquez Gouveneur Hospital Deb Bates Linnae Bice Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. Crystal Merrill Karen Puckey Barbara Whaley Erica Moyer Lackawanna School District (2 Delegates – Results Pending) Livingston County Health Dept Livingston County Gov’t Ctr (2 Delegates – Results Pending) Madison Co. Health Dept.

Barbara Whaley Erica Moyer Massena Memorial Hospital Janine Harrigan-Pierce Isabelle Morrill Moses Ludington Hospital (1 Delegate – Results Pending)

Nathan Littauer Hosp Association Marion Enright Melissa Lefflear Connie Simonds Wendy Bowie New York Dialysis Management, Inc. aka Western NY Artificial Kidney Center (2 Delegates – Results Pending) Olean General Hospital Kris Powell Kisa Hodge Gina Weierheiser Pam Todd Trevor Moore Tobias Hawkins Oneida Healthcare Center Donna Maccarone Jullien Mowatt Teresa Delaney Suzanne Marshall Onondaga County Health Department Linda Geariety Joni Leubner Royalton-Hartland Central School Distric (2 Delegates – Results Pending) Samaritan Medical Center Deborah LaMora Mandy Bray Lori Hanno Renee Bush Valerie Hasner Jill Schloemer Nicole Johnson St Elizabeth Medical Center Michael Pattison Karen Lallier Kathleen Moccaldi Sheila Conley Jessica Culver William Ferguson Lisa Streeter Peggy Turtle Terrace View Long Term Care Lynette Roland Karen Green Visiting Nurse Service of Northeastern New York Jackie Goebal Carey Shafemeister Washington Co Public Health Suzanne DelSignore Colleen Townsend

Individual Member Bridget Maybury Colleen Murphy

Retirees Central VACANT Eastern VACANT Lower Hudson / NJ Ilene Sussman Southeastern VACANT Southern Patricia Holloman Derek DeFreitas Western VACANT

Staten Island

NEW YORK NURSE/SI june/July 2018

SIUH contract a win for RNs, patients

A

landmark contract for 1,200 NYSNA nurses at the Ocean Breeze location was overwhelmingly ratified on June 29.

The three-year deal includes a voice for nurses in staffing decisions to guarantee enough nurses on the job to meet patient care needs, a significant pay increase, better benefits that will help recruit and retain the best of the best, and increased tuition reimbursement.

There’s more. The groundbreaking agreement also establishes the opportunity for nurses to retire between the ages of 60 to 64 with full healthcare coverage until age 65 (with 20 years of service). Once reaching 65, for retired RNs receiving Medicare, the contract provides discounts for out-of-pocket costs.

Staten Island University Hospital’s (SIUH) NYSNA nurses are proud of their accomplishments for their patients, community and profession.

“This new contract is truly a win for our patients and the Staten Island community. Among other things, this contract calls for

enhanced benefits, fair salaries and the ability for nurses to have a say in how units are staffed so that our patients get the care they deserve. We look forward to working with hospital management as we continue to serve Staten Island,” said NYSNA Treasurer Pat Kane, RN, SIUH. Peace of mind

“Nysna worked so hard and fought for us to have retiree health benefits. At age 59 with a chronic

“W

illness I may have to retire at 60. I have worked all my adult life. Now I have peace of mind knowing I will be taken care of. And I owe it all to NYSNA. They were there for me,” said Ramona Mirro, RN, SIUH. Carmen Arocho a nurse leader at neighboring Richmond University Medical Center on Staten Island, said, “This contract leads the way for the rest of the hospitals where nurses don’t have retiree health benefits. Healthcare is one of the industries where you work for 20-plus years and have to pay for your own medical benefits. It’s about time employers take responsibility for their nurses. Thank you NYSNA negotiating committee at SIUH for leading the way. This is a major win for our profession.”

“

NYSNA was here, they backed SIUH North nurses, took on Northwell and paved the way not just for us, but for nurses everywhere.

NYSNA is the power and future for nurses! NYSNA Rocks!!”

–Jessica Ardi, RN, SIUH

SIUH members casting ballots in contract ratification.

Getting our message out! e want to protect our patients,” Maddalena “Maddie” Spero, RN, told the crowd of healthcare advocates gathered at Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH). “This is our community. I live here. This is my second home,” Spero said.

Spero, the LBU co-president at Staten Island University Hospital, is one of the many NYSNA members who made her voice heard this legislative session, joining hundreds of others across the state who have worked tirelessly to compel the New York State legislature to pass the Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act. Nurses from every corner of New York State made a final plea during Days of Action across Long Island, Westchester, Poughkeepsie, the five boroughs and at the State Capitol in Albany.

11

Fellow SIUH nurse Chamila Wijesinghe, RN, works in Medical Oncology. “Unfortunately, we work with a lot of hospice patients and we sometimes don’t have the time to hold their hand, to cry with them, to just be there with them,” she said.

Spreading the word

Nurses are leading the way in educating the public and lawmakers about the need for minimum nurse-to-patient standards. This month alone, NYSNA members made thousands of calls to legislators, urging them to pass the safe staffing bill. NYSNA also ran highly targeted TV, radio, print and digital ads to reach New York lawmakers and make sure they heard our calls loud and clear.

The consistent outcry from NYSNA members is working. When it

became clear the Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act would not pass this session, Governor Andrew Cuomo committed to championing the issue himself and sponsoring legislation and regulations setting safe staffing levels for nurses and caregivers when the legislature resumes its work in early 2019. Now, the prospect of obtaining safe staffing standards by law, based upon scientific studies, is within our reach. Our unity is making this a reality. (To read Governor Cuomo’s full, groundbreaking statement, see page 3.)

This issue is not going away— and, thankfully, neither are nurses. NYSNA will continue to be relentless in advocating beyond the bedside for legislation that puts patients first. We will not stop until we win safe staffing for our patients, their families, our nurses and for every resident of New York.

LBU Co-President Maddie Spero, RN, speaking at the Safe Staffing Day of Action.

12

New York Nurse June/july 2018

Assembly passes guaranteed healthcare for fourth year in a row

O We will advocate until we have a healthcare system that delivers high quality care to every resident of New York.

n June 5, NYSNA members joined over 500 New Yorkers in Albany—nurses, doctors, healthcare workers, students, business owners and concerned citizens—demanding universal, guaranteed healthcare. One week later, the NYS Assembly passed the New York Health Act (A.4738) by an overwhelming majority (8642) for the fourth consecutive year!

The universal “Improved Medicare for All” single-payer health plan would guarantee healthcare coverage for every New York resident, regardless of wealth, income, age or health status.

awareness, and inform political leadership on this critical issue. The successful Assembly vote proves that support for universal, singlepayer healthcare has sustained momentum, and it demonstrates that when nurses advocate they get results. The NYS Senate has 31 cosponsors of the legislation (We are close!—32 are votes needed to pass.) Governor Andrew Cuomo has pronounced his support for the idea, as well. The legislation also has support from many labor unions, healthcare professional organizations, businesses and community groups.

Advocacy works

Healthcare costs a top concern

While speaking at the rally in front of the statehouse, NYSNA President Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez, RN, cited the nearly 2,000 unnecessary deaths due to a lack in coverage, saying, “Not one more death from lack of healthcare in the richest country in the world. Not one more. We will advocate until we have a healthcare system that delivers high quality care to every resident of New York.”

NYSNA’s advocacy for universal, single-payer healthcare began in the early ’90s, and we continued to gather research, enhance public

A recent Reuters poll shows that the cost of healthcare remains a top concern for voters. There is no relief in sight, as New York State’s 14 private health insurers requested an average 24-percent increase in rates for individuals next year.

Guaranteed healthcare is the answer to these skyrocketing costs because it is significantly less expensive to administer and fund than the current privatized system. It would bring big savings to New York residents, businesses and local government. And, of course, it would provide care to ALL New Yorkers.

Darius Shahinfar, treasurer for the City of Albany, supports this reform, he says, because, “not only will it guarantee high-quality healthcare to all residents, but it will save millions of dollars for local government. Albany would save approximately $23 million, funds badly needed to support our community and for a massive property tax cut for taxpayers.”

Grassroots movement is needed

Attacks on our healthcare will continue at the federal level, making New York’s fight for guaranteed care all the more necessary.

NYSNA in partnership with the Campaign for New York Health is showing how this issue will benefit all New Yorkers, and making that support visible. Across the state there are local organizing committees canvassing their neighbors and businesses to talk about healthcare, and to highlight its economic benefits to local governments.

All of this grassroots energy led the way to the Assembly’s yes vote.

Nurses are joining New Yorkers in every corner of the state to change what is politically possible when it comes to our healthcare.

Together we will win guaranteed healthcare for all! Join us at www. nyhcampaign.org

Nurses are energized after attending the 2018 Single Payer Strategy in Minneapolis this month.

NYSNA President Judy SheridanGonzalez, RN, kicked things off by emceeing the opening plenary, with such speakers as United States Representative Keith Ellison who welcomed us to Minnesota and inspired us to keep up the fight for guaranteed healthcare.

Mary Fitzgerald, RN, with NYSNA President Judy-Sheridan-Gonzalez, RN, at March for Guaranteed Healthcare in Minneapolis

Throughout the weekend NYSNA leaders participated in several panels with hundreds of activists.

Topics discussed included grassroots lobbying, online organizing, and creative campaigns to win healthcare for all. All in all, this was just the charge we needed to carry out the important work for our patients that lies ahead.

NEW YORK NURSE

public health

june/july 2018

practice alert

Preventing nurse occupational exposure to fentanyl

T

he opioid crisis has had a devastating effect on many of our families and communities. According to the CDC, drug overdoses killed 63,632 Americans in 2016. Nearly twothirds of these deaths involved a prescription or illicit opioid. The rate of drug overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone doubled from 2015 to 2016. The National Center for Health Statistics reports that the number of opioid overdose deaths is so high that it has decreased overall U.S. life expectancy.

Fentanyl, the most common synthetic opioid, can be injected, inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin. Because such low doses of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids can be lethal, first responders and receivers may be at risk when handling patients who have trace amounts of the drug on their skin, clothing or belongings.

Potential exposure routes include: l I nhalation of powders or aerosols l Mucous membrane contact with powder, urine or blood l Percutaneous exposure through needlesticks l Skin contact l I ngestion

NIOSH Recommendations According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the following steps should be taken to prevent healthcare personnel exposure in the healthcare setting.

Work Practices

ash hands with soap and W water immediately after a potential exposure. DO NOT USE ALCOHOL-BASED HAND RUBS to clean skin that is contaminated or potentially contaminated with fentanyl. Alcohol-based hand rubs can increase absorption through the skin. l E MS should communicate information on incoming patients who may be contaminated with fentanyl prior to arrival. l

ealthcare personnel should H assess the risk of potential fentanyl hazards when first encountering a patient. Relevant information should be gathered from the patient, EMS and persons accompanying the patient. l B e aware when entering and leaving areas potentially contaminated with fentanyl. l Do not eat, drink, smoke or use the bathroom while working in an area that is known or suspected to be contaminated with fentanyl. l Do not touch eyes, mouth or nose after touching any surface potentially contaminated with fentanyl. l Avoid performing tasks that might aerosolize fentanyl.(e.g., shaking clothing and bedding, etc.). l Personnel having contact with potentially contaminated materials such as clothing or bedding should wear adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and dispose of materials in a separate, segregated, labeled bag. l Notify all staff who may be involved with care of the patient of the potential for fentanyl contamination until the patient, laundry and all surfaces have been decontaminated. l

Training

Healthcare personnel who may care for patients where fentanyl use is suspected to be present must be trained on the following: l Potential exposure routes for fentanyl l How to recognize signs and symptoms of opioid exposure l How to recognize potential fentanyl contamination in patients l T he proper selection, use, maintenance, donning and doffing of PPE and the limitations of PPE l W hen and how to decontaminate a patient

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

100, R100 or P100 disposable N filtering facepiece respirator or a higher level of respiratory protection l Face and eye protection including goggles or a face shield l Powder-free nitrile gloves l Wrist/arm protection, such as sleeve covers, gowns or coveralls l

NYSNA Recommendations NYSNA recommends that, in addition to the NIOSH recommendations above, the following protective measures be followed: l Naloxone, an antidote to opioid overdose, should be available on all units where there is a risk of opioid overdose and/or healthcare worker exposure. l A n opioid occupational exposure control plan should be developed and followed whenever treating or caring for a patient who exhibits signs and symptoms of opioid overdose, or when EMS has notified the healthcare facility that an incoming patient is suspected to have overdosed on fentanyl or another synthetic opioid. l I f a patient or his/her belongings is suspected of being contaminated with fentanyl or another synthetic opioid, a higher level of PPE may be required. If there is a risk of blood or body fluid splash, healthcare personnel should wear a fluid-resistant or impermeable gown, double gloves and have full coverage of the face to prevent mucus membrane exposure. All skin surfaces that are at risk of exposure should be covered to prevent dermal absorption. l Healthcare facility personnel must be trained on full decontamination protocols

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the risk of exposure to fentanyl or other synthetic opioids in your workplace, please contact your NYSNA representative or contact the NYSNA Health and Safety Representatives at healthandsafety@ nysna.org.

13

14

New New YorkYork Nurse/NYC Nurse june/july 2018

NYSNA returns this August to the Great New York State Fair

P

reparations are underway for the 2018 edition of the Great New York State Fair—a 13-day celebration spotlighting the Empire State’s finest in agriculture, entertainment, education and technology. Fairgoers from across the state enjoy carnival rides along the Midway, the livestock and product competitions, and endless opportunities to sample a taste of New York’s signature delicacies. Last year, a record-breaking 1.1 million visitors enjoyed this summertime tradition at the state fairgrounds outside Syracuse. Of course, recognition of New York’s exceptional achievers wouldn’t be complete without New York nurses.

Greeting visitors from throughout the Northeast

When the 2018 Fair officially opens on Wednesday, August 22, NYSNA’s annual exhibit will be

Martha Wilcox, RN, NYSNA Board of Directors Eastern Regional Director, greets visitors in 2017.

Opening day of the 2017 State Fair saw a crush of enthusiastic fairgoers in the Science and Industry Building.

staffed and ready in our location inside the fairground’s Science and Industry Building. The 13-day event calls for many hands. In 2017, nearly 40 NYSNA members and staffers volunteered to welcome the public, introduce them to our union, share health tips, and educate New Yorkers about NYSNA’s efforts and successes on important healthcare issues, including safe staffing standards, single-payer healthcare, and timely reminders on keeping their families healthy and safe throughout the summer.

NYSNA nurses from throughout the state welcome the opportunity to experience a day or two at the fair. They share a common experi-

ence. Kim Gunthorpe, an Oneida Healthcare Center RN, remarked, “It’s a great way to create unity and solidarity across the state. I volunteered because it’s important to get our issues out to the general public and keep everyone well informed.”

“I have a great time,” said Lesline Brown-Hazel, a retired RN from East New York. “I love speaking with the fairgoers about nursing.”

Come join us at the Fair!

There’s still time to lend a hand at this year’s Great New York State Fair. Contact Rehanna SinghMohan in NYSNA’s New York City office at (212) 785-0157, extension 110, for available dates to volunteer.

Visitors enjoy giveaways, such as sunscreen, and offered signatures supporting NYSNA legislative initiatives.

NEW YORK NURSE june/july 2018

long island

RNs attend the Safe Staffing Day of

Action in Melville.

westchester /hudson valley

Nurses in Valhalla and Poughkeepsie advocate for safe staffing.

Around the state 9

capital /north country

Nurses advocate for

central region

RNs at the Canastota Boxing Hall

safe staffing at the State Capitol.

of Fame Parade

western region

nyc RNs in Brooklyn and the Bronx advocate for safe staffing.

General Hospital

NYSNA members from Olean

15

NEW YORK NURSE

Non-Profit US Postage Paid NYSNA

june/july 2018

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

7 SI

INSIDE

Governor Cuomo commits to safe staffing, p. 3

NYSNA returns to exhibit at The Great New York State Fair, this year from Wednesday, Aug. 22 through Monday, Sept. 3, 2018 and needs member volunteers to share our message of quality patient care for ALL New Yorkers. At this exciting summer tradition, you’ll help staff our booth, offering Fair visitorsinformation about our successes in achieving Safe Staffing ratios in New York State. You’ll show visitors that RNs are the true patient advocates!

Sign up for a shift or two, and enjoy complimentary admission!

The union makes us strong, pp. 5-6

Contact Rehanna Singh-Mohan at rehanna.singh-mohan@nysna.org, or call 212-785-0157, ext. 110.