Schedule of Events: Thursday, Oct. 25

Track 1: Legislative/PAC

“Staffing Ratios by the Numbers” - Sally Dreslin, MA, RN, NYSNA Governmental Affairs and Desma Holcomb, NYSNA Strategic Research Coordinator, David Schildmeier, BA, Director of Public Communications, Massachusetts Nurses Association

Find out how research confirms what nurses know: safe staffing improves patient outcomes. There is a documented human cost from understaffing – in patient mortality, adverse events, and nurse burn-out. There is even evidence that safe nurse-to-patient ratios will actually safe more money that they cost hospitals. Share ideas on how to use this research to build our safe staffing campaign.

Objectives

• Relate the research available to safe nurse-to-patient ratios and patient outcomes
• Compare inadequate nurse-to-patient ratios to both nurse burnout and hospital costs

Track 2: Facility/Member Mobilization

“Beating Apathy at Work” - Cate Poe, NYSNA Per Diem Representative

Tired of management always getting its way – and hurting nurses and our patients? Nurse leaders and union experts share creative tactics to beat apathy, advocate for positive improvements, turn the tables on management – and get results!

Objective

• Discuss three ways to motivate nurses to advocate for positive improvements.
  

Track 3: Community/Advocacy

“Telling Our Stories” - Dan Lutz, NYSNA Assistant Director of Communications

Nurses speak with authority. When we tell our stories, the public, the press, and lawmakers listen. Learn proven techniques - and get some practice – telling your story and advocating for your patients and your profession.

Objective

• Demonstrate a telling of your professional story in the workshop setting

Track 3: Community/Advocacy

“You Have More Influence than You Think!” - Karen Scharff, Citizen Action of New York

Building stronger relationships with grassroots organizations means we can have new and different voices advocating on safe staffing. Grassroots, community and nurse union leaders will talk about ways we can push together – and how they can become part of your efforts right away.

Objectives

• List ways to build relationships with grassroots organizations, nursing and community leaders toward a common cause
• Define tools that can be utilized to evaluate your workplace for adequate staffing

Throughout our nation’s history, women have played a significant role in transforming workers’ lives. These women of power - women such as Mother Jones, Frances Perkins, Rose Schneiderman, Pauline Newman, and Linda Chavez-Thompson still inspire us today. Join us as we revisit the lives of women who have been catalysts for change by garnering women's rights activism and union power.

Objectives

• Describe how union activism can help reform working conditions for nurses
• Discuss how women of power can inspire positive action to shape an ethos by which nurses live and work

Facilitated by BOD President Winifred Kennedy or designee.

This session will again welcome nurses to the 2012 Biennial Conference and they will hear from association leaders, including finance committee and legislative program. Proposed bylaws changes and issues arising from business meetings will also be presented. New business will also be conducted.

Objectives

• Identify key points from the various association leaders
• Introduce new business topics effecting the association