Nistel nurses seek to join NYSNA

File for federal labor board election

KINGSTON, Feb. 11, 2009 – Registered nurses employed by Nistel, Inc., a for-profit company employing registered nurses at Benedictine and Kingston hospitals, want to join their colleagues employed at Benedictine in being represented by the New York State Nurses Association.

The RNs filed a petition Monday for an election with the National Labor Relations Board. Benedictine nurses elected the Nurses Association their representative in September 2008. Ballots in that election were counted in November after challenges by the hospital were dismissed.

Surgical nurses at Benedictine removed themselves from the bargaining unit when the hospital created the new Nistel entity and filed a challenge with the labor board. These RNs are now seeking representation through the new Nistel entity.

“The day has come for all Nistel nurses to have our voice heard," said Julia Motti, RN, a leader in the Benedictine Hospital campaign and also leader in the current campaign.” With the Nurses Association supporting all of us, we’ll be able to work towards making the types of improvements we've been seeking for years but haven't been able to because our input wasn't valued by hospital administration.”

“We are looking forward to all of us becoming part of the Nurses Association," said Mary Sue D'Orazio, RN, also a leader in the Benedictine and current campaigns. "In doing so, we'll be one step closer to nurses at Benedictine and Kingston hospitals in having one strong, unified voice for prioritizing nursing and patient care."

D'Orazio added that Benedictine RNs are currently negotiating their first contract. “As a result, we have the feeling of empowerment and support we’ve never had before.”

The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for nursing in the Empire State. With more than 36,000 members, it is the state's largest union and professional association for registered nurses. It supports nurses and nursing practice through education, research, legislative advocacy, and collective bargaining.

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