New York Nurses Hold Vigil for Global Ebola Awareness

On Wednesday, November 12, more than one hundred RNs lined the steps of the Federal Building in downtown Manhattan for a candlelight vigil, in a resolute call for nationwide mandates to protect patients and caregivers from Ebola. We also raised our voices in support of programs to provide more assistance for Ebola patients in West Africa.

“We know that mandates are one of the most effective tools to compel hospitals throughout the country to step up and do the right thing​,”said Lisa Baum, NYSNA’s Occupational Safety and Health Representative.

The vigil, which brought together RNs from NYSNA and New York City VA nurses who are members of National Nurses United (NNU), came a day after Dr. Craig Spencer left Bellevue Hospital, Ebola free – a powerful testament to the dedication and preparation of nurses and caregivers in New York City’s public hospital system.

The vigil was part of an NNU/Global Nurses United day of action from Florida to the Philippines. Thousands joined a protest at the Federal Building in Oakland calling for federal action on Ebola protection.

When we stand together, we can win the highest standards of safety for patients and caregivers. In the past month, we have won Ebola protocols at NY-Presbyterian and Montefiore Medical Center.

For more on the vigil, check out coverage in Reuters and Telemundo.

Please take a moment to sign the petition calling on President Obama and Congress to take action to ensure that patients and caregivers have the safeguards we need.​