Steward training in a word: Empowering

Steward training is about building power. It’s about learning to organize to solve problems on the job and to affect change statewide. Here’s what some of the hundreds of NYSNA members who have already taken the training have to say about it. We hope you’ll be next.

“I learned a lot about how to work collaboratively as a team of nurses to resolve issues and concerns. All of us are the union. It’s a brother-sister thing. If there’s a problem, we need to help one another. The struggle continues. We need to take a more active role to affect change.”

– Linda M. Brown, RN, Cochran School of Nursing, St. John’s Riverside Hospital

“Every nurse should take the class. We learn a lot that helps us enforce the contract. We can do investigations, gather information, and present problems. Hospital administration sees that we’re serious, knowledgeable, and passionate. I think it makes them respect us more.”

– Maddalena Spero, RN, Staten Island University Hospital (North Campus)

“Encouraging people is very empowering. It’s an eye opener to learn more about our rights and identify when they’re being violated. At work, I’m able to put what I learned into practice. I was assigned to see about a nurse who was abused by a manager. It felt good to help a colleague.”

– Vinel Lynch-Malcolm, RN, Montefiore Medical Center

“Knowledge is power. The more we know, the more we can do. We need healthcare for all. Everyone should take the training. It makes us stronger so we can push for the change we need.”

– Lilia Marquez, RN, Bellevue Hospital

“The training helped me learn how to build a stronger defense for nurses at work. We used examples to work through how to approach and solve real problems, like grievances. The training puts information in your hands. We can make things better at work in a way we couldn’t before.”

– Kellie Gauthier, RN, Ellis Hospital