NY Nurse February 2016

The 2016 presidential primary election will take place in New York State on Tuesday, April 19.

It’s not too late to register to vote, or to update your address or party affiliation. Voter registration forms must be postmarked no later than March 25 and received by no later than March 30. To obtain a voter registration form, go to your local post office or to http://www.elections.ny.gov/.

Heather Scott, an RN in ECMC’s Inpatient Behavior Health Unit, is excited about the changes she’s seeing in her union. “When I started working here four years ago, nurses weren’t as active in our union, but there’s been a big transformation over the past year. The word is out and ECMC nurses are getting involved.” Ms. Scott herself recently volunteered to be a Safe Staffing Captain.

Scores of elected officials attended a legislative briefing on safe staffing in Albany on February 9 to hear experts, patients, and caregivers explain how nurse-to-patient staffing ratios save lives. The briefing was hosted by the newly-formed Campaign for Patient Safety, launched by a coalition dedicated to the passage of the Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act (S.782/A.8580-A). Union nurses represented by NYSNA, Communications Workers of America and the Public Employees Federation along with labor allies and patient and community advocacy organizations form the coalition.

This month NYSNA joined New York State legislators, fellow labor leaders, Governor Cuomo, and Vice President Joe Biden at the New York City rally for paid family leave. Working families need paid time off so that new parents can care for their children and so that loved ones can stay home with sick family members without facing loss of income.

February is Black History Month, a time to acknowledge the incredible work of black scholars, writers, artists, scientists, civil rights activists, elected leaders, and, of course, nurses. It is also a time to reflect on our country’s painful history of slavery, Jim Crow laws, and on current systems of racism, including disparities in healthcare.

Think of your worst day ever: no staff, equipment, training or support.

Then consider that you face many more days like that, worsening over time.

Ponder dangerous conditions — with no safe avenues to demand your own health and safety needs. Reflect upon a work situation where you’re subjected to disrespect, bullying and violations, with no recourse to defend your rights.

Imagine living in poverty, even as you work as a professional, with little hope for improvement. Then see these dynamics in every context where people work.

That is the world without unions.