| | A Weekly Update for NYSNA Members | December 13, 2024 | |  | | | Mount Sinai South Nassau Nurses Take Action for a Fair Contract Nurses at Mount Sinai South Nassau walked the informational picket line on Monday to send a message to management — “It’s time for a fair contract!” Nurses have been fighting to win their first union contract. However, management has yet to negotiate a fair contract with the safe staffing and respectful wages and benefits that nurses deserve. Long Island Jobs with Justice, Long Island Federation of Labor and Senator Kevin Thomas joined nurses and also spoke out. Nurses’ campaign has been heating up as nurses launched radio ads, social media ads and a mobile billboard urging community members to sign a petition in support of Long Island nurses. Show your solidarity by signing the petition today! The Chief Leader, NBC, Patch, Fox, and WOR covered the nurses’ informational picket. | | | |  | One Brooklyn Health Nurse Practitioners Join NYSNA Congratulations to nurse practitioners (NPs) working at One Brooklyn Health’s (OBH) Interfaith Medical Center and Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center on becoming the newest members of our NYSNA family! As part of the bargaining unit, NYSNA’s NP bargaining committee negotiated with the employer and won very strong base salaries, a progressive experience pay ladder, inclusion in NYSNA Health Benefits and Pension Plan, and recourse to the contractual grievance and arbitration process. Current OBH executive committee members Ari Moma, RN, and Vivienne Phillips, RN, provided strong support at the bargaining table throughout the process. Together, nurses and NPs at OBH are committed to delivering safe, quality patient care to their patients and the community. | | | |  | Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital Members Spread Holiday Cheer NYSNA members at UVM-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, union siblings from 1199SEIU and their families brought holiday cheer at the annual Plattsburgh Holiday Parade. Their presence in the parade highlighted the union’s commitment to both celebrating the season and advocating for the well-being of healthcare professionals and the communities they serve. | | | |  | Jacobi Nurses Receive DAISY Award NYSNA nurses from NYC Health+Hospitals/Jacobi Medical Center were recently honored with the DAISY Award, which recognizes extraordinary nurses. Annabelle DeJesus, RN (pictured at left); Dawnette Kirlew, RN (pictured at right); Annie Mun, RN; Kaye Dee Capers, RN; and Beneka Abraham, RN, were all honored. Congratulations, nurses, for your executional patient care and dedication to patients and the profession! | | | |  | Carthage Hospital Nurses Gather to Learn about POAs and Safe Staffing Nurses at Carthage Hospital gathered for a workshop to learn about the power of protest of assignment (POA) forms in their fight for safe staffing. With the winter weather coming in strong in the North Country, rural hospital systems once again face the challenges that come with it. Many of these issues include not being able to make it to work to cover the shift, working short staffed, power outages due to heavy snow and more. The workshop empowered new nurses with the tools and education to provide safe patient care and protect their practice. | | | |  | NYSNA Members Strengthen Relationships at Interregional Meetings NYSNA members from Brooklyn, Long Island, and Queens joined together at their interregional meetings. Members including NYSNA President Nancy Hagans, RN, BSN, CCRN, celebrated victories from the past year and union solidarity, discussed issues they face across the region, and strategized how to organize to tackle ongoing issues in 2025. In Long Island, the major highlight was welcoming members from Northwell Health/Huntington Hospital who recently won their union election. In Brooklyn and Queens, members are starting to gear up for the upcoming city-wide private sector contract campaign. Nurses left ready to work together and win in 2025! | | | | Albany Med CEO Refuses to Address Staffing Crisis Albany Medical Center CEO Dr. Dennis McKenna continued his so-called “last, best, and final offer” PR blitz and pressure campaign to distract from the staffing crisis and staffing and service cuts at the hospital. While nurses call on Albany Med management to come to the bargaining table in good faith, McKenna has launched a YouTube video and closed press conference to tout his ultimatum. However, NYSNA nurses know that the latest offer doesn’t do nearly enough to give the nurses the respect they deserve. Albany Med nurses know there is more bargaining left to do before they agree to a contract. They will not stop until they get the contract with the enforceable safe staffing, fair benefits and wages, and a union voice. Hear NYSNA nurses’ response in the Albany Times Union, WAMC, and WNYT. All of NYSNA is in solidarity with Albany Med nurses, because they’ve fought far too hard to settle for anything less than what all nurses and patients deserve!
| | | |  | Members Reflect on Get Out the Vote Ahead of 2025 NYSNA member activists who volunteered to help with Get Out the Vote efforts during the last election met to debrief and discuss their experience. Members are fired up about the work ahead and are looking forward to getting more involved in the coming year. | | | |  | NYSNA and Climate Justice Allies in Support of Solar Legislation NYSNA was proud to join fellow unions and climate justice advocacy groups to celebrate Intro 353 going into effect. This new law requires New York City to install solar power on public buildings. The celebratory press conference took place at P.S. 19 in the East Village, a solar-ready elementary school. NYSNA is part of two coalitions, Climate Jobs NY and Climate Works for All, that worked closely with New York City Council Member Sandy Nurse to get this impactful bill passed. This is an important step for the city in working toward a healthy environment for all New Yorkers and creating good union jobs in the process. | | | |  | Save the Date: NYSNA Lobby Day Save the date for NYSNA Lobby Day on March 11, 2025. NYSNA members know that our fight for safe staffing, health equity, and more depends on our elected officials investing in healthcare and holding employers accountable. Stay tuned for more details and how to reserve your seat on the bus! | | | | New Issue! Journal of the New York State Nurses Association The Journal of the New York Nurses Association is currently seeking papers. Authors are invited to submit scholarly papers, research studies, brief reports on clinical or educational innovations, and articles of opinion on subjects important to registered nurses. Of particular interest are papers addressing direct care issues. New authors and student authors are encouraged to submit manuscripts for publication. Check out the latest volume of the journal and read the guidelines for submission here. | | | | 2025 Nursing Education & Practice Courses NYSNA members can take advantage of FREE e-leaRN courses, including state-mandated offerings, standard of practice and certification review courses, as well as nursing practice workshops. Registration for 2025 courses will open soon. Take a look at the 2025 certification review calendar and learn more information on how to register here, or register for the courses directly here. | | | | Upcoming NNU Workshops As part of National Nurses United, NYSNA members can now access free continuing education courses and workshops online. Learn more about workshops that advance your practice and empower union nurses. Check out these upcoming workshops: | | | | Practice Alert: Required Completion of NYS Reporting Child Abuse Course All licensed health practitioners are required to repeat the Identification and Reporting New York State Child Abuse program, even if you have taken the program in the past. This is a one-time requirement that must be completed by April 1, 2025, with proof to be sent by each individual practitioner to New York State by April 1, 2025. Please check our flyer for more information. | | | | Seminar at Sea 2025 Join NYSNA on a weeklong cruise from Spain to Portugal on May 24-31, 2025. Not only will you get a chance to visit these beautiful countries, but you will also have the opportunity to obtain nursing continuing education credits and connect with colleagues from New York and throughout the country. You can find additional information in the informational flyer to learn about this unique and informative educational program and details on how to register for the cruise. | | | | Calling All Nurse Practitioners The NYSNA Nursing Education and Practice Department has added required and important educational offerings specifically for nurse practitioners (NPs). Here is the new listing of programs that are free to NYSNA NP members in 2024: - Updated: New York State Mandatory Prescriber Education Guidance – For DEA Registration No. (four-hour online asynchronous program required to be taken every three (3) years).
- New and Required: Federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 and New York State Requirements for All DEA Registered Practitioners: Safe Prescribing of Controlled Substances 8 Hour Training (a one-time eight-hour online asynchronous program. The deadline for satisfying this new training requirement is the date of a practitioner’s next scheduled DEA registration submission—regardless of whether it is an initial registration or a renewal registration—on or after June 27, 2023).
- Mandated New York State Infection Control Training for Healthcare Professionals (asynchronous program required to be taken every four (4) years).
- New and Required: New York State Child Abuse: Identification and Reporting, 8th Edition. (All licensed health practitioners are required to take this new program even if you have taken the New York State Child Abuse program in the past. This is a one-time requirement to be completed by April 1, 2025, with proof to be sent by the practitioner to New York State by April 1, 2025.)
- NPs and Midwives: Prescribing Information (Req. for Form 2B) (a one-time online asynchronous program for those NPs and midwives who did not graduate from an in-state NYSED registered NP program, satisfying the required coursework on New York and Federal Laws Governing Prescriptions and Record Keeping).
| | | | | | It's a Wrap for 2024! Nurses Build Union Power at Labor Education Trainings Thousands of NYSNA members from across the state participated in labor education workshops and trainings building solidarity, inspiring each other, sharpening skills to fight for better working conditions and improved patient care. From Western New York to Albany and along the Hudson, Long Island and the five boroughs, NYSNA members in the private and public sectors developed leadership skills and had fun doing it! Nurse leaders gathered for two-day trainings, a full day of workshops and retreats, or dropped in for repeated rolling interactive workshops. From newly-active members to long-time leaders, our members learned from each other's experiences and put those learnings into practice to prepare for a strike, marching on the boss, building a POA campaign or creating a more visible, organized workplace. There will be more opportunities in 2025! Sign up here for trainings in early 2025. A full schedule of 2025 trainings is coming soon. For any questions or to set up a training in your facility, please email NYSNA's Labor Education department at labored@nysna.org. | | | | | | | | NNU Executive Director Recognized as one of Top 100 People in Healthcare Congratulations to NNU Executive Director Bonnie Castillo, RN, on her cognition in Modern Healthcare’s list of the 100 most influential people in healthcare. Modern Healthcare’s recognition program acknowledges and honors the most influential figures in healthcare who continue to protect and improve patient care. | | | | Prenatal and Lactation Rights Under New York State Law Recent changes to New York state employment law help working parents better navigate work and family and require hospitals to better accommodate registered nurses’ medical and family needs. As of June 2024, public and private employers must provide a minimum of paid breaks of 30 minutes for employees to pump breast milk. Effective Jan. 1, 2025, New York will become the first state in the U.S. to require paid prenatal care leave, impacting all private employers. Learn more about these rights in our NYSNA fact sheet. | | | | Nurses’ Rights to Be Whistleblowers and Protest Your Assignments NYSNA members should be empowered with the knowledge of laws that have been passed with NYSNA’s input to protect them and empower them to speak up when patient safety is compromised, either due to unsafe staffing or other factors, such as a lack of personal protective equipment, as was the case throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Take a moment to learn about your rights in this flyer. | | | HEALTH & SAFETY AND COVID-19 RESOURCES | | Avian Flu Safety Alert for Healthcare Workers In early September 2024, the Missouri Department of Health reported that a patient with no known exposure to animals that may carry avian influenza (H5N1) was infected with the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and further investigation later identified as many as 94 healthcare staff who had come in contact with the patient and several developed respiratory symptoms. Although there are no reported cases of avian flu in New York, check out NYSNA’s Health and Safety guide to protect healthcare workers exposed to H5N1. | | | | | | | | COVID-19 Leave Fact Sheet Nurses working in New York have several options for fully paid or partially paid leave to cover work time missed due to COVID-19 infection or COVID-19 quarantine. Check out this fact sheet updated by NYSNA’s Occupational Health and Safety team to learn more about your rights under New York state law. | | | | Long COVID Guide Read NYSNA’s Long COVID Guide to help you stay informed on the diagnosis, treatment options, benefits and rights for workers with long COVID. | | | | | | | | No-Cost Life Insurance Benefit From MetLife Are in Effect for NYSNA Members! NYSNA is pleased to announce a new member benefit that became effective on Aug. 1, 2024: Basic MetLife Life Insurance! This new coverage is at no-cost to you and provides $20,000 of Basic Life Insurance and $20,000 of Basic Personal Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance. All active members in good standing represented for collective bargaining through the union/policyholder will automatically be enrolled in the plan. This new union benefit is in addition to any other insurance provided by your benefits fund, your contract, or through your employer. Benefits include: - Basic term life insurance.
- AD&D benefits for covered losses that are the result of an accidental injury or loss of life, including line of duty death benefits.
For more information and instructions on designating a beneficiary, visit www.nysnawinstonbenefits.com or call 1-866-483-1124. Sign up with your NYSNA Member ID to set up and access your account and benefits. If you need your Member ID, please contact NYSNA Membership department at membership@nysna.org. Download and share the flyer. | | | | NYSNA Will-Writing Benefits From MetLife The NYSNA Benefits Fund gives NYSNA members who are covered by the NYSNA Benefits Fund access to personal will preparation services that MetLife Legal Plans offer — at no additional cost. Having a will prevents unnecessary stress and ensures final wishes are clear. The Benefits Fund offers valuable legal resources through MetLife Legal Plans to assist with creating or updating a will with a member’s Basic Life coverage. As part of this benefit, members get legal guidance and unlimited consultations with network attorneys. Learn more here. | | | | NYSNA Members Are Eligible for AFL-CIO’s Union Plus Benefits! The benefits of being a NYSNA member extend beyond your NYSNA benefits. As an affiliate of the AFL-CIO, NYSNA members are also eligible for Union Plus benefits to help current and retired labor union members and their families save money and support them through major milestones, celebrations and hardships. These benefits include discounts on wireless plans, credit card deals, mortgage deals, discounts on insurance plans and more! Find out more on the AFL-CIO Union Plus website. | | | | | | Free Benefits for NYSNA Members: UAP Program and SPAN Program The Union Assistance Program (UAP) is a confidential self-help program, independent from NYSNA, that is available to NYSNA members and their families as a membership benefit. When an employee or family member (18 or older) faces a significant personal problem, they can call UAP’s experienced counselors at 800-252-4555 for assistance at any time. Read more information on phone counseling services here. Learn about the benefits and resources offered through the UAP here. The December 2024 newsletter shares tips on how to live intentionally in 2025. Read it here. Statewide Peer Assistance for Nurses (SPAN) is a confidential education, support and advocacy program for all nurses licensed in New York state who are dealing with substance abuse problems. Check out the SPAN newsletter for fall 2024! The newsletter covers art therapy as part of recovery and highlights the SPAN story of Rob Simpson, eastern regional coordinator for SPAN. Visit the SPAN website for more information. | | | | | | In solidarity,
Pat Kane, RN
Executive Director | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
