Our Mission and Vision | Our History | Our Services to Nurses
The E&GW Program is primarily responsible for providing services to NYSNA members who are represented for collective bargaining. E&GW staff work out of three offices: Latham (NYSNA headquarters), Cheektowaga (near Buffalo) and New York City.
Currently there are more than 160 NYSNA local bargaining units, each with their own contract and governing rules. A Nursing Representative is assigned to each LBU to assist members in enforcing the terms of their contract, pursuing grievances and arbitrations, and running their units effectively. A Labor Representative assists the LBU leaders during contract negotiations.
E&GW resource staff are available to all LBU members. A Labor Educator conducts in-facility workshops on negotiations, grievances, the history of nursing labor organizations, and many other topics. An Occupational Health and Safety Representative works with nurses to improve their workplaces and promote environmentally friendly health care. The Community Affairs Representative assists members in promoting legislation at the local level, primarily in New York City.
An important part of E&GW Program activities is organizing nurses who want to form a NYSNA bargaining unit at their facilities. A Director of Organizing supervises a staff with special skills in this area.
The Education, Practice and Research (EPR) Program assists NYSNA members with a broad spectrum of nursing issues involving education, practice, and research.
Program staff members include experienced RNs who are informed the legal scope and ethical aspects of nursing practice in a variety of practice settings. They respond on a daily basis to members and staff who have questions related to these issues.
Staff members also monitor and work with regulatory agencies, coalitions, and other stakeholders throughout the state.
NYSNA is committed to maintaining the quality of nursing education in New York state and serve as a resource for nurse educators and staff development professionals. Career resource materials and information on the nursing profession are available to guidance counselors and instructors at both the high school and college levels.
NYSNA provides learning experiences for nurses on a broad array of topics and issues. Some of the more popular topics are pharmacology and medication administration, avoiding malpractice, and knowing the Nurse Practice Act. Continuing education is offered each year during a Seminar at Sea (aboard a cruise ship), a Faculty Camp, and the annual NYSNA Convention.
NYSNA offers an extensive array of online courses at its e-leaRN™ Web site (www.elearnonline.net). Offerings include New York State mandatory courses on infection control and identifying child abuse.
Since 1977, NYSNA has been an accredited approver of nursing continuing education activities through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). NAI staff members work with CE providers to ensure that a wide range of education opportunities are available throughout the state.
The program works closely with the Foundation of New York State Nurses to promote and advance nursing research in the state. Many of these goals are advanced by the NYSNA Council on Nursing Research.
NYSNA created a peer assistance program in 1992 to provide resources for nurses whose practice was in danger of being impaired by the use of alcohol and other drugs. In 2000, a state law established the program for all RNs and LPNs in the state and NYSNA has operated that program since 2001.
The program uses the strategies of direct education, support groups, and volunteer RN “advocates” who mentor SPAN participants. While the program does not provide treatment for addiction itself, it helps connect nurses with the services they need through referrals. Program staff also assist participants with licensure issues.
SPAN operates a confidential toll-free HELPline (800-45-SPAN-1) that allows nurses to contact the program 24/7. Participants are assessed and mentored by one of five regional SPAN coordinators, who are registered nurses with expertise in treatment for addictive disease.
NYSNA works to promote legislation that will benefit nurses and improve their work environment.
Based on a legislative program approved by the membership, staff members conduct lobbying and grassroots activities. A Lobby Day, held each spring in Albany, is attended by hundreds of RNs and nursing students.
NYSNA provides information, training, and support to members who are interested in political and legislative action. Legislative District Coordinators (LDCs) serve as liaisons with local legislators and reinforce the importance of nursing as a political force. The NYSNA Political Action Committee supports political candidates who can advance the association’s legislative goals.
Staff members fulfill requests for factual information and referrals from both NYSNA members and nonmembers. Please note that a fee may be charged to nonmembers for the following:
According to guidelines approved by the NYSNA Board of Directors, the basic charge for staff services to nonmembers is $150. per hour, plus cost of materials. Staff will estimate the cost at the time the request is made. Fees may be waived at the discretion of NYSNA staff.