NYS Nurses Association

A Letter to NYSNA Members, 28 October 2011

Related: Transition Report, Week Two
Attachment: Transition Report, Week Two (.pdf; Adobe Acrobat Reader required)
Attachment: A Letter to NYSNA Members, 29 October 2011 (.pdf; Adobe Acrobat Reader required)

October 28, 2011

Dear NYSNA Members,

I am writing to you as the newly appointed Transitional Executive Officer of NYSNA.

The 2011-2012 Board of Directors of NYSNA had its first meeting and put together an ambitious list of priorities developed to move your organization forward and address the many needs of the members.

As practitioners in New York’s hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and other facilities, you are on the front lines. You know better than anyone that your profession—indeed New York’s entire healthcare system—is at a crossroads. The challenges facing New York’s nurses and health professionals are immense. Together you can build an Association that meets the needs of members, your patients and your communities.

You voted for change in this election, and I am honored to be the individual chosen to assist you in this important task. It is important to note that this is only a short term measure until the Board makes a decision regarding the appointment of a chief executive officer. This is in no way a takeover by Massachusetts, California or any other state. I am here at the request of the new Board of Directors.

At the Board’s first meeting they laid out their priorities for NYSNA. I will work to assess and provide recommendations to the new Board regarding the changes and resources necessary to best achieve their goals.

Strong Contracts – Over 20,000 NYSNA members are working under expired agreements, and hospital administrators across the state are pushing benefits cuts and other concessions. From this moment forward, our leadership is dedicating all available NYSNA resources to building a comprehensive campaign to win strong contracts for our members.
Safe Staffing – It’s simple. Better staffing ratios save lives and protect nursing practice. Under our leadership, the campaign to win a NY staffing ratios bill will be the organization’s top legislative priority, and we’ll shape the NYSNA political and legislative program accordingly.
Transparency –The Board has only just been seated by order of the court and have just gained access to the resources and the records of NYSNA. The Board is fully committed to running a transparent organization. They know an informed and involved membership is a pre-condition for a democratic organization, and will keep you informed of their decisions made as your leaders. More importantly, the Board is working to make sure that members are always at the helm of NYSNA, charting the organization’s course and making the key decisions and my work in transition with staff leadership will be committed to this goal
Democracy and Member Involvement – The Board has charged me with helping them build a stronger NYSNA, but we cannot do it alone. Your participation and active involvement is key. So whether it’s working through the NYSNA Delegate Assembly, your local bargaining unit, or the actions and activities at your hospital, I urge you to get involved.

These are difficult times, and there is a long road ahead. But you have already won the first battle, ensuring that your voice was heard and your vote respected.

Now let us all work together to build the NYSNA that you envisioned.

In Solidarity,
Julie B. Pinkham, RN
Transitional Executive Officer
NYSNA