Thousands lobby for nursing’s agenda at annual Lobby Day

LATHAM, April 18, 2011 – On April 12, more than 2,100 registered nurses and nursing students attended the Nurses Association's annual Lobby Day in Albany, to speak out on legislative issues that affect nursing and patient care.

Educational advancement for nurses (A1977/S1223) remains a top priority for NYSNA. As nurses increasingly work in collaboration and coordination with other healthcare professionals and as their clinical and technical roles expand, they must attain increased competencies if they are to deliver high-quality care.

Pursuing a master’s degree is a priority for Sage Graduate School of Nursing student Melissa VanSlyke of Johnstown, who explained that, “I know I need more education. Not only do my patients deserve it, but I owe it to myself to increase opportunity for my future.”

Members and students also spoke with legislators concerning legislation that NYSNA is promoting: safe nurse staffing ratios (A921) that decrease patient complications and employee burnout, establishing safe patient handling programs (A1370-A/S2470-A) to ensure safer environments for both patient and caregiver, and promoting a healthy workplace (A4258/S4289) to address workplace bullying and mistreatment in the healthcare setting.

The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for nursing in the Empire State. With more than 37,000 members, it is New York’s largest professional association and union for registered nurses. The association represents registered nurses, and some all-professional bargaining units, in New York and New Jersey. It supports nurses and nursing practice through education, research, legislative advocacy, and collective bargaining.

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