NEW YORK NURSE: November 2010

I’m NYSNA!

I have been involved with NYSNA on many levels. NYSNA is a great asset to integrate our nursing experience to make us better advocates for our patients. NYSNA is the heart of caring for each of our nurses, in a vigorous way. I am proud to be part of a team that makes a difference. As a fellow in the Leadership Academy, I have the opportunity for myself and my colleagues to become more effective leaders, not only in all that NYSNA stands for, but in all that we can achieve together.

- NATHAN SULL, RN, BSN
NYSNA Membership Chairperson, Erie County Medical Center
Human Rights and Ethics Council, LDC NYSNA, Leadership Academy Fellow, District 1 Legislative Committee

Why NYSNA?

Ever get asked, “What’s NYSNA?” and not have a strong, clear answer right at the tip of your tongue? An “elevator speech” can help. An elevator speech is an informal, personalized message about an organization that shares its benefits, the sort of thing that can be shared at networking meetings, backyard barbecues, and, yes, riding the elevator in a downtown building.

A good elevator speech gives a general overview, shares a personal insight, and engages the listener.

What is it?
Why it is important to me.
Something you might be interested in.
How the listener can find out more.

There can be all kinds of elevator speeches for NYSNA, perhaps highlighting an excellent experience at Seminar at Sea, NYSNA’s educational cruise, or the hands-on advocacy work of Lobby Day.

Here’s one possible example: The New York State Nurses Association, NYSNA, is the largest union and professional association for registered nurses in the state, working to advance the individual careers of members and the overall profession of nursing. I’m involved with my local bargaining unit, and it really makes me feel like I have a voice in the decisions my hospital is making about the care of our patients. Even though you don’t work at a hospital represented by NYSNA, as an RN, you can join as an individual affiliate. Check out NYSNA’s website at www.nysna.org.

NYSNA Highlights

Did you know… ?

The Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC), NYC’s public hospital system in which NYSNA currently represents approximately 8,000 nurses, in 2000 had one full-time NYSNA representative. There are now eight representatives, plus another eight release time representatives.
Last year’s Lobby Day gathered a record-setting 2,000 nurses and nursing students, who met with 102 Assembly members and 52 Senators.
The Violence Against Nurses law, which NYSNA championed, took effect Nov. 1, making it a felony to assault a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) while on duty. Look for more to come in NYSNA’s anti-violence campaign, including flyers, posters and educational programs.
Over the past decade, the Economic and General Welfare Program has handled more than 12,000 grievances and settled 400 contracts.

Share your ideas

NYSNA’s membership committee wants to know what gets you excited about NYSNA. E-mail us at nynurse@nysna.org and let us know why you’re NYSNA.

NYSNA Membership Committee

Linda Mae Brown, MA, BSN,RN, chair
Patricia D. Coyne, MS, MPA, RN
Jacqueline Grant, MS, RN
Roseanne O’Brien Weinstein, MS, BA, RN
Georgia A. Van Dyke, BSN, RN