NYSNA Update: August 1
NYSNA Honors 60 Years of Medicaid and Medicare
On July 30, 1965, 60 years ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare and Medicaid into law, enacting critical programs that provide millions of Americans with access to affordable healthcare and moving the country one step closer to recognizing healthcare as a human right. As the federal government moves to dismantle these life-saving programs, it’s more critical than ever for healthcare workers and union members to speak out and organize to protect all New Yorkers’ health and dignity. NYSNA members are not going to take these healthcare cuts lying down. We will hold elected officials who voted for the federal budget bills accountable and call on state and local elected officials to invest in New York’s healthcare systems to preserve greater access to care and protect our most vulnerable patients, children, immigrants, LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers and individuals of low income.
H+H Nurses Meet With City Council Member to Advocate for Fair Sick Leave Policy
This week, NYSNA nurses at New York City Health+ Hospitals (H+H) and NYSNA nurse leaders including Executive Council President Sonia Lawrence, BSN, RN and Vice President Alizia McMeyers, MSN, MHA, BSN, RN met with NYC Council Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala to share their concerns about how this policy pressures nurses to work sick and puts public health at risk. Next week, NYSNA nurses are meeting with City Council Member Gale Brewer, the sponsor of the Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law) in New York City, to ask for her support. In addition, nurses have started a call-in campaign targeting American Nurses Credentialing Center credential administrators to tell them that H+H should not get a Pathway to Excellence designation if it refuses to listen to nurses. Check out this flyer for details on how you can take action to support H+H nurses. It’s time for H+H to do the right thing to maintain a healthy workplace for nurses, our patients and the public.
H+H/Kings County Hospital Nurses Deliver Petition to Advocate for More Time With Patients, Better ICU Staffing
On Wednesday, July 30, intensive care unit (ICU) nurses from H+H/Kings County confronted their director of nursing for the ICU with a petition demanding changes to the charge nurse’s patient load so they can focus on clinical oversight and unit coordination. They also requested an end to redundant nonclinical tasks that compromise the amount of time available to care for vulnerable patients. As Kings County transitions to a different record-keeping system, management is asking nurses to use both the old and new systems, essentially doubling their work. Nurses were able to get confirmation that the paperwork requirement for their charge nurse will decrease. While they are celebrating this initial victory, they are committed to continue organizing for better staffing in the ICU. Way to go, H+H/Kings County nurses!