If there is one problem that symbolizes the ongoing national healthcare emergency, it is the rampant price gouging in the healthcare industry that continues to price too many Americans out of access to care and into financial ruin. Not only is the problem not solved by the Affordable Care Act, but it is a likely reason many will continue to demand more effective reform, as in expanding and extending Medicare to cover everyone. More »
ACTION NEEDED by May 24th--AB 975 would clearly define charity care to ensure it is care for the poor, not marketing, cutting of services or other schemes, and redefine genuine community benefit, and assure greater public transparency. Send a messages to the Assembly Appropriations Committee ASAP! More »
As California grapples with implementation of the Affordable Care Act, it’s worth emphasizing that the significant gaps in the federal law call out for stronger action in the states to address a healthcare emergency that is far from over. More »
This year’s Nurses Week was sadly darkened by the death of five caregivers in a tragic limousine fire on the San Mateo Bridge. To honor them and assist their families, we have established a fund. Please consider making a donation and sharing the link with friends. Thank you. More »
HR 1907, the Safe Nurse Staffing for Patient Safety and Quality Care Act, a bill re-introduction today in the House of Representatives by Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Illinois, establishes minimum RN ratios for every hospital unit at all times. It also provides whistleblower protection to assure that nurses are free to speak out for enforcement of safe staffing standards. Please add your name to our letter supporting this exciting legislation! More »
I am a Registered Nurse at Affinity Medical Center and although this is a week to recognize nurses, I would like to thank the people of Massillon and the surrounding area for the privilege of allowing my colleagues and me to care for you and your families. More »
On April 17th, Congressman Keith Ellison, Chairman of the Progressive Caucus, introduced the Inclusive Prosperity Act (HR 1579), which would generate hundreds of billions of dollars a year through a tiny tax on Wall Street trading. It's the exact kind of bold leadership and legislation our nation needs right now. April 20th, a thousand people rallied in Washington in support of this bill. More »
Calling the legislation "remarkable" and "bold," Rep. Barbara Lee told the press conference that HR 1579 would address "out-of-control tactics" on Wall Street and would "lead to critical investments for our future -- in health and development assistance." More »
The reckless actions of Wall Street institutions led to the collapse of the the U.S. economy and the deep recession of 2008-09. The Wall Street firms looted and gambled trillions in worker pensions and mutual fund savings. The Wall Street traders made billions of dollars in speculative money -- bets on bets -- holding hostage the real economy where money is made by providing goods and services. And the actions of Wall Street resulted in the loss of more than 8 million jobs. More »
“The global crisis cost Americans $19 trillion in lost wealth.... American citizens provided the money to stabilize the financial sector….The global financial crisis, along with wars, unabated and unaddressed climate change, unsustainable tax cuts, and a continuing unemployment crisis, if unaddressed, will deprive a generation of a meaningful role in the larger economy.” More »
Betty, who was on the ground to help victims after Hurricane Katrina and in Haiti after the devastating earthquake, was working at the medical tent at the finish line of the Boston Marathon yesterday, and she was there to respond and care for the victims when the bombs exploded. “I never had to run out to victims before where one of them could have been someone I knew, a member of my family,” she wrote in an email after the event. More »
Have you ever wondered about what a business or an organization has to provide in order to acquire and keep a not-for-profit (aka nonprofit) status? RN and Director of Government Relations for CNA, Bonnie Castillo talks about a bill, AB 975, that aims to press California non-profit hospitals to fulfill their charity care obligation in exchange for the substantial public financing they receive through their tax-exempt status. More »
TAKE ACTION to stop Social Security Cuts! Join us on April 20 in DC. Robin Hood will be marching from the IMF and World Bank to the US Treasury to demand a Robin Hood Tax in the U.S. We hope you can join us! On April 17 Congressmember Ellison (D-MN) will be holding a press conference to herald the reintroduction of The Inclusive Prosperity Act which calls for a Robin Hood Tax. Get details and see more updates! More »
Has therapeutic healing and recovery become a vanishing mission among California hospitals? Are California hospitals operating as big corporations more devoted to piling up cash than to assuring the delivery of care? A look at how California's private, not-for-profit hospitals are meeting their responsibilities for providing charity care and community benefit programs suggests many have lost their way. More »
SEIU-UHW’s Dave Regan’s sordid scorecard: ‘We are proud of it and would do it again’ says Regan of his attack on ratios. RNs across California who work side by side with SEIU-UHW members are probably already aware of the sweeping concessions Regan and his coterie have signed with hospital managers. More »
Wall Street banks and corporations are raking in record profits while our communities continue to suffer job losses and cuts to public programs. Instead of lining the pockets of corporate fat cats, this money should go to our children’s Head Start programs, Grandma’s retirement, and fixing our broken healthcare system. JOIN US! More »
The statistics regarding back injuries are frightening! Approximately 80% of adults are expected to experience back injuries in their lifetime with 10% re-injuring! When it comes to health care professionals, the facts get are even worse. More »
Florida Nurses Welcome First Contract, Illinois Jackson Park Chicago RNs Win First Hospital Contract, California RNs Reach Agreement with Sutter CPMC & St. Luke, Michigan MNA President, Jeff Breslin on Right To Work, Missouri Nurses Push for “Safe Patient Handling” Law HB 856, and more. More »
Registered nurses at Jackson Park Hospital and Medical Center on Chicago’s South Side reached an agreement with hospital officials on their first ever collective bargaining contract that includes significant improvements in patient care protections. More »
I'm a registered nurse who actually knows what patients need when they're in the hospital. So I was outraged by The Detroit News' distorted editorial about a bill to require all Michigan hospitals to meet minimal levels of nurse staffing (March 14, "State shouldn't mandate hospital staffing levels"). More »
