Voice and respect

Submitted by ADonahue on

(Video) Democracy in the workplace

NNU representation provides RNs with the tools to have a real voice in patient care decisions, which we use to create safer health care facilities to protect our patients, our licenses, and ourselves.

A stronger voice for safe working conditions

Nurse headshot

 

“When VA nurses were called to service during the pandemic we jumped into action, putting the care of our veterans first. But we were being asked to care for our patients without the proper personal protective equipment. I am proud to say that after months of action and advocacy we won and secured the promise of single-use PPE at all 23 of our NNOC VA facilities. That is the power of collective action.”

— Irma Westmoreland, RN, CNA/NNOC Board Member
Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, Ga.

 

Patient advocacy without fear

Nurse headshot - Sara Ramirez

 

“With NNOC, we feel management respects us and we can advocate for our patients without fear of retaliation. We think our contract ensures patients get the best care possible.”

— Sara Ramirez, RN
Providence Memorial Hospital, El Paso, Texas

 

A stronger voice to help us advocate for safe staffing

Nurse headshot - Martese Chism

 

“We used our collective power as union nurses to force management to agree to hire 300 RNs and we won the biggest wage increases in NNU history. Cook County nurses stood strong and together we won a huge victory for our patients and our community.”

— Martese Chism, RN, CNA/NNOC Board Member
John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, Ill.

 

Stronger voice to help us advocate for safe staffing

Linda Schall Headshot

 

“We’ve made improvements as a result of having a union contract. For example, the ‘floating only to like units’ article. Before, as a pre-op nurse I was being floated to L/D, ICU, and med-surg. I now only float to ‘like units’ where I’m oriented. Thanks to our NNOC contract, I’m confident in the care I’m giving.”

— Linda Schall, RN
Menorah Medical Center, Overland Park, Kan.

 

RN unity is a win for everyone

Brenda Saravia Headshot

 

“When RNs stick together for quality patient care and our professional practice, it is a win for everyone — patients, nurses, our hospital, and the community.”

— Brenda Saravia, RN
MountainView Hospital, Las Vegas, Nev.

 

Standing up for ourselves and our community

Thuy Ho, RN

 

“In our last contract negotiations, management tried to cut wages for newly hired nurses by 20 to 30 percent, even though they do the exact same work. Having a large, strong, organized union meant we not only beat back wage cuts, but instead won increases for every nurse in the bargaining unit. Beyond fighting for strong wages and benefits, Kaiser nurses are organizing for race and gender justice in our hospital and community. Being a CNA member means we’re part of a larger social movement fighting for justice and equity for all nurses and patients.”

— Thuy Ho, RN
Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center, Roseville, Calif.