Issue link: https://nnumagazine.uberflip.com/i/1542603
16 N A T I O N A L N U R S E W W W . N A T I O N A L N U R S E S U N I T E D . O R G O C T O B E R | N O V E M B E R | D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 5 A s the most trusted profes- sion (emphasis on "profession," no matter what insults we face), nurses know fighting to resolve patients' symptoms, without healing the root cause of an illness, will never lead to ongoing health. Looking ahead to 2026, it's time to apply that same RN assessment to the health of our country and focus on the fundamental reason every- day life is so precarious: Billionaires have rigged society to get richer and richer off our backs. It's nurses' duty to heal society and build a future defined by care, compassion, and justice for working people. We know protecting the nursing profes- sion is critical to realizing our vision for a healthy tomorrow. That's why our response to the Trump administration's plan to exclude graduate nursing students from "professional" loans will be the clap back heard across the United States. This proposed new rule would limit graduate nursing degree loans to half the funding the Department of Education (DOE) allows its specific list of professions, a total attack on nurses' lifesaving work. NNU RNs will be mobilizing in Washington, D.C. this January against the DOE's proposed rule, fighting to keep the nursing profession elevated at the "most trusted" level it is constantly ranked by patients. People across the country know they can rely on nurses to lead the way toward a soci- ety that works for everyone—a society free of corporate domination. That's why we were so proud to celebrate the November passage of California's Prop. 50, which helps protect democracy in response to President Trump's congressional power grab, as Texas and other states look to redistricting to steal the power of Black, Brown, and working-class voters. Under the leadership of CNA/NNOC presidents and board, RNs and other volun- teers with the union knocked on more than 17,000 doors and made more than 394,500 calls, urging a yes vote. This victory high- lights the power of working people to stand up against corporate forces seeking to buy elections—and win! In a truly healthy society, health care is also a human right. So on Dec. 3, under NNU leadership, including speaker NNU President Mary Turner, RN, nurses joined members of Congress and other allies for a Washington, D.C. protest to demand Congress first extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax subsidies—then implement Medicare for All. We will continue pushing for extended subsidies, because without them, ACA marketplace premiums will skyrocket in 2026 for millions. And without action on Medicare for All, patients will remain without guarantees to lifesaving care. True health care justice also means that all patients can seek care without fear of harm, and NNU nurses are demanding hospitals remain safe places for healing. We're holding employers accountable for having clear procedures to protect patients and staff from federal immigration agents. In California, nurses celebrated the passage of S.B. 81, a new law requiring hospital employer response plans for immigration enforcement activity and upholding place of birth and immigration status as protected health information. NNU nurses are fight- ing hard to advance these same protections nationwide — and ultimately, fighting even further for a society that prioritizes care over cruelty, and healing people instead of lock- ing them up. Strong unions also lead to a brighter, healthier future, so we're proud that NNU nurses are flexing their union power every single day. You can read more in this issue about nurses' recent contract victories, strikes, and unrelenting fights, including 20,000 fierce New York State Nurses Asso- ciation (NYSNA) nurses at 12 New York City private-sector hospitals refusing to back down at the bargaining table. NYSNA RNs will always go the distance for their patients! And we're thrilled to welcome some 750 RNs at CommonSpirit Health's St. Joseph Health in Brazos Valley, Texas, who recently voted to join NNU. We are also proud of the work CNA/NNOC leadership has been doing to stand up for Veterans Health Administra- tion nurses, whose union rights have been under attack. The Trump administration issued executive orders to strip away federal workers' bargaining rights, under the ridicu- lous premise that these workers represent a threat to national security. Nurses have demanded passage of the Protect America's Workforce Act, a bill that will restore federal workers' union rights, and we are thrilled that it passed the U.S. House of Representa- tives on Dec. 11, thanks to the unrelenting commitment of nurses and our allies. We won't stop fighting to get it through the Senate or fighting for a society in which all workers are free to unionize. 2026 is a midterm year, and we know we must transform Congress in order to trans- form society. It won't be easy. But nurses are experts at fighting to save lives, including when the process of recapturing health is uncomfortable. Your hard work and dedica- tion make healing possible. We all deserve to live in a society that guarantees a good life for everyone, and we will achieve that brighter future together. Warmest holiday wishes to you and your families, and I look forward to fighting by your side in the new year. Puneet Maharaj is executive director of National Nurses United. Puneet Maharaj Executive Director, National Nurses United Holding the Vision On the cusp of a new year, it's time to fight harder than ever to advance the health future nurses know is possible