National Nurses United

selves and their patients. First California nurses, then nurses in Massachusetts and other states, left the American Nurses Association and founded new organizations dedicated to representing nurses in collective bargaining, organizing new nurses and ensuring affordable, high-quality healthcare for all. National Nurses United finally brings together those state-based groups into one union. "This is a quantum leap for nurses, and to an outside observer it might seem like oh, this just happened," said Martha Kuhl, RN of California, a longtime nurse activist who was elected NNU Secretary-Treasurer at the convention. "But it took years of conversations and consensus-building and outreach to get here." Kuhl said the biggest share of NNU's funds will go towards organizing, to strengthen the national RN movement. About 20 percent of nurses nationwide are union members. That's higher than the average for private-sector employees, but still leaves more than three-quarters of RNs with little protection when they speak out for their patients. "Our numbers here today form the front line of a great movement, Christopher Williams, RN, Texas "This is a phenomenal feeling, to be right here in the midst of all these nurses who want to change the world." Kris Michaelson, RN, Michigan "I've been a nurse for 34 years and I've represented nurses in contract negotiations and I always felt something was missing. NNU is it. This is the legacy we pass on for nurses, for the women in this country." one with unlimited potential and opportunity," Burger said in a convention speech. "Today we represent 150,000 RNs, but there are tens of thousands of other direct-care RNs who can, should, and will one day be with us." Another top priority will be passing national legislation that will make hospitals safer for nurses and patients—including setting nurse-to-patient staffing ratios, banning mandatory overtime, and protecting nurses who expose dangerous conditions at their hospitals. National Nurses United will also set up divisions of nurses who work in similar settings—such as children's hospitals or universities—so they can share experiences and strategies. Nurses at HCA's MountainView Hospital in Nevada, who won an organizing campaign with NNU in January—the first election victory since the formation of the super-union—said they have already experienced the benefits of being part of a national RN union. "We had HCA nurses from around the country standing with us throughout our campaign," said Nenita Garcia, RN. "Their support, education and solidarity really made a difference." the new RN super-union include Deborah Burger, RN (California), Karen Higgins, RN (Massachusetts) and Jean Ross, RN (Minnesota). The board also appoints an executive director, currently Rose Ann DeMoro. So, is National Nurses United a professional organization or a union? National Nurses United is both a professional organization and a union. Through education and legislative advocacy, National Nurses United helps nurses improve their practice and have a greater voice in decisions that affect patient safety. And by representing nurses in collective bargaining and organizing new nurses on the job, NNU ensures that all nurses have the JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2010 staffing standards and benefits they need to provide excellent patient care and attract new RNs to the profession. My organization hasn't yet affiliated to National Nurses United, or is debating about joining. What's going on? When registered nurses around the country decided to take the bold step of forming a new national nurse organization, they faced opposition from forces in the healthcare industry who were afraid of the collective power such a large and united RN organization would wield. Some of that opposition has come from within state nursing organizations, which some believe should continue to be con- 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 trolled by nurse executives the way they were in the 1980s, rather than by the staff nurses who actually provide care. National Nurses United is committed to organizing direct-care RNs in any state who want to have a voice at work and within their professional organizations. If you have any questions about NNU organizing in your state, please contact your local NNU office. I just became a National Nurses United member. How can I get more involved? Visit www.NationalNurses United.org. You can also follow NNU on Twitter at @NationalNurses. And you can send story ideas to National Nurse at nationalnurse@nationalnursesunited.org. N AT I O N A L N U R S E 17

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