Contents
FEATURES
11 Not-So-Golden Years
For far too long, pensions were not standard for registered nurses
even though they filled a public service as teachers, firefighters, and
police officers do. In California, all that changed after CNA/NNOC
began winning pensions for members. Too many RNs across the
country, however, still retire without the financial security they
deserve. By Heather Boerner
16 Whiners Need Not Apply
The professional practice committee at Kaiser South San Francisco
is known for its teamwork and results. But it wasn't always this way.
Learn how RNs there built their PPC from the ground up.
By Lucia Hwang
18 The Spark
Meet RN Debbie Cuaresma, who helped spark the widespread
unionization of registered nurses in Southern California. By Lucia Hwang
11
DEPARTMENTS
4 News Briefs
Sutter pushes business strategy at expense of community health;
Election at Saint Agnes a poster child for EFCA; CNA/NNOC testifies
before Congress on single-payer merits; Two new TV shows featuring
RN characters provide opening to talk about nursing in America;
Geriatric care RNs in Pennsylvania unionize; Arizonan RNs support
single-payer; Chicago RNs meet with colleagues on public-sector
challenges; Maine RNs settle contract; Ohio RNs turn to organizing;
metro councils in Texas gather to discuss ratios
10 A Uniquely American Mess
President Obama seems to understand what's wrong with insurance
companies, but lacks the political will for genuine, single-payer
healthcare reform. By Rose Ann DeMoro
4
JUNE 2009
W W W. C A L N U R S E S . O R G
REGISTERED NURSE
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