Contents
FEATURES
10 The Real World (of Healthcare)
What do you get when you pile a bunch of RNs into a bus and set them
loose in a dozen swing states to educate citizens about healthcare
reform? A lot of heartbreaking patient stories, too many meals in greasy
diners, and real hope that America can extend Medicare to all.
By Donna Smith
14 Making Her Own Luck
Once an uninsured single mom, Michelle Gutierrez-Vo beat great odds
to become a registered nurse and is now a fiery advocate for practice
standards in the outpatient setting. By Lucia Hwang
DEPARTMENTS
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4 News Briefs
Texas RNs march and rally in Austin as they prepare to introduce
2009 ratio bill; learn which candidates backed by CNA/NNOC won
their races; Casualty of the Day campaign kept spotlight on healthcare
during 2008 elections; a new book details Obama's Herculean
challenges, but also his chance to be a transformative president;
acting on EFCA; Arizona's Prop. 101 appears defeated and RNs
prepare to introduce ratio bill; Cook County RNs bargaining; Ohio
RNs strategize.
9 Doing What's Right, Not Easy
The public trusts nurses to champion healthcare reform for people,
not politicians. By Rose Ann DeMoro
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o n t h e c ov e r : CNA/NNOC RNs out on the road
educating voters in swing states about the two presidential candidates' healthcare platforms stop by the
national Capitol. Photo Tad Keyes.
NOVEMBER 2008
W W W. C A L N U R S E S . O R G
REGISTERED NURSE
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