National Nurses United

NewsBriefs:May 7/3/08 12:46 PM Page 8 WRAP-UP REPORT MODESTO, CALIF. over 850 rns at Doctors' Medical Center in Modesto have won a new contract that details substantial improvements in patient safety, nursing practice protections, and compensation. Ratified by a landslide vote on May 20, the contract encompasses many of the forward-thinking patient and RN protections that have distinguished CNA/NNOC contracts as the highest standard in the nation. New contract language guarantees compliance with state-mandated nurse-to-patient ratios, as well as the assurance that new technology will not be used to displace nurses or overrule their professional judgment. The contract also addresses the NLRB's controversial 2006 "Kentucky River" ruling by protecting RNs from being reclassified as "supervisors" and removing them from union representation. Issues of floating and shift rotation were also addressed, with DMC Modesto agreeing that nurse registry or traveling RNs would be called off scheduled work shifts or to float before permanent staff RNs. Compensation, too, has been an important issue for DMC Modesto RNs, who first voted to join CNA/NNOC in 2006. The new contract provides pay raises between 29.5 to 48 percent for the period between 2006 and the contract's expiration in 2010. The new contract was effective as of ratification and expires on Dec. 31, 2010. UPLAND, PA. approximately 800 rns narrowly averted a 3-day strike at Crozer Chester Medical Center this month when management's attempts to impose severe takeaways on one of the most progressive contracts in the state failed. The nurses are members of the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals (PASNAP), which is affiliated with CNA/NNOC. On May 30, more than 400 Crozer RNs and community supporters braved downpours to hold a rally at the hospital, urging management to fairly address the nurses' demands or face a strike beginning June 5. Crozer nurses, 8 REGISTERED NURSE who in the past have enjoyed one of the state's best contracts and lowest RN turnover rates, were demanding an end to proposed takeaways that would, in some cases, double the premium costs for health benefits. A significantly improved contract was hammered out in a dramatic final bargaining session that began on June 2 and ran until 3:00 a.m. the next day. On June 3, Crozer RNs overwhelmingly ratified the contract, which outlined Crozer's commitment to hire up to 35 additional full-time nurses. In addition to an average 15 percent pay raise over the course of the three-year contract, the new contract provides an improved starting salary for new hires, a differential increase for charge nurses, and an increase in bonus pay for extra shifts. MAINE registered nurses at The Aroostook Medical Center in northern Maine have been finding overwhelming community support for their contract negotiations for patient safety with an increased wage package to recruit and retain nurses. More than 100 people turned out on June 9 to march down Presque Isle's main street, waving red balloons, and alert the public that the hospital's staffing is stretched too thin. Nurses have also been collecting letters of support from hundreds of community residents and will present them to the hospital's board of directors. One of the main bargaining goals is to increase the base pay rate. Currently, the highest-paid nurse at TAMC earns $25 per hour, and RNs receive no more step increases after 18 years of service. RNs have been quitting TAMC to commute to work at other hospitals, where they can earn significantly more per hour, leaving TAMC extremely short staffed. HollySue Dobson, a post-anesthesia care unit RN and president of TAMC's bargaining unit, said that there was only one ER nurse scheduled on a recent morning shift when multiple trauma cases from a car accident showed up at the ER doors. The RNs are seeking an acrossthe-board increase, and the hospital has balked. "It's not that there's no money, it's just a funny matter of priorities," said Dobson, who noted that hospital records show TAMC's CEO receives upwards of $400,000 for his annual compensation package. "The time has come to do something about keeping our nurses." The RNs' other main goal is to establish a W W W. C A L N U R S E S . O R G professional practice committee that's common to all other CNA/NNOC facilities and contracts so they can have input into staffing and nursing practice. In other Maine news, 120 RNs and other medical technical staff in June settled an improved contract with Maine Coast Regional Hospital in Ellsworth. The RNs there won a PPC, wage increases of 10 percent over the two-year contract, stronger staffing language, and provisions protecting RN judgment when technology is introduced. COLUMBUS, OHIO ohio rns are one step closer to crafting and introducing staffing ratios legislation after a hugely successful June 17 press conference at the state building. Over 40 RNs were in attendance to demand comprehensive, powerful legislation to mandate the number of patients assigned to an RN. Also speaking at the event were those whose patient experiences had been affected by the absence of safe staffing laws in Ohio. Among them was Linda Fearer of Youngstown, whose husband Ray died after being prematurely discharged from the hospital. Ray Fearer had received an elective spinal procedure, afterwards suffering the effects of shock, exhibiting confusion and a dangerously low blood pressure. The RN who had discharged Fearer was caring for 13 postoperative patients, his widow says, adding that if that RN had only been assigned four patients, as ratios legislation requires, she believes her husband would not have died. A number of Ohio legislators have expressed interest at the thought of co-sponsoring such legislation, which would preserve not only the integrity of the nursing profession, but protect the safety of their constituents should they ever be admitted to hospital. "This is a historic day here in Ohio; where we, as nurses, can lead the charge in patient protection reform," said Dayton RN Rhonda Risner Hanos. "No one else is as uniquely qualified as the bedside nurse to provide the best and safest care possible. Patient safety is our goal, not the 'bottom line' of the institutions in which we work." —staff report JUNE 2008

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