National Nurses United

TOC.July 2006 7/25/06 7:44 PM Page 3 Contents FEATURES 12 Lit Review Want to stay up on what's being written about healthcare but don't have much time to read? Our summer book review special will fill you in. 19 Common Cause The current debate over immigration reform fails to equate the issues of immigrant workers with all workers. Fortunately, some labor groups are making the connection. By Fernando Losada 22 It's Never Too Late Phyllis Brown, RN felt invisible for 40 years. But after family tragedy inspired her to change her career and her philosophy, she's making an impression that will more than make up for lost time. 4 By Miranda Everitt DEPARTMENTS 4 News Briefs In the face of deep concessions, Cook County nurses establish a landmark first contract; RN-to-patient ratios get a hearing in Illinois; California voters will get to clean up politics after public campaign financing initiative makes the ballot; RNs talk about how the impending labor board decision on RNs as supervisors could jeopardize their ability to advocate for patients; On June 7, National Health Insurance Day, the nation's patients, RNs, and healthcare reformers say it's about time for single-payer healthcare; Modesto RNs join CNA/NNOC; Kaiser bargaining starts, proposals exchanged; RNs and caregivers at Palomar Pomerado settle new contract. 11 Extreme Makeover As the November election approaches, Arnold Schwarzenegger now claims he's a healthcare reformer, but his own words and actions say the opposite. By Rose Ann DeMoro 12 on the cover: (Left to right) Victor Polk, an RN at Cermak Hospital, and Dorothy Ahmad and Maria Belbis, both RNs at Stroger Hospital, rejoice at the announcement that they and their colleagues have approved a new contract with their employer, the Cook County Bureau of Health Services in Chicago, Illinois. Photograph by Loren Santow. J U LY 2 0 0 6 W W W. C A L N U R S E S . O R G REGISTERED NURSE 3

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