W
hat would the world look like if registered
nurses were in charge? About 2,000 nurses gathered
for the California Nurses Association and National
Nurses Organizing Committee convention gave Las
Vegas a taste of "Planet Nurse" this September.
For four days, RNs discussed what patient and social advocates
care about: workers' rights, patient rights, climate change as one of
the biggest threats to the health of mankind, advocacy for healthcare
rights by registered nurses from around the world, corporate chal-
lenges to registered nursing as a caring, hands-on profession, and
delegates voted on resolutions staking out the organization's support
of issues from climate justice to protecting voting rights.
Convention highlights included a massive protest on the Vegas
Strip where thousands of nurses "died" on the sidewalk to draw
attention to the lack of international help to stop the Ebola virus (an
action that would portend the arrival of Ebola in Dallas just weeks
later); appearances by notable progressives such as U.S. Rep. Barbara
Lee, commentator Jim Hightower, and rock musician Tom Morello;
and the attendance of more than 60 international nurses from some
11 countries. It was also CNA/NNOC's most "connected" convention,
with many nurses using social media platforms such as Facebook and
Twitter to share photos and "live Tweets" from the events.
"It was the best convention ever," said Maureen Dugan, RN and
CNA/NNOC board member. "Top notch. We are part of a very spe-
cial group of hellraisers and anyone who can't see that or doesn't
want to be a part of it, well, good luck and good night!"
The convention kicked off with emotional testimony from regis-
tered nurses who had just unionized or are in the process of unioniz-
ing. While CNA/NNOC has had great organizing success across the
country, employers continue to try to intimidate and harass RNs
from exercising their right to collectively bargain and speak up for
themselves and their patients.
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LIKE NOTHING
At CNA/NNOC conventions, RNs discuss and tackle
