National Nurses United

C A L I F O R N I A N U R S E O C T O B E R 2 0 0 5 3 Contents 20 Head Nurse Deborah Burger, RN is now president of CNA, but she wouldn't have always considered herself presidential material. Her growth as an activist has mirrored CNA's growth as an organization, and she now leads boldly with her own unassuming style. By Lucia Hwang Departments 4 News Briefs CNA bills face uphill battle for governor's signature; UC Bargaining update; Santa Rosa RNs join CNA; Sutter RNs ratify new contracts. 6 And the Award Goes To... RN volunteers who rushed to the aid of disaster survivors in Sri Lanka and the Gulf Coast are our true RN heroines and heroes. By Rose Ann DeMoro ON THE COVER: Region 2 delegates mug for the camera with Warren Beatty and Annette Bening at the 2005 Convention Awards Banquet. Cover Story 7 Off-Label Use Big drug companies are forking over upwards of $100 million to establish a drug discount program that they don't have to join. What are they really buying? By Lucia Hwang 9 Bait and Switch A UC RN explains why Prop. 75 would actually weaken, not protect, paychecks. By Tam Nguyen, RN 10 Quickie Primer on the Special Election Features 11 Leading by Example The successful and star-studded 2005 House of Delegates convention was not only a chance for nurse leaders to celebrate, but recharge and reconnect to CNA's goals. By CNA Staff 16 After Katrina: Doing Whatever It Takes After the hurricane, CNA and NNOC sent hundreds of RNs to the Gulf Coast, who stepped in to do everything from giving shots to relieving weary staff nurses at local hospitals. By Erin FitzGerald October 2005 SIGN UP NOW FOR CNA COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Want to help shape CNA's legislative efforts or electoral strategy? The CNA Board of Directors is now accepting consent-to-serve forms from members in good standing for appointments to its Political Action, Legislative-Regulatory, and Bylaws committees. Forms can be found on page 22 and are due by Dec. 1, 2005. 4 | Outcome of CNA Bills 7 | Pharma's Behind Prop. 78 16 | RNs Rush to Aid of Gulf 20 | Head of the Board

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