New Delegate
Dian Christie, RN, was formally appointed as the delegate for the Case Managers.
Grievances and Unit Issues
Staffing in the ER is improving. The contractually required staffing level of 10 RNs is generally being met utilizing overtime and floats. Additional ER positions have been posted in the Pink Sheet. ER staff nurses continue to document the occasions when staffing falls below 10 so that NYPNU can take appropriate action.
On February 13th NYPNU presented our class action grievance on behalf of EPS nurses. The issues were mandatory overtime, nurse/ patient ratio violations and the performance of non-nursing functions. Management committed to hiring an additional RN and to stop scheduling late procedures. These actions will solve the problems with mandatory overtime and ratio violations. In addition, NYPNU strongly urged the nurses to stop performing non-nursing functions, such as taking out the garbage.
Construction on 5 Uris, which generates a great deal of dust and debris, continues with little regard to the health of patients and employees. One staff nurse required care for respiratory symptoms. NYPNU will be meeting with Tom Salamone, the new Director of Security and Safety to address these issues.
Nurse Practitioner Update
At last, NYPNU has reached agreement with the hospital on card check recognition for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who provide 24/7 coverage for a specific group of patients or within a particular geographic area. NYPNU will meet with the NPs shortly to discuss their specific issues in preparation for bargaining.
New TV in the Nurses' Lounge
The new television that NYPNU purchased is now up and running in the Nurses' Lounge.
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Worst Manager Award
NYPNU is considering instituting a Worst Manager Award to be given to those Nurse Managers/ADNs who excel in abusing and harassing staff.
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Staff/Management Committee Meeting
The first meeting took place on February 12th. Subsequent meetings are scheduled for the third Thursday of each month. The purpose of this committee is to provide a venue for staff and management representatives to consider issues relating to contract implementation and clinical practice. They will jointly make recommendations to the Vice-President of Nursing. Topics include the implementation of new contract language on Professional Development Days and the definition of charge nurse responsibilities.
Financial Planning Seminars
Last year the Madison Planning Group conducted seminars for the membership on long-term investing, saving for college tuition, and retirement planning. Since it was difficult for many people to attend the day long seminar, they have proposed conducting, short 45-minute lunch time seminars on individual topics. Any member interested in attending these seminars should contact the NYPNU office to allow for advanced planning.
Increase New York's Minimum Wage
NYPNU has endorsed the "$5.15 is not Enough" campaign, which is a statewide effort to increase New York's minimum wage. At $5.15 an hour (or $10,712 a year), New York's minimum wage is below the poverty level for most families. More than half a million New Yorkers would benefit from increasing the minimum wage. We are calling on the State Legislature and Governor Pataki to increase the minimum wage this legislative session, and help lift the working poor out of poverty. You can help by visiting http://www.515isnotenough.org and signing the online petition to Pataki.
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