Strike nursing

Nurses Union

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Just wanted to get some info on how some nurses only work strike positions. Are there enough out there to make a fairly routine salary? I currently work as a traveler and have thrown in a few strikes. Would like to do more, but my travel assignments have interfered and I like to eat. Any info would be greatly appreciated

I know the idea of strike nursing sets alot of people off. But the truth is that no institution is going to close its doors while nurses strike. I have never done strike nursing but I feel like the amount of money they have to pay is another way is "sticking it to the man". I don't know how a nursing strike works for the striking nurses- how do they afford it? Do they rotate minumum shift coverage? Does the union help support their financial needs?

I believe we should have a national union, and really stress job protection and patient safety ratio's, AND control how much institutions would have to pay for strike nurse coverage. If we combined, nurses would be the most powerful union in the country (it's a fact!) AND we would have major power over American Healthcare Policy. Which is how it should be!

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I have worked in both leadership and bedside positions. I have seen untion leaders negotiate lower raise packages because it is more beneficial to the elected union representatives. I find it unfortunate that most nurses don't even realize things like this.

For those of you criticizing the person who asked this question- why did you because a nurse? To be a self serving money maker? Or to help patients who are ill and need help? I for one chose the second reason- and I would work a strive any day. Because another human's life and wellbeing are not worth any paycheck- sorry- but it's a matter of priorities

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Unions aren't the answer! Get involved with the policial committees in you local and national nursing organizations! This is where you make a difference

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Specializes in Critical-care RN.

First of all, I have been a critical-care RN for 19 yrs in CA. We have CNA (CA Nurses Association) it consists of only RN's. In my past the union leaders were a godsent, giving up time, family, and many times food and sleep. They were not narcistic or out for themselves at all. A Great Union is a Great Family. We vote and talk about issues as 1, our main concern has always been the Safety of our pts. Sure at times they ask for pay increases (cost of living raises) , increased staffing=increased nurse:pt ratio=increased pt safety, increased vacation time, who wants a burntout RN? There are many different issues that need to be looked at but, hopefully mgmt and RN's can negotiate in a caring manner with the pt's best interest at heart. At times I have Known upper mgmt to worship the allmighty dollar and forget about the little people. Hopefully, we all will get stronger, wiser, and open our eyes to a brighter world!

Mary Larbre, RN

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.
I know the idea of strike nursing sets alot of people off. But the truth is that no institution is going to close its doors while nurses strike. I have never done strike nursing but I feel like the amount of money they have to pay is another way is "sticking it to the man". I don't know how a nursing strike works for the striking nurses- how do they afford it? Do they rotate minumum shift coverage? Does the union help support their financial needs?

I believe we should have a national union, and really stress job protection and patient safety ratio's, AND control how much institutions would have to pay for strike nurse coverage. If we combined, nurses would be the most powerful union in the country (it's a fact!) AND we would have major power over American Healthcare Policy. Which is how it should be!

Strike nursing does not "stick it to the man" because of the high wages paid to scabs. It just pits nurses against one another and undermines the union. If you ever decide to do this, do not try to justify it. Just understand that you're selling out others for your own pocketbook.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

For those of you criticizing the person who asked this question- why did you because a nurse? To be a self serving money maker? Or to help patients who are ill and need help? I for one chose the second reason- and I would work a strive any day. Because another human's life and wellbeing are not worth any paycheck- sorry- but it's a matter of priorities

Why did I become a nurse? Well it was to pay the bills and have reasonable expectation of future employment. I am not an angel sent from heaven, or a nun and I took no vows of poverty or indentured servitude.

So interesting that people think nurses should be different than say, accountants, plumbers, or others who have families to feed and bills to pay.

I have no shame in my motivations. I am doing it for the money. I care for my patients, but I want to do it for free, there are missions for me to go on. And in the future, I will be. Til then, yea I want that paycheck and benefits. I earn them.

But would I cross a picket line? Nope. Never have, and won't start now nearly 20 years into it.

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Interestingly enough, the conversation reflects nurse v nurse which is exactly what admin and managers want. I don't understand the mentality of nurses who reject collectively joining together as a profession to ensure that we are not abused and that our patients, as a result, get better care. Doctors, PAs, and NPs need to do this too! I think I'll ask what nurses want out of a union under this category here. I'm moving on out of nursing in hospital since there is no support by other nurses to change these conditions. I have to take responsibility for my own happiness, safety, and license. Everyone is scared to lose their jobs. I don't, for the life of me, understand anyone who states that they love working in an environment that supports not getting breaks, peeing, or eating/drinking for 12 to 13 hrs as acceptable treatment in any field. I love my patients but I know when medical practitioners, those who DO the work, not "manage up", are being underpaid and overtasked.

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Specializes in IMC, school nursing.
Why did I become a nurse? Well it was to pay the bills and have reasonable expectation of future employment. I am not an angel sent from heaven, or a nun and I took no vows of poverty or indentured servitude.

So interesting that people think nurses should be different than say, accountants, plumbers, or others who have families to feed and bills to pay.

I have no shame in my motivations. I am doing it for the money. I care for my patients, but I want to do it for free, there are missions for me to go on. And in the future, I will be. Til then, yea I want that paycheck and benefits. I earn them.

But would I cross a picket line? Nope. Never have, and won't start now nearly 20 years into it.

Would nurses rather be seen as plumbers or accountants? Plumbers have unions, trade professionals, accountants do not, educated professionals. I find it oxymoronic that the same nurses spewing that nurses aren't professional w/o the less experienced BSN are spewing the unprofessional notion of unions. No real profession is unionized.

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.
Would nurses rather be seen as plumbers or accountants? Plumbers have unions, trade professionals, accountants do not, educated professionals. I find it oxymoronic that the same nurses spewing that nurses aren't professional w/o the less experienced BSN are spewing the unprofessional notion of unions. No real profession is unionized.

That is such a specious argument and what is the point of it? So I can proudly say I'm "professional" without that pesky union lowering the tone?

Meanwhile, accountants set their own hours, decide what to bill their clients and stop to eat when they are hungry. Very hard for nurses to achieve that as individuals. That's where collective bargaining comes in. I certainly don't feel more professional when I'm light-headed because I couldn't get a break.

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Well therein lies the problem. You think that professionals should not unionize, like union is a icky word for "those kind of workers". You think that professionals or anyone on the planet shouldn't shouldn't unionize and defend their rights and protect themselves and their environment. We have prof organizations, but what do they do? Too much time has gone by and the incrementalism is chipping away at our profession. Do you really think it's professional to rush in a patient room and rush through an assessment/treatment all in the name of "being more productive". Look - admin and managers meet together about how to get more out of the medical employees. Medical practitioners need to meet together to make sure admin doesn't take too much. If you don't like the word union - then change it. But to put your nose up to plumbers... that's arrogant. Cardiovascular physicians lightheartedly refer to themselves as the plumbers to help patient's understand. Last I checked plumbers were making close to what nurses make and they can take breaks....kinda making me think they are wiser. I think patient safety is more important than the word union. What would you rename it? Also, many plumbers are educated. I don't know too many people who fix their own pipes. Our work can be just as dirty as theirs....

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Absolutely Tricia!! I totally agree... I'm thinking of checking out my local trade school. When I did floor nursing I felt more like a task manager than a professional.... like a waitress. I was paid less per hour per patient than per table. If I'm paid $30/hr for 5 pts (up to 6 to start and going through up to 8 a day)... that's

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
Well therein lies the problem. You think that professionals should not unionize, like union is a icky word for "those kind of workers". You think that professionals or anyone on the planet shouldn't shouldn't unionize and defend their rights and protect themselves and their environment. We have prof organizations, but what do they do? Too much time has gone by and the incrementalism is chipping away at our profession. Do you really think it's professional to rush in a patient room and rush through an assessment/treatment all in the name of "being more productive". Look - admin and managers meet together about how to get more out of the medical employees. Medical practitioners need to meet together to make sure admin doesn't take too much. If you don't like the word union - then change it. But to put your nose up to plumbers... that's arrogant. Cardiovascular physicians lightheartedly refer to themselves as the plumbers to help patient's understand. Last I checked plumbers were making close to what nurses make and they can take breaks....kinda making me think they are wiser. I think patient safety is more important than the word union. What would you rename it? Also, many plumbers are educated. I don't know too many people who fix their own pipes. Our work can be just as dirty as theirs....

Good insight. I had never considered the idea that it was the word that was the problem, or that union is an icky word for "those kinds of people." But now that you bring it up, it makes perfect sense. Why else would someone object to nurses banding together to make better working conditions, increase patient safety and defend their rights?

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