Originally Posted by momatwork 
Dear Mammy,
Again there is an option in a union contract for an open shop where you do not have to be represented. That is a fact. Also, those opposed to a union can write a letter to the union telling them they do not wish to be represented by the union. In turn, they would not be fined if they cross a picket line. I disagree with your observation of a fence sitter as those opposed to a union, because I am one of them you have classified. I am far from one. With over 24 years in my specialty, I am masters prepared, and teach part time at a local university, while still a bedside nurse. I am very active in both my state ANA, my specialty organization, and hospital committees. As far as the ANA, any organization is what you make of it. Because of the ANA, our profession has a Code of Ethics,and a Code for Nurses, both of which guide our practice today. ANA position statements and their National Database for Quality Indicators provide important guidelines and data for our specialty areas of practice. This EBP guides our own bedside practice. In addition, most of our organizations, such as AORN, AACN, NANN, and AWHONN are affiliates of the ANA as well. I just believe I do not need a middleman/intermediary to speak for me, preferring a face to face interaction between myself and the nursing administration in my hospital. I respect your opinion, but ask that you also appreciate the fact that many of us share a different one and still reach great strides and promote an environment of change in our profession.
I don’t know which AACN this refers to. As a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, AACN, I know they are NOT an affiliate of the ANA. (They have partnered with the ANA on some projects)
The AACN did explore affiliation in 1969 but chose to be an independent assocoation because the entry into practice was and remains licensure as a registered nurse.
The AACN was created to educate critical care nurses. They do this very well.
http://www.aacn.org/WD/AACNInfo/Content/AACNInformation.pcms?pid=1&&menu=AboutUs
A union is required to represent all workers in a category, regardless of whether they are union members. Sometimes the best leaders joined and became active after the union process proved them to have been wronged by management. One nurse was fired on trumped up charges. Later the manager admitted that the nurse looked like the women the managers husband left her for.
Some contracts are open shop. This means workers choose whether or not to join the union. Those workers can still choose to be represented and the union must do so.
Also those with a religious reason not to join a union may donate the amount their dues would be to a charity. Seventh Day Adventists don’t join a union. They are often excellent nurses some of whom participate on union committees to improve patient care.
Re: Nursing unions on the verge of revolution
Re: Nursing unions on the verge of revolution
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