UNION

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Our hospital has recently cried that they are in the red because of low reimbursement issues. Now they are taking it out on the nurses that have worked for years at same place. Lately I have seen & heard many very upset and discouarged RNs. We are currently looking at PESA Union, (teachers & prof union), it sounds great but I have had problems with unions before. Any comments, opinions? I'm almost to the point of going for the traveling career, although I really enjoy the doctors & staff I work with.

I would say Definitely go with the Union!! this is the ONLY way we can level out the playing field when it comes to wages, scheduling and staffing ratio's. I am sorry that you had "problems" with your previous union (where you an "active" member?) A union can only be as strong as it's members and it is iportant that we take an ative part in it's organization and representation. Things are getting worse for us and it doesn't look like it is going to change unless "we" take a stand and make the changes! This is of course, my opinion but I wish you luck! We are a Sisterhood!

I would say Definitely go with the Union!! this is the ONLY way we can level out the playing field when it comes to wages, scheduling and staffing ratio's. I am sorry that you had "problems" with your previous union (where you an "active" member?) A union can only be as strong as it's members and it is iportant that we take an ative part in it's organization and representation. Things are getting worse for us and it doesn't look like it is going to change unless "we" take a stand and make the changes! This is of course, my opinion but I wish you luck! We are a Sisterhood!
I would hate to see our profession become unionized.....my oppinion..... several hospitals in my area just recently became unionized and the nurses hate it....the dues are high and the benifits are not great.....I guess I feel we are professional dealing with life and death (not to be dramatic but true).....I personally would not join.....

I'm the opposite end of the spectrum. I won't work a non-union job anymore. Been there, done that, no plans on going back. I have no problem with people calling unions unprofessional cause I care more about working conditions and wages and benefits than I do about a label. I prefer union, but my unions have always been nurse only unions.

I prefer union, but my unions have always been nurse only unions.

I personally think nurse only unions are the best, and are most effective. How are teachers unions going to adequately represent nurses? Sounds like a ticket for disaster to me.

:coollook:

I personally think nurse only unions are the best, and are most effective. How are teachers unions going to adequately represent nurses? Sounds like a ticket for disaster to me.

:coollook:

Not real educated on nurses union can you give me some insight...althought (agin this is just my oppinion) I am not for unions...but I would like to learn about "nurses union" thanks
Not real educated on nurses union can you give me some insight...althought (agin this is just my oppinion) I am not for unions...but I would like to learn about "nurses union" thanks

Well, here's a link to the California Nurses Association, probably the most successful nurses' union in the country since they successfully lobbied for the first nurse-patient ratio law.

CNA is run by RNs. Here's a bunch of info if you're interested.

http://www.calnurse.org/cna/oldmainindex.html

:clown:

I am in CNA. I used to work in Canada under BCNU and ONA. Both were pretty good.

Unions are for losers. Join a union and everyone loses:o

I would say Definitely go with the Union!! this is the ONLY way we can level out the playing field when it comes to wages, scheduling and staffing ratio's. I am sorry that you had "problems" with your previous union (where you an "active" member?) A union can only be as strong as it's members and it is iportant that we take an ative part in it's organization and representation. Things are getting worse for us and it doesn't look like it is going to change unless "we" take a stand and make the changes! This is of course, my opinion but I wish you luck! We are a Sisterhood!
Specializes in Medical.
Unions are for losers. Join a union and everyone loses:o

Not a really constructive response, Elvis. Why do you feel that way?

Myda, I appreciate that the system here (in Australia) is different than in the US, but without the conditions fought for by the ANF (country-wide nurses-only union with state branches) I wouldn't be nursing. Thanks to the hard work of the organisers, the reps (of which I'm one) and the members, we in Victoria wouldn't have the first nurse : patient ratios in the world. I also wouldn't have study leave, financial recognition of my post-graduate study, representation with management, indemnity insurance, or have applied for a CNS role, among other benefits. I pay $436 a year (it's as low as $30 for students) and it's tax-deductible.

I have no problem with people calling unions unprofessional cause I care more about working conditions and wages and benefits than I do about a label.

I'm with you, Fergus. I've never understood the argument that unions aren't professional - the Australian Medical Association is a union (eg it lobbies the government on industrial and professional issues including wages, conditions, reimbursement, undergraduate places) but I've never heard anyone argue that doctors aren't professionals.

Ahhh unions the people who brought eight hour days and weekends and overtime, wait we just lost overtime didn't we. Unions can go overboard but they are the best defense against unreasonable working conditions. I am not a nurse so I cannot judge weather the conditions are unfair but I hear lots of grouching about patient ratios and the new overtime rules. It sounds like the management is pushing to see how far they can flex. How far are you willing to let them push you and the patient's safety before you team up to defend yourself? I plan to find a union as soon as feasible because I value my time skills and sanity. I am the kind of person who will work myself to death for idle flattery so I would like to see rules in place to insure reasonable compensation and patients protected from too few nurses working unsafe hours.

Specializes in O.R., ED, M/S.

Elvis should leave the building! Unions are not for everyone and I am not real keen with them. They are one of those necessary evils that without you would certainly struggle in certain parts of the country. I do feel that everything would eventually come around without the unions, but some people want instant results, thus unions. Unions do have some protecting value when arbitrating disputes and will protect an individual from unnecessary harasement. Are we all "losers" because we belong to a union? I don't think so. I actually voted against a union coming in and don't regret it for a moment. Our wages have gone up about 24% in the past three years and without the union this would have taken a very long time. I belong to the CNA in California and I would say belonging to a union that is solely dedicated to the RNs is the only way to go. Unions that represent not only RNs but other workers is, in my opinion, the wrong way to go. They are not as concerned with the professional nurses as they are with the non-liscensed person. I would also like to ask Elvis, I thought he was dead, where the losing comes in? Please give us your wisdom on unions. Mike

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