Any cool protests coming up?

ChevRN · May 24, 2006

Well, have you ever been to Ann Arbor, Michigan? That's a good place for left-wing events, particularly around University of Michigan's campus. I know it is quite a ways from Connecticut. Personally most of my viewpoints lean to the right, but I am open minded.

The western part of Michigan is nice for hiking and camping particularly around Saugatuck/Holland.

ChevRn

NurseKevin · May 24, 2006

Hi,
I'm an RN who just quit my job, and will be taking the summer off, before getting a travel position. Would like to do some traveling, and plans are wide open. Would love to attend any events/conferences/protests/strikes/whatever, that focus on issues of safe staffing, access to health care, or related issues. Also, into any antiwar or typical "left-wing" events. I would like to alternate these types of activities with sight-seeing, day hikes,camping, etc. Not currently a union member, but pro-union. Am on East Coast, am trying to keep costs down, but potentially open to traveling just about anywhere. Also interested in volunteer work(nursing or non-nursing), but it can't involve 20-hour days or other types of extreme physical/mental stress. Health problems (obesity, hypertension, being middle aged and out of shape, recuperating from burnout) would preclude that. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

LOL

Good Luck to you...

If you are serious, then I have to suggest that you check out DU (Democratic Underground). Do a google search, they get in a tizzy about links to their site because of forum raids and such.

pickledpepperRN · May 25, 2006

I believe Illinois, Michigan, and Massachussets nurses are working on safe staffing legislation.

teeituptom, BSN, RN · May 25, 2006

I love protesting

I miss the Love ins days of life

where did all the good times go

pickledpepperRN · May 25, 2006

We have good times in California PLUS Pebble Beach.

http://www.calnurses.org/photo-albums/clean-money-initiative-photos/

lee1 · May 28, 2006

Watch NJ------many hospitals have union contracts up for renegotiation. Rallys, etc.

Some have made intention to strike

RN4MERCY · Jun 5, 2006

You mentioned "burn-out," "health problems," and "pro-union". It sounds like you want to become more involved in actively working toward solutions instead of spinning your wheels in the politics of despair. I notice you're from Connecticut so you have a great tool in your state, "Clean Money" campaign finance reform. I hope you would consider volunteering to work with a "clean money" legislator on public benefit legislation, such as 'Single Payer/Medicare for All' healthcare reform. Coming up on 6/7/06 there will be national action in support of Rep. Conyers (MI) legislation HR676 and I think it's imperative that nurses be involved, leading the way as public/patient advocates. Besides helping the 45 million citizens without insurance and access to healthcare, consider that those of us with insurance are all just an injury or illness away losing our jobs and bankruptcy. Check out these websites, http://www.healthcare-now.org/ or http://www.calnurses.org/healthcare/

As a travel nurse, you wouldn't be eligible for union benefits and protections, so being "pro-union" I'm sure you understand the importance of collective advocacy for your patients and your practice. RNs in many states are now considering/introducing safe staffing/ratio such as we have in California, including Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. Ratios are a real solution to "burn-out", by mandating increased staffing and changing the working conditions, not to mention the numerous studies that have proven that RN safe staffing ratios saves lives! Maine Nurses Association has recently joined with the California Nurses Association in the NNOC, so you might consider an assignment there too in search of a permanent position in an environment that will meet your activism needs. If you want to know more and do more, check out the National Nurses Organizing Committee website: http://http://www.calnurses.org/nnoc/