The time is now. The crises has begun. We have the power. This is the time where we as fellow nurses can fully unite and be not only a tremendous force of change in the working conditions and salaries of health care professionals, but also a powerful reformatory political presence within our own government, with regard to what qualities of caring human beings are entitled to within this country. I call for a National Movement of Zero Tolerance. ZERO TOLERANCE to less than ideal care of human beings, whether they be beings recieving care or giving it. We as Nurses must unite and categorically REJECT base salaries less than 75,000.00 per year, mandatory overtime, patient ratios >2/1 in the ICU's, >4/1 on TELE, and >5/1 on MED/SURG. We must REFUSE vacation time less than 1 month per year. We must REFUSE to be Phlebotomists, R.T.s, EKG techs, etc. while simultaneously having the responsibility of being an RN. We must DEMAND pension plans AND 401k plans (with solid matching). We must DEMAND exceptional differentials and benefits. We are CARING FOR THE LIVES OF SENTIENT BEINGS, not slinging pizzas and burgers. It is time we recognize that the dangerous job we do calls for OUTSTANDING compensation and RESPECT! We must form a NATIONAL UNION!!