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Has anyone joined this National Nursing Organization yet?? They say that they have over 60,000 members.
They want to provide a National Nursing Union however at some point in the future to help nationalize standards for nurses
Let's face it, most state nursing groups are ineffective politically and represent only a small percentage of RN's.[/left]
I believe that the ANA and SNAs are very politically effective. They simply have a completely different agenda, sometimes hidden, that does not bode well for nurses or patients. Some SNA's such as CA left association with the ANA for that very reason. The PACs that the ANA and their affiliates have are very effective in covering up wrong doing, aligning themselves with wealthy corporations/entities, and squelching the general nursing populations attempts to organize, and effect positive change that goes against the ANA's desires.
The ANA continues to be at the heart of divisive tactics meant to cause clinically active RNs to bicker and fight amongst themselves while diverting the nurses attention from the true issues. I personally have seen more than enough from the TXNA and their affiliations with hospital and MD groups/organizations to know that they care more about making themselves look good and not bucking a system that is broken.
I can only hope that this recent accomplishment might spur other nurses to start the ball rolling where they are at instead of living in fear of unemployment if they choose to do the right thing.
I believe that the ANA and SNAs are very politically effective. They simply have a completely different agenda, sometimes hidden, that does not bode well for nurses or patients. Some SNA's such as CA left association with the ANA for that very reason. The PACs that the ANA and their affiliates have are very effective in covering up wrong doing, aligning themselves with wealthy corporations/entities, and squelching the general nursing populations attempts to organize, and effect positive change that goes against the ANA's desires.The ANA continues to be at the heart of divisive tactics meant to cause clinically active RNs to bicker and fight amongst themselves while diverting the nurses attention from the true issues. I personally have seen more than enough from the TXNA and their affiliations with hospital and MD groups/organizations to know that they care more about making themselves look good and not bucking a system that is broken.
I can only hope that this recent accomplishment might spur other nurses to start the ball rolling where they are at instead of living in fear of unemployment if they choose to do the right thing.
I would have to respectfully disagree. Political "power" (effectiveness) requies one of two variables to succeed.
1) Money to contribute to targeted political campaigns to advance your key initiatives .
2) "Control" or strong influence in mobilizing "for" and "against" public voting numbers.
The ANA and its affiliates control neither.
Years ago I went to Wash. DC for an internship, and stayed with a family friend who was very savvy politically.
He looked up how much was contributed by various groups on a few subjects, and concluded that the ANA was in way over their league.
Everyone likes nurses, but real respect (politically) is another thing
One of the ways nurses have found political power is through joining together in a union. And as we have discussed, the kind of union that represents us DOES make a big difference.
Check out this podcast about why CNA/NNOC is the best union of Registered Nurses:
One of the ways nurses have found political power is through joining together in a union. And as we have discussed, the kind of union that represents us DOES make a big difference.Check out this podcast about why CNA/NNOC is the best union of Registered Nurses:
I would say that it's one of the ONLY ways nurses have found any kind of power. That's not the argument.
The question is: Do we want to slug it out in each facility across the country, or can a national movement better serve us?
From the sounds of things so far, the CNA/NNOC could fit this bill. It depends on how the group resonates with nurses, and they are often skittish.
Too sceptical from too many disillusions.
What a great story. I think it highlights some very important goals. Clean money elections & vocal patient advocacy. It works. If only more organizations would adopt this strategy...Maybe then 75% of our food supply would not be GMO, our drugs would be proven safe for children before they are prescribed (only 20% of pediatric drugs are approved safe for use in children, our media would give disseminate accurate and fair information, decreasing the consumer mentality that forces us to work to buy instead of work to live and so much more.
People power- street heat as we NNOC/CNA'ers call it works! It gets attention thereby increasing awareness thus producing change!
My theory is if every American took the time to learn about one issue that is important to them and then spread information we could change all that needs to be changed!
I definitely agree that nurses need a powerful national union. I'm not sure that CNA/NNOC fits the bill however. Personally, I would prefer a union that includes all nurses (LPNs too) and other nursing staff. CNA only includes RNs. Also I find their recent "vote no" campaign at the CHP hospitals in Ohio very troubling. For an organization that believes that the way for RNs to have a real voice in patient care is for them to have a union to prevent RNs from joining a union after years of work seems wrong. Check out the Ohio SEIU website to read more about this story: www.seiu1199.org.
I definitely agree that nurses need a powerful national union. I'm not sure that CNA/NNOC fits the bill however. Personally, I would prefer a union that includes all nurses (LPNs too) and other nursing staff. CNA only includes RNs. Also I find their recent "vote no" campaign at the CHP hospitals in Ohio very troubling. For an organization that believes that the way for RNs to have a real voice in patient care is for them to have a union to prevent RNs from joining a union after years of work seems wrong. Check out the Ohio SEIU website to read more about this story: www.seiu1199.org.
You raise a good point about the LPN's. I like and have worked with many excellent LPN's. We need to think on how to include them.:wink2:
As for the SEIU, I have not been impressed with them. However, I have no direct experience and have had to rely on colleagues stories.
I would say that it's one of the ONLY ways nurses have found any kind of power. That's not the argument.The question is: Do we want to slug it out in each facility across the country, or can a national movement better serve us?
From the sounds of things so far, the CNA/NNOC could fit this bill. It depends on how the group resonates with nurses, and they are often skittish.
Too sceptical from too many disillusions.
Given that hospital corporations are national, you are absolutely right: We need a national union. One with gumption and teeth. I am partial to CNA/NNOC.
forrester
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