Staffing - In June 1998, the hospital, then known as St. John's Episcopal, was cited by the state Health Department for numerous violations - including low RN staffing - after the death of a patient. After this incident, NYSNA fought to establish, and won, a set of unit-by-unit, shift-by-shift, RN-to-patient staffing guidelines that would ensure a safe staffing level.
Within a year, because of complex administrative problems, St. John's faced bankruptcy. Catholic Health System of Long Island offered to buy the facility, but demanded the nurses surrender their staffing guidelines, threatening to close the hospital if they refused.
In the interests of their patients and the community, and expecting to re-visit the issue of staffing guidelines with the next contract - the first with the new employer, the nurses reluctantly agreed to give up the guidelines for that time. Hospital officials promised that they would do their best to maintain a safe staffing level. But staffing remains a problem, and why the nurses voted Nov. 13 and 14 to strike.
Although the hospital is willing to consider reinstating a form of staffing guideline, it is not willing to enable nurses to enforce them through third-party arbitration. Such enforcement is a must if the nurses are to have the legal means to hold the hospital accountable.
Mandatory overtime - A problem that is an outgrowth of short staffing, mandatory overtime fills vacant shifts when there are not enough RNs on staff. Typically, a nursing supervisor orders a nurse to work the next shift, or leaves the nurse with no choice but to "volunteer." Not only is this disruptive to the nurse's life, should the nurse have children in daycare, but working an additional eight-hour shift is exhausting and dangerous for patient care.
The nurses want a provision stating the hospital will not require overtime except in an emergency. The hospital prefers to use such overtime as a regular staffing tool to fill vacancies.
Health coverage - As a means of encouraging veteran nurses to stay at St. Catherine's, NYSNA is seeking to improve their health benefits plan. NYSNA is offering a plan that would be more financially stable and offer far better benefits than the hospital's current self insured plan. The NYSNA plan would also offer the nurses the option of retirement health insurance, which is not available through the hospital. Although the plan is competitively priced, the hospital has inflated the figures to say it is too expensive.
12-Hour Shifts - Currently many RNs in specialty units are working "flextime" - a schedule of three days of 12-hour shifts. Not only does this schedule provide for greater continuity of patient care, it is attractive tool for recruiting nurses. The hospital is seeking the right to discontinue flextime with eight weeks notice, should the nursing shortage end. This would disrupt the lives of nurses and would lead to even more resignations.
Refusal to Work Overtime
St. Catherine's RNs were the first in the nation to officially refuse to volunteer for overtime last month. Under a ruling by the National Labor Relations Board, a union can call for such a concerted action if it serves a 10-day notice.
Nurses Are Exercising Their Rights
This is a time when our nation is recognizing the crucial role of all who serve the public, especially in health care. It is now more important than ever that our health care system be able to respond to emergencies and provide the necessary care.
Yet the Medical Center continues to ignore nurses' concerns about regular, safe staffing.
In the United States, when employees believe their concerns are not being addressed they have a legally protected right to take action.
The success of our endeavor could not have been accomplished with just the negotiating committee. The support of all of you at the table was always an inspiration to the group. Being able to talk and hear what you believed was necessary to achieve our end results was always appreciated.
From here its only upward we are able to go since as a group we believe in our objectives and causes. See you all on the hill, and I do mean the Top of the hill.
What a wonderful time we had yesterday at our VICTORY CELEBRATION! As I looked around the room and watched everyone having such a great time, I thought how fortunate I was to be there, sharing the evening with many life time friends.
Thank you to you and the negotiating committee for your perseverance, guidance, and emotional support.
Yes, I would like to be actively involved with issues regarding the nursing shortage.
Count me in for April 8th, unless I'm mandated----JUST KIDDING!!!!!!!!
I know you have heard this over and over and over...and it may be getting old, however, dear you started something....get used to it now.
I feel the reason we succeeded as well as we did is, yes, we as a group held in there for the long haul, however, WE ARE A REFLECTION OF OUR LEADER! And let me tell you, whether, you realize it or not, YOU are some hell of a leader. Thank you ... you can't even come close to the appreciation we all have of you.
Finally, Carlos and I had a super time last night. I was so happy that he came so that he could just get a "small" dosage of what I get every time I go to work. I am so fortunate to be working with a group of professional, dedicated and sincere nurses.
WHAT A PARTY!!! Do we know how to have a good time or what!?!?!? It is just what we needed to end our our time off and get the good energy flowing to get back in the building......And it is a night to remember. This is such an amazing group of people..... proud to know.
I was serious about us having an annual party to remember this journey we have taken.
Life as we know it will never be the same again for any of us.
This has been a life changing event on many levels and will have a ripple efffect not only in our personal lives but with the public!!!! How amazing is that?
I WAS SO PROUD TO BE AT THE PARTY LAST NIGHT. I KNEW WHAT WE WERE DOING WAS RIGHT BUT IT REALLY CLICKED LAST NIGHT. ESPECIALLY DURING THE SONG " WE ARE WOMAN!"
WHEN I WENT TO NURSING SCHOOL 39 YRS AGO, IT WAS NOT FOR MONEY OR PRESTIGE! I WANTED TO HELP PEOPLE. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN PROUD OF BEING AN RN----- BUT NOW I AM MORE SO. WE DESERVE RECOGNITION, RESPECT AND GRATITUDE FOR ALL THAT NURSES HAVE TO CONTEND WITH.
THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT. I AM HONORED TO CALL YOU A FRIEND.......
Wow! I had the greatest time last nite, I think when we did that wonderful thunderous cheer the guests on the top floor were wondering "what the hell is that".
We are definitely a voice that must continue to be heard. I will be there on the 8th and I am definitely interested in other times like joan said, Albany, Washington you name the time.
Well last nite was a send off in the best direction and now that we have our spirits soaring and with our one united group, we walk in their tomorrow and show them how proud we are.
Thank you again from the bottom and top of my heart, you have shown me the way and I'm goin down the road to the end.
Again thank you and the negotiating committee. And can you please thank NYSNA for the party. It was the best moral, back to work, friendship event. Not that I don't want to go back to work but I will miss many of the new friends I've made. I hope I see them in the halls.
Did they get to you with the deal that we should have a celebratioon every year like last night on the anniversary of the contract? Not a bad idea.
Anyway I will see you at 6:30 tommorrow--I consider it my last strike event -- I was getting to be a strike junky you know.
Just got home from the Windwatch. You know by now the ER is a bunch of die hards. Tonight was really great.. We had a great time. It was a pep rally to get us psyched up to go back. I'm really feeling ambivalent about going back, but I know we have all formed a strong bond that will keep us going.
I know too that the local hospitals are sorry to see us go back.
At Stony Brook everyone from the aides to the nurses to the MDs said how much they liked working with us and want us to stay there.
We all know there are places for us out there if we want to move on. I would never have gone and worked elsewhere if it wasn't for the strike, but I know now I can handle it. I grumble that we had to wait until the first year I have to pay college tuition at a private school no less, to go out on strike, but I'm glad we did.
Thanks to all the negotiating team for your endless hours working on our behalf.
What a GREAT party we had tonite!!! It was wonderful and a fantastic way to acknowledge this long, up and down road we have been traveling these past 3.5 months. Tonite will be treasured by all. Thanks for the memories.
One thing that too many nurses are guilty of is NOT being involved in political activity - until such time as we need the politicians. We go to them for support in our efforts and our battles and they come out to support our strikes, walk in our parades, speak at our rallys. And when the issue is resolved, we go back to work and they dont hear from us again - until the next time we need them.
We should make a concerted effort to keep the contacts & the lines of communication open with our local leaders - offer to help in a campaign, stuff envelopes, pass out flyers, etc. Or even a letter every once in a while to remind them that we are out there.
Today Mike and Lynn McC and I met with the heads of some local nurses unions. We have started what I believe is the grass roots of the NFL.
This Nursing Fellowship League is going to allow us to reach out and support other nurses facing the same diffuculties we are facing.
This is strictly nurses supporting nurses.
Our administrators and CEO's formed alliances years ago to keep up with what was happening in health care. It is time we form a collective group to handle some of the same problems, who will be surprised that we see the solutions totally differently. Not me.
I have told these councils that the Red Storm is a very strong and supportive group and many of you have said you would be willing to participate in this joint venture. So step up and be counted. It is time.
Good luck to all that are returning to the hill tomorrow, chin up, back straight, you are definately a winner with a capitol "W".
See you in the morning in front of the building at 0630, if your not working, it is just a matter of walking your coworker to their floor and then on to breakfast with your buddies. Remember to wear the sweat shirts.
There had been some acrimony on both sides, but the nurses who headed back to work at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center yesterday found that it was nothing that some donuts, coffee and A NEW CONTRACT couldn't begin to cure.
And so, at 7 a.m. yesterday, the first shift of nurses who had been a part of the longest nurses' strike in Long Island history was greeted with coffee and sweets, and the encouraging words of hospital president Jim Wilson.
Wilson met the first shift in the lobby of the hospital and told the nurses he was ready to move past the strike and begin working as a team.
"He told us what we needed to hear," said Tom Gorman, a psychiatry nurse from Port Jefferson who was on the bargaining committee of the New York State Nurses' Association, which negotiated the contract. "He welcomed us with full encouragement that we will resolve any conflicts that we had."
Several nurses said they returned to work with a new appreciation for their jobs and their fellow strikers - and a new resolve that they had been doing the right thing all along.
"It was truly worth it," said maternity nurse Wendy Farrar of Smithtown, who has worked at the hospital for 21 years. "This was an experience I will never forget. It was so empowering ... I've promised myself that I'll be more politically active because of this." (This was the Newsday quote of the day - Congratulations Wendy.)
Farrar's optimism sprang from the contract the nurses approved after 111 days on the picket line. The new contract provides average raises of 15 percent to 19 percent over three years, a health retirement benefit and most important, according to the nurses, staffing guidelines and strict limits on the use of mandatory overtime.
But several nurses yesterday said the new overtime provision would be put to the test quickly, as several of their striking colleagues had decided not to return. The exact number of nurses who won't come back won't be determined until Sunday, the mandatory return-to-work date.
"They're already holding interviews" to fill the vacant positions, said maternity nurse Diane Rettig of South Setauket. "I take that as a good sign."
Another test in the weeks ahead will be how the returning nurses interact with 30 of their colleagues who crossed the picket line.
Gorman said there were two such nurses on his first shift. "It was a bit uncomfortable, and it will continue to be as they work alongside 450 nurses who were out all this time," he said. "They made an economic choice to return to work."
Rettig, Farrar and fellow maternity nurse Ann Robbins of Holbrook said the doctors, aides and other staff in their department welcomed them back with open arms - and even more sweets.
"Even the ones who didn't work today," Farrar said. "They didn't have to come in, but they did."........
and this is the end of this thread.....until next time. I hope that my posting the saga about the fight these RNs waged and won for safe staffing practices, safe staffing levels, safe patient care, and their own care, as it happened, from start to finish, helped other nurses see that the power IS in our hands. All we have to do is not be afraid to use it.
Thanks to all here for supporting our nurse colleagues on Long Island, NY - my fellow union members. And much thanks to those "Red Storm" nurses for going the distance. Our efforts at our own facilities will be that much easier thanks to them.
While the lawmakers debate passing laws that will ensure safe staffing practices state-wide and nation-wide, unionized nurses are raising the standard - facility by facility.
-jt
2,709 Posts
>>
notes from the troops:
"to the members of the Red Storm,
The success of our endeavor could not have been accomplished with just the negotiating committee. The support of all of you at the table was always an inspiration to the group. Being able to talk and hear what you believed was necessary to achieve our end results was always appreciated.
From here its only upward we are able to go since as a group we believe in our objectives and causes. See you all on the hill, and I do mean the Top of the hill.
Debbie V
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
What a wonderful time we had yesterday at our VICTORY CELEBRATION! As I looked around the room and watched everyone having such a great time, I thought how fortunate I was to be there, sharing the evening with many life time friends.
Thank you to you and the negotiating committee for your perseverance, guidance, and emotional support.
Yes, I would like to be actively involved with issues regarding the nursing shortage.
Count me in for April 8th, unless I'm mandated----JUST KIDDING!!!!!!!!
See you back at the hospital.
Love, Lorraine
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
WAS THAT A GREAT NIGHT OR WHAT?!!!!
:),
KELLY
WAS THAT A PARTY OR WHAT ???
TO ALL GOING BACK INSIDE TOMORROW...GOOD LUCK !!! I'LL BE THINKING ABOUT YOU AND LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING HOW IT WAS.
IT'S A GOOD THING WE HAD ONE MORE DAY BECAUSE NOT ONLY DO MY FEET HURT BUT MY BODY IS IN PAIN !!!!!!
TAKE CARE EVERYONE........
CHRIS
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Hi Barb,
count me in for the annual labor congressional forum on 4/8.
GREAT PARTY last night........ We are all going to miss our nightly e-mails from you, kind of became part of our life.
What a WONDERFUL FAMILY we have all become, it was so evident last night.
Thanks again,
BJ
###################################################################
Hey Barb:
I know you have heard this over and over and over...and it may be getting old, however, dear you started something....get used to it now.
I feel the reason we succeeded as well as we did is, yes, we as a group held in there for the long haul, however, WE ARE A REFLECTION OF OUR LEADER! And let me tell you, whether, you realize it or not, YOU are some hell of a leader. Thank you ... you can't even come close to the appreciation we all have of you.
Finally, Carlos and I had a super time last night. I was so happy that he came so that he could just get a "small" dosage of what I get every time I go to work. I am so fortunate to be working with a group of professional, dedicated and sincere nurses.
See ya at the top of the hill,
Nei
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Dear Barbara,
WHAT A PARTY!!! Do we know how to have a good time or what!?!?!? It is just what we needed to end our our time off and get the good energy flowing to get back in the building......And it is a night to remember. This is such an amazing group of people..... proud to know.
I was serious about us having an annual party to remember this journey we have taken.
Life as we know it will never be the same again for any of us.
This has been a life changing event on many levels and will have a ripple efffect not only in our personal lives but with the public!!!! How amazing is that?
It is true about power in numbers.......
With much love and gratitude,
Bonnie
=========================================================
DEAR BARBARA,
I WAS SO PROUD TO BE AT THE PARTY LAST NIGHT. I KNEW WHAT WE WERE DOING WAS RIGHT BUT IT REALLY CLICKED LAST NIGHT. ESPECIALLY DURING THE SONG " WE ARE WOMAN!"
WHEN I WENT TO NURSING SCHOOL 39 YRS AGO, IT WAS NOT FOR MONEY OR PRESTIGE! I WANTED TO HELP PEOPLE. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN PROUD OF BEING AN RN----- BUT NOW I AM MORE SO. WE DESERVE RECOGNITION, RESPECT AND GRATITUDE FOR ALL THAT NURSES HAVE TO CONTEND WITH.
THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT. I AM HONORED TO CALL YOU A FRIEND.......
LOVE ANGELA G.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Barbara,
Wow! I had the greatest time last nite, I think when we did that wonderful thunderous cheer the guests on the top floor were wondering "what the hell is that".
We are definitely a voice that must continue to be heard. I will be there on the 8th and I am definitely interested in other times like joan said, Albany, Washington you name the time.
Well last nite was a send off in the best direction and now that we have our spirits soaring and with our one united group, we walk in their tomorrow and show them how proud we are.
Thank you again from the bottom and top of my heart, you have shown me the way and I'm goin down the road to the end.
Love and gratitude
Debbie H.
))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
B.C. Had the best time!!!!!!
So many smiling happy faces. It was great.
Again thank you and the negotiating committee. And can you please thank NYSNA for the party. It was the best moral, back to work, friendship event. Not that I don't want to go back to work but I will miss many of the new friends I've made. I hope I see them in the halls.
Did they get to you with the deal that we should have a celebratioon every year like last night on the anniversary of the contract? Not a bad idea.
Anyway I will see you at 6:30 tommorrow--I consider it my last strike event -- I was getting to be a strike junky you know.
Well gunna go soak my dancing fool feet again.
Bye.
Fitz
********************************************************************************************
Hi Barbara,
Just got home from the Windwatch. You know by now the ER is a bunch of die hards. Tonight was really great.. We had a great time. It was a pep rally to get us psyched up to go back. I'm really feeling ambivalent about going back, but I know we have all formed a strong bond that will keep us going.
I know too that the local hospitals are sorry to see us go back.
At Stony Brook everyone from the aides to the nurses to the MDs said how much they liked working with us and want us to stay there.
We all know there are places for us out there if we want to move on. I would never have gone and worked elsewhere if it wasn't for the strike, but I know now I can handle it. I grumble that we had to wait until the first year I have to pay college tuition at a private school no less, to go out on strike, but I'm glad we did.
Thanks to all the negotiating team for your endless hours working on our behalf.
Kathie Simmons
.......................................................................................................................
Dear Barb:
What a GREAT party we had tonite!!! It was wonderful and a fantastic way to acknowledge this long, up and down road we have been traveling these past 3.5 months. Tonite will be treasured by all. Thanks for the memories.
Love, Tina
Dare to be great....Be a nurse!!
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
BARBARA, WHAT A SPECTACULAR EVENING. THANK YOU SO MUCH. WITH MUCH LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP AND GRATITUDE
VICKIE
****************************************************
Ok, so how about a little political activity.
One thing that too many nurses are guilty of is NOT being involved in political activity - until such time as we need the politicians. We go to them for support in our efforts and our battles and they come out to support our strikes, walk in our parades, speak at our rallys. And when the issue is resolved, we go back to work and they dont hear from us again - until the next time we need them.
We should make a concerted effort to keep the contacts & the lines of communication open with our local leaders - offer to help in a campaign, stuff envelopes, pass out flyers, etc. Or even a letter every once in a while to remind them that we are out there.
Today Mike and Lynn McC and I met with the heads of some local nurses unions. We have started what I believe is the grass roots of the NFL.
This Nursing Fellowship League is going to allow us to reach out and support other nurses facing the same diffuculties we are facing.
This is strictly nurses supporting nurses.
Our administrators and CEO's formed alliances years ago to keep up with what was happening in health care. It is time we form a collective group to handle some of the same problems, who will be surprised that we see the solutions totally differently. Not me.
I have told these councils that the Red Storm is a very strong and supportive group and many of you have said you would be willing to participate in this joint venture. So step up and be counted. It is time.
Good luck to all that are returning to the hill tomorrow, chin up, back straight, you are definately a winner with a capitol "W".
See you in the morning in front of the building at 0630, if your not working, it is just a matter of walking your coworker to their floor and then on to breakfast with your buddies. Remember to wear the sweat shirts.
Till then my friends ...............
Good night, we are .....
on the long road back,
Barbara "
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(St Catherines Registered Nurses
Smithtown, Long Island, NY)