Mindful

Ignorance & fear are a big part of nurses not understanding unions. The hospitals in the south have placed the seed that Unions are evil. That way they have all the control with all their ducks following in a row. I don't know if we can rise the south; unfortunately, the stigma of unions was placed here before our time. For Scabs, Greed, Greed! How can their minds function with a cement block unable to absorb any compassion or understanding of what a RN is. We are proud gentlemen & ladies whom have dedicated their lives to help people, to save lives! We have come so far, allow us to improve how we can care for your loved ones. I've spoken to many scabs, majority incompetent. Not one understood the beauty of hearing our voice heard!

You couldn't have said it with more truth. Thank You.

You couldn't have said it with more truth. Thank You.

I have been Critical Care RN for 20 yrs. My husband has been diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydocephalous (NPH), he is being treated in a large research, teaching University Hospital. He has had Neropsych 4 hr observations, a 4 hr neurologist assessment & objective testing of an MRI which showed very enlarged ventricles with increased CSF. They use the LP by removing large-volume, 50- 100 cc of CSF from the "Subarachnoid Space" in the spinal canal & then assess his gait mainly in addition to cognition over 4 hrs to see if removing the fluid tempoarily shows improvement. If so, then they will place a VP Shunt. The Mayo Clinic, John Hopkins & my highly-recognized hospital has performed numerous LPs to diagnose NPH VP Stunts using 2 different types of valves with a high success rate for many yrs. I feel you may benefit by researching other well-known, reputable hospitals & their LP procedures leading to the diagnosis of NPH.

First of all, I have been a critical-care RN for 19 yrs in CA. We have CNA (CA Nurses Association) it consists of only RN's. In my past the union leaders were a godsent, giving up time, family, and many times food and sleep. They were not narcistic or out for themselves at all. A Great Union is a Great Family. We vote and talk about issues as 1, our main concern has always been the Safety of our pts. Sure at times they ask for pay increases (cost of living raises) , increased staffing=increased nurse:pt ratio=increased pt safety, increased vacation time, who wants a burntout RN? There are many different issues that need to be looked at but, hopefully mgmt and RN's can negotiate in a caring manner with the pt's best interest at heart. At times I have Known upper mgmt to worship the allmighty dollar and forget about the little people. Hopefully, we all will get stronger, wiser, and open our eyes to a brighter world! Mary Larbre, RN

Thank you, sister!! I appreciate you to take the time to hopefully educate. We need to explain to the young generation "Where would the middle class of America" be today without unions? Would there be an 8-hr day with overtime, minimum wage, Labor Day; I could go on and on with all the human rights we have?! To those who are offended, please do not respond before you educate or research Unions! I don't doubt there are fabulous hospitals in which the RN's and the management have a great working relationship without unions but, it's mainly the directors or managers with whom care. It is the higher kings: the CEO, the CNO that have never provided bed-side nursing. In this hospital, we had a fantastic CEO and CNO for 23 yrs who worked and negotiated with the union in a professional manner. I believe this is unheard of anymore, it's very sad that we all can't think of the pt first and care for the pt, not the all mighty dollar!! Sisters, Don't ever stop caring!!

I think you are in the wrong union, not all unions reflect the same standards. I personally know of three different unions with totally different qualities. I work for California Nurses Association. In my opinion, they are the best, you might think about moving?

You go and keep that sisterhood alive!! Read the comment below I wrote, maybe she just needs education, a lot of it!!

ICU2010, I don't know how long you have been an RN or if you are involved with any organizations or are in contact with any "Union" RN's! I have been a union RN for 20 yrs, yes, we have great pay, great medical insurance, pension, and working conditions that are "Safe". The term "Scabs" has been around since the 1920's or before for ALL people who cross the picket line for any type of union worker, not just RN's. I was an ICU RN for years, we have in California, either 2:1 or 1:1 nurse:patient ratio. This state law was initiated by California Nurses Association, one of the best unions for RN's, the law also expands to All RN's in all departments for "Patient Safety" the nurse:patient ratio. We have now expanded to numerous other states, Thank God! Unions are there to save people's lives. The thousands of union workers have developed a bond as brothers and sisters to care for our patient in a safe and professional manner. We all went too long and hard studying to graduate with a degree to be the best RN we could be. By sitting back and allowing management, who has never been at the bedside, dictate to us how to care for our patients according to their budget, we will not stand for that! So before becoming a "Scab", research what a RN union is all about! Scabs are working for management, "Not" your brothers and sisters whose heart is where it should be, with the patient.

Thank you so much for the info on all of my subjects I was not knowledgeable about. You are a "World of info"!! One more question, did you like working there? I have never worked in a non-union hospital. Thanks

I am a critical-care RN of 19 yrs moving to Charlottesville, Va. Does anyone out there know anything about working as a RN @ UVA; what about these "Rotating Shifts"? Any info about the clinics @ UVA? Does UVA only offer CNL, not a BSN?

... remember one thing, California Nurse Assn. and Patient ratio law!

... the bean counter thinking is " A NURSE IS A NURSE "

... what states pay by skill?

... well, this is why California Nurses Assn. is here.

... and Calif. RN = state mandated nurse to patient ratio law

... unionize ?

... unions built the middle class !

Do most hospitals have charge RN's that take patients? We are going through tough negotiations right now. Thanks, Mary, RN

... Unions built the Middle Class, fella

Watsonville and Salinas hospital joined the strike too !

http://www.nationalnursesunited.org/news/entry/the-little--union-that-could/ THE LITTLE UNON THAT COULD Good Luck

... will you stop your BS and move on please

Obama Care++++