Should I join a teachers's union?

[Nurse ABC]

I'm allowed as a staff member and covered like they are. I can also get a million dollars in Liability Insurance. They aren't cheap and our state one is almost $400 a year. I don't know whether to just stick with nurse liability insurance, take this in place of that, or have both? Does anyone have any advice? Thanks!

[amoLucia]

If nothing else, you'd be entitled to your LUNCH BREAK!!!

And like most other unions, you'd be entitled to all their other perks, like representation at disciplinary actions, credit union membership, other insurance perks/discounts, PTO for educational activities, etc.

I am pro-union, so this would never have been a question for me.

[JudithL_in_NH]

Whether or not you are a dues-paying member of the Association, you are a member of the bargaining unit and already entitled to all the benefits in the teachers’ contract. I do recommend you join and pay dues, as the dues go toward supporting the work of the union (negotiations, grievances, union staff, etc.) that got you those benefits to begin with. If the school nurse is listed as recognized in the collective bargaining agreement, you get all those benefIts EVEN IF YOU DO NOT JOIN THE UNION AND PAY DUES.

If you haven’t already, get a copy of the collective bargaining agreement (HR or your union rep can get you this; some states even have the agreements available online). If you are not receiving all the work day benefits, such as a lunch period and planning periods, prep days at the beginning and end of the school year, etc. remind your principal that you are covered by the union contract and that these need to be supplied. If the principal balks, then contact the union—again, the union is required to assist you as you are a member of the bargaining unit.

My first two years at my school, I was not aware of what I was entitled to and never took lunch as I had no coverage for my office. Once I realized I was entitled to these things, I spoke with the principal who has since provided me with one hour per day of a CPR/ first aid trained paraeducator; she covers the office for first aid only for my 20-minute lunch. The remaining 40 minutes I spend catching up on paperwork while she handles recess first aid. I am still available for meds or crises, but she handles the run-of-the-mill skinned knees. The one hour per day is the deal we struck to provide me with the equivalent of the teachers’ lunch period and planning periods.

I have been a dues-paying Association member since my first year as I am pro-union as well, and I STRONGLY encourage you to join, but one way or the other, don’t be afraid to insist on the benefits you’re entitled to.

[Nurse ABC]

Ok good to know! I was told we are entitled to a 30 min lunch break but none of the school nurses ever get a planning period. I'll have to look into that. Thanks!

[OldDude]

There is no teacher union here for me to join but I will say something about professional insurance. The policy I purchase every year provides coverage if I have to "defend" myself against some allegation assoicated with my employment as a school nurse/school district employee. A lot of the professional policies only provide coverage if you are accused of some professional liability or negligence. There is a multitude of ways a school nurse could find themselves being accused of something - not associated with negligence or liability. Thank God I haven't had to use it...yet. Just something to think about when you shop for professional insurance.

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

I am on a par with the teachers but do not have to join the union and I won't. Some very nice school nurse before me made that a stipulation in hiring the school nurses here - you do not have to join the union.

I have my own private Liability Insurance and life insurance.

[RNlove17]

I'm in the teacher union, dues paying. If you don't join the district will assess you a fee which is basically the same amt as paying dues. I like being in in though, it's a strong union (NYSUT). I get a lunch most days lol, altho the teachers get a planning period and I do not. Im probably entitled to one actually. But I don't really need one and have no where else to go anyway...

[RNlove17]

There is no teacher union here for me to join but I will say something about professional insurance. The policy I purchase every year provides coverage if I have to "defend" myself against some allegation assoicated with my employment as a school nurse/school district employee. A lot of the professional policies only provide coverage if you are accused of some professional liability or negligence. There is a multitude of ways a school nurse could find themselves being accused of something - not associated with negligence or liability. Thank God I haven't had to use it...yet. Just something to think about when you shop for professional insurance.

what company is your policy through?

[Kittery]

Bringing this back because I want to hear more thoughts on this!

I'm contemplating joining the union vs. purchasing my own Liability Insurance. I guess the only thing keeping me from the union is that dues are steep, $700 a year. My family's on a tight budget so that will certainly affect us... I'm reading elsewhere that private insurance runs $100/year, but that thread is from years ago. I looked on NSO to try to find current rates but that info is hiding somewhere ... thoughts? I understand that union member or not, we are all benefiting so I'd like to pay my dues and get all the other membership perks but can't decide if it's worth the cuts we'll have to make to pay it.

[ohiobobcat]

I, too, am interested in hearing others' opinions on this. Our union dues are $625/year. They have payroll deduction, which helps, I think.

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

NSO was 109 on my renewal a few weeks ago, been with them for years.

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

I don't have a teacher's union option, but I also paid $109 to renew my personal Liability Insurance this last year through NSO. Totally worth it.