Teachers Union --Should You Join?

[chloejean104]

Hi All! I just got a district nurse job in Ohio. The teachers union approached me today and said since I am certified staff I am eligible to join. Is it worth it for the nurse to join this? She said they would aide in negotiating my contract, provide legal support, and they offer PD (but she wasn't sure what they had in terms of PD for nurses).

I just left the hospital after being in the NICU for 2 years so this is all new to me.

Haha, I literally posted an almost identical post about 6 weeks ago. Search for it and you will find it. In the end I joined. I have zero experience with unions, but the overwhelming opinion here and among the nurses in my district was "Yes".

[chloejean104]

I was just looking through and found it! Should've searched better before I posted! Thanks!

[bsyrn, ASN, RN]

It is worth it to join if you will get the same benefits as the teachers. Don't believe for a minute they will fight for your pay though...they won't!

[LikeTheDeadSea, MSN, RN]

My union/contract has a professional payscale that all "professionals" are including on, so Certified School Nurses are. Our teacher union is very strong and learning the ins/outs of district every month is important to me. Also, in the event of disciplinary action or contract breaches, having a rep with me and the backing of a supportive/strong union is important to me.

[ihavealltheice]

I didn't have a choice. Every certified staff member has to join the union in my district.

[scuba nurse, BSN, MSN, RN]

Yes you should join! We do not have the option of NOT joining, but it will get you so much more in terms of pay/benefits...etc..

I should add that I have only always worked at union hospitals, most in my state are unionized, so it is nothing new for me. I would rather be in a union, you have an extra layer of protection. And union dues are a tax deduction.