June/July 2003

Inside… Single payer health care: N.E. agenda advances ...... 2

President’s column: Making the case for safe staffi ng ...... 3 THE NEWSLETTER OF THE MASSACHUSETTS NURSES ASSOCIATION ■ www.massnurses.org ■ VOL. 74 NO. 5 500 RN’s fl ood June 18 Statehouse hearing MNA on Beacon Hill: Legislative update ...... 4

1 in 3 RNs attribute patient deaths to understaffi ng Political Pulse: A study of RNs in Massachusetts released Rep. Vincent Pedone ...... 5 last month establishes that poor RN-to-patient ratios are resulting in signifi cant harm and MNA Convention: even death for patients. According to the Schedule & registration ...... 6-7 survey, 87 percent of nurses report having too many patients to care for, and the results are devastating to patients: Health & safety ...... 8-9 • Alarmingly, nearly one in three nurses (29 percent) report patient Two MNA bargaining units deaths directly attributable to having named best nursing team ...... 10 too many patients to care for • 67 percent report an increase in medi- UMass/Memorial RNs cation errors due to understaffi ng ratifi y agreement...... 10 • 64 percent report an increase in com- plications due to understaffi ng Newton nurses demonstrate • 54 percent report readmission of the power of organizing...... 11 patients due to understaffi ng • 52 percent report injury and harm to MNF nursing scholarships...... 12 patients do to understaffi ng • 1 in 2 nurses report that poor staffi ng Benefi ts Corner ...... 12 leads to longer stays for patients “These shocking conditions exist right MNA elections: here in Massachusetts, a state that is known Candidate information ...... 14-16 around the world as a medical mecca,” said Julie Pinkham, MNA’s executive director, presents the fi ndings from a survey of Mas- sachusetts RNs to a packed room during the June 18 press conference. Karen Higgins, RN, president of the MNA MNA condemns Tenet-SEIU and one of the spokespeople who released neutrality pact ...... 17 the survey results at MNA’s State House press area hospitals, follows three national studies and continue to exacerbate the current nurs- conference on June 18. that paint an equally dismal picture of the ing shortage. The survey, the fi rst in nine years to quality and safety of patient care, spelling It was commissioned by the MNA and Continuing Education ...... 18-19 examine Massachusetts nurses’ views on the out in detail the conditions in Massachusetts MNA Member Benefi ts ...... 20 quality of patient care and nurse staffi ng in that endanger patients and that have caused See Rally, Page 5 MNA Board recommends revamp of district structure At its meeting in May, the MNA Board and the collective bargaining units that are MNA Convention 2003 of Directors passed a motion that will put included in the district. Save the date for the annual MNA forward a series of bylaw changes drafted In creating a new structure, the districts convention: October 15, 16 & 17 at a special District Leaders Summit that will be renamed “regional councils,” with call for a major restructuring of the MNA’s membership in the councils based on where in Worcester. Featured speakers districts—the regional entities that provide each MNA member lives versus where include Anita Hill, former Boston members with opportunities for participation he/she works. This change was made Globe reporter Larry Tye and labor and action on the local and regional level. contact Shirley Duggan at 781- in order to foster local community and union specialist Paul McCarthy. For The summit was mandated by a vote of 830-5763. political involvement by nurses in differ- more convention information and the MNA membership at last year’s conven- The MNA is currently divided ent regions of the state. Each council will registration details, see Pages 6&7 tion. The motion called for the leaders of the into fi ve districts, each of which have the same mission and purpose, will or call the MNA Department of Nurs- MNA districts to come together to explore covers a different region of the state. be required to comply with the MNA ing at 800-882-2056, x727. ways for the MNA regional structure to be District 1 of MNA, for example, encompasses bylaws and also will work in concert with more responsive to the local membership. The nurses who live in western Massachusetts - the goals and mission of the statewide orga- group, with representation and participation from Hampden County to the New York nization. To make the councils more inclusive by four of the fi ve districts, held a series of boarder. A portion of MNA membership dues of union members, each local bargaining unit meetings throughout the winter and spring go to the district to which a nurse belongs. The within the boundaries of the council will have and presented its recommended bylaw districts serve as a localized structure within a seat on the board of directors, with elections For the latest changes to local boards and to the MNA MNA to help nurses in those regions pursue held for seven other seats. developments board in May. initiatives specifi c to them. In addition, regional council dues will be impacting nurses, With its vote, the Board of Directors gives The district structure has existed since 1930, made uniform across all fi ve councils at $30 the MNA Bylaws Committee the approval to and little or no change has been made to it per member. This was done to provide equity visit the prepare the changes for presentation to the during that 70-year period. Under the exist- across the regions. To ensure that each region MNA Web site, entire membership body at the MNA Annual ing structure, members in different districts has a similar level of service to meet member www.massnurses.org Business Meeting, which will be held on Oct. pay a different level of dues. Each district has needs, a certain percentage of regional dues 16 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. The full its own set of bylaws and holds its own elec- will be pooled into a common fund, with text of the bylaws will appear in the August tion of offi cers. In addition, the mission and those funds allocated to establish offi ces in issue of the Massachusetts Nurse, and will also purpose of each district differs from district each region and to allow for the hiring of a be available on line at www.massnurses.org. to district. Under the existing structure there community organizer to assist in mobilizing To obtain a hard copy of the bylaws by mail, was a lack of a strong link between the district support for local activities. Page 2 Massachusetts Nurse June/July 2003

Nurses’ Guide to Single-Payer Reform Single payer agenda advances in New England By Cissy White New England residents worried about that a lack of it is dangerous and costly to health costs and coverage have state leg- residents and the Legislature, which will face islatures reviewing single-payer system a health care crisis that will only get worse if options. Outlined below is a state-by-state the system is unchanged. The report said, “All breakdown. people concerned abut health care in Rhode Island will increasingly have to choose among Maine three things—greater human suffering, soar- The consultants who performed the “Fea- ing spending, and reform.” sibility Study of a Single-Payer Health Plan “As for Massachusetts and Maine,” Socolar Model for the State of Maine” concluded that says, “one of the positive things coming out the model could provide all Maine residents of the studies is the recognition of how huge with coverage and reduce health care spend- the waste is in the current administration of ing by 2008. health care.” “It’s a very positive fi nding,” said Maine Copies of the full reports may be viewed at: State Nurses Association’s (MSNA) Executive Maine: www.state.me.us/legis/opla/hsboard.htm Director Pat Philbrook, RN. “My initial reac- Mass: www.state.ma.us/healthcareaccess tion was, ‘That’s doable.’ My second reaction Rhode Island: www.healthreformprogram.org was, ‘Why didn’t they fi nd us savings until Under C: Health Care for all section 2008?’” Philbrook believes savings will be larger than what the consultants projected because they did not factor in savings incurred over several years when residents have access to preventative medicine. Hypothetically, she explains, someone can have bronchitis and not seek treatment because they don’t have “It’s a total capitulation to insurance agen- ability just fi nished work on an economic insurance. “They end up in the ER with pneu- cies,” said RN Judith Shindul-Rothschild, feasibility study of universal health care in monia, which is more costly,” she said. “When Ph.D., who represented MNA on the legisla- Rhode Island commissioned by the Gen- you start to put money into prevention—that’s tive advisory committee. “The fi nal report eral Assembly. The report determined that where long-lasting savings are.” pushed for incremental reform, which would health care coverage could be provided to According to the consultants, Mathematica maintain administrative structures. They set it all residents and the state could save 3.6 Policy Research, Inc., a single-payer system up to keep insurance companies, which led to percent on health spending. Two universal Mark your calendar will increase jobs, appeal to small businesses ridiculously low administrative savings.” health care plans were presented. In each, that can’t afford to provide health care cover- O’Malley says LECG researchers failed to private insurance and out-of-pocket pay- Public hearing on single payer bill, age, and protect residents who are uninsured capture those savings because of insurance ments were eliminated. And each was able S.686: Mass. Health Care Trust Fund or underinsured and are going broke trying companies’ overhead. The report states that, to provide coverage to the underinsured and Wednesday, Oct. 8 to pay for health care. in Massachusetts, almost 40 cents of every the uninsured. Philbrook serves on the Health Security dollar spent on health care goes to adminis- The fi ndings suggested that reform is not Mass. Statehouse Board, established by the legislature to trative costs. “In every other industrialized only necessary, feasible and cost-effective, but study the feasibility of a single-payer plan. nation of the world, 90 to 95 percent of every The board will make a report to the legislature health care dollar goes to health care,” said this month and introduce a bill to keep the O’Malley. “In Massachusetts, it’s 40 percent Top 10 reasons why Massachusetts should committee together until 2004 so it can work overhead and 60 percent going to health on a transition plan. “My guess is that we’ll care.” pass single payer legislation While the report notes that health care have all details worked out by 2004, imple- 1. All piecemeal attempts to improve the health care system, while keeping it market- costs are becoming “prohibitive,” it fails to mented by 2005 and, by 2006, a plan that will based, ultimately fail. detail the human and fi nancial costs exacted cover everyone,” Philbrook said. 2. Repeated studies have shown that only a single payer system can ever assure truly on residents if the health care system is not “We’re the only industrialized nation in universal coverage. reformed. the world that doesn’t cover everyone,” she 3. Single payer reform at the state level is the most likely path to universal coverage. “The single-payer coalition calls on the said. “Ethically, nurses are patients’ advo- 4. Single payer is politically feasible. 80 percent of doctors, nurses, employers, hospital legislature to look at the shocking administra- cates. We’re not doing our job if people are managers, health plan managers, and the general public believe either that fundamental tive cost and growing numbers of uninsured, not getting care.” change is necessary or we need to completely rebuild the system. then authorize the [health advisory] board to 5. Single payer provides a level playing fi eld for all businesses and employers, and Massachusetts reconvene and do work [LECG] should have between businesses of the U.S. and other nations. It also allows workers to leave a job done” says O’Malley. “MASS-CARE will The Massachusetts Legislature appro- without losing their health insurance. share several other reports with the state priated $250,000 to study “Feasibility of 6. We’d pay for health care only once, in the simplest fashion possible. Currently, we pay legislature showing how a true single-payer Consolidated Health Care Financing and for health care many times over: from our paychecks, premiums, price of goods and plan works and pushing for legislation. Streamlined Health Care Delivery in Mas- services, taxes, auto insurance, workers’ compensation, and out-of-pocket expenses. “No system will ever be perfect,” she says. sachusetts.” The report, recently released 7. It’s good for society. Universal health care has a positive impact on individuals’ ability “But I know that is so far superior to any other by LECG consultants, has some advocates to learn and work. system. The baby boomers are about to hit of universal health care questioning the 8. The quality of health care will be improved through provision of primary care to every- with a huge demand for care. From moral, report’s value. one, attention to public health, comprehensive planning, return of decision-making to fi scal and professional perspective, this is “It was very clear that they were to provide health professionals and patients, and public participation in health policy-making, something we absolutely have to do.” the legislature with a roadmap for universal including the protection of essential community hospitals. health care and consolidated fi nancing,” Rhode Island 9. We can afford it. When 95-99 percent of current health care spending goes to care, we said Peggy O’Malley, RN, chairperson for can cover everyone, provide a wider range of benefi ts than most people now receive, “Overall, I think what comes out is affected MASS-CARE, the Massachusetts Campaign reduce drug prices, greatly expand access to home care and long-term care, and elimi- by what goes in. You don’t see a lot of savings for Single-Payer Health Care, a coalition of 80 nate deductibles, co-payments and most out-of-pocket expenditures. if you don’t look for them,” says Debra Soco- organizations, including the Massachusetts 10. It’s the right thing to do. It is intolerable that thousands go without care while we waste lar, M.P.H., who directs the Health Reform Nurses Association (MNA). “They spent too billions on unproductive private insurance and paper pushing. Single payer provides Program with Alan Sager, Ph.D., at the Boston much of their time and our money creating a world class health care system that affi rms the worth and dignity of every human University School of Public Health. three models. Two don’t meet the mandate life. Socolar and Sager, known nationally for and one isn’t really single-payer. Naturally, Created by MASS-CARE, the Massachusetts Campaign for Single Payer Health Care we’re very disappointed.” their work on health care access and afford- June/July 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 3

President’s column Making the case for safe staffi ng to the Health Care Committee By Karen Higgins every system in his body. The patient is placed pick up on vital changes in a patient’s condi- Taken from testimony before the Joint Commit- on a respirator and may have at least four tion could lead to “failure to rescue,” and a tee on Health Care on June 18. to eight intravenous medication and fl uid number of prominent studies have made a I am here today as the president of the drips designed to maintain his blood pres- clear link between poor RN staffi ng and this Massachusetts Nurses Association, an orga- sure to prevent organ failure. These require unfortunate outcome. nization that represents more than 22,000 my constant monitoring and assessment and You also need to know that nurses are the registered nurses and health professionals I’ll need to assess respiratory status continu- teachers of patients and families in the health working in nearly every health care setting ously. At the same time, I will be monitoring care system. We are trained to communicate in the commonwealth. the electrolytes in his blood every few hours, with patients so that they understand what I am also here as a practicing staff nurse as a slight change can signal a life threatening is happening and what they will need to do who has spent the last 25 of my 28 years work- complication. In this case, because of kidney to support their own recovery. We are trained ing in the ICU at Boston Medical Center. failure caused by the infection, I will be per- to be a compassionate sounding board for the I am here, joined by all these nurses, forming continuous dialysis on the patient. inevitable fears patients and their families will consumers, doctors and advocates to testify All the time I will be monitoring his heart rate experience. This is not fl uff and this is not a in favor of House Bill 1282—a bill that we for any changes that may signal a heart attack luxury. If a nurse doesn’t have the time to believe is crucial to protecting patients from due to his other organs being affected. I’m properly teach the patient how to clean and cost-cutting measures and ensuring the safety prepared to intervene with emergency equip- protect their wound, or to manage their new of patients in our hospitals, as well as for ment if necessary. While all this is going on, I’ll addressing and ending the shortage of hos- have multiple conversations with physicians pital bedside nurses in the commonwealth. about the changes in the patient’s condition We are here because every day a patient in and will adjust treatments and medications Massachusetts places his or her life in jeop- MNA president Karen Higgins testifies as required. ardy as he or she is forced to share their nurse at the Joint Committee on Health Care’s I, and all nurses, am both legally and with too many other patients. public hearing on H.1282. ethically responsible for the medications It is my hope to provide the context for this and treatments I administer. If a medication discussion by describing the role and function is ordered, I must know its proper dosage of the registered nurse in the care of hospital- effects of treatments, acts instantly to inter- and side effects and I am legally obligated ized patients. vene if there are life-threatening changes in to raise a question if I believe it is the wrong Stand Up For Safe Staffi ng It is important to remember that the main a patient’s condition, or alerts physicians so drug or the wrong dose or if the medication is June 18 reason patients are recovering in a hospital that they can act to protect their patients. contraindicated, because, owing to side effects today is to receive around-the-clock care Registered nurses are highly specialized, or other concerns, the drug is not appropri- from a registered nurse and that it is the just like physicians. There are nurses who ate. In this sense, nurses are the patient’s last medications, that patient is going to suffer registered nurse who spends the most time specialize, as I do, in intensive care, or those line of defense in a system that is supposed an infection or a reaction that will land them and has the greatest impact on the quality of who specialize in emergency care, maternity to protect them from potentially harmful or right back in the hospital. patient care. care, oncology, pediatrics and psychiatric lethal human errors. Given this understanding of the role of Because of managed care, patients in our nursing. Each area of practice deals with dif- A patient’s condition can change in an registered nurses, I’m sure you can begin to hospitals are sicker than ever, and they stay ferent conditions, different types of patients, instant. A subtle change observed and acted understand that the most important compo- for a much shorter time. This means that the different medications, treatments and medical upon can prevent a more serious downturn nent of nursing is time—time that a nurse needs of patients are much greater, which specialties. in the patient’s condition. Every nurse in this has to use his or her educated mind, trained means patients are in need of more nursing Registered nurses are constantly using room could tell you a story of how, while eyes and disciplined ears to monitor their care than ever before. their knowledge of physical and social sci- caring for a patient, they noticed something patients. When you’re a patient, anything Registered nurses are skilled professionals ences to monitor, assess and protect their wasn’t right; it could be in the patient’s skin that diminishes the time your nurse has to whose educated minds, eyes and ears are a patients. For example, I was recently taking color, the tone or timber of their voice, the spend in your care, the more likely something vital link for the physician. Registered nurses care of a patient who was brought into my size of their pupils, a slight variance in a bad will happen to you. It’s that simple. And monitor and evaluate a patient’s condition intensive care unit with a serious infection lab value that made the nurse look deeper, the most important determinant of how much before, during and after high tech medical who was suffering from a condition referred something that made them take action, an time your nurse will have to devote to your procedures. It is the registered nurse who to as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. action that ended up preventing a catastro- care is the number of patients he or she is adjusts medications, manages pain and side In this situation, I’m assessing the function of phe. Conversely, because we may have too assigned. many other patients occupying our time, It has been said that if you don’t listen to we may not be there to observe that change; nurses, you will never hear the patient. I am we could miss that cue, which could trig- here, we are here, screaming at the top of ger more serious complications. A four-day our lungs on behalf of those who suffer in stay could turn into a two-week stay, or in silence—help us. Pass House Bill 1282. Safe the worst case, the patient may never leave staffi ng saves lives. Thank you for your time the hospital alive. This process of failing to and attentiveness.

Whidden Hospital nurse and MNA member Joanne Bartoszewicz explains the importance of the safe staffi ng bill to a Channel 7 reporter.

Sen. Richard Moore, Rep. Peter Koutoujian, Health Care Committee Staff Director Charlene Deloache, Rep. Christine Canavan, and Sen. Bruce Tarr listen to testimony from MNA members. Nurses pack the room where the June 18 press conference was held. Page 4 Massachusetts Nurse June/July 2003

MNA on Beacon Hill

Legislative update ISSN 0163-0784 USPS 326-050

MNA fi ghts to protect health care safety net President: Karen Higgins By Charles Stefanini the State Senate million total for the pool. Vice President: Patrick Conroy MNA Legislative Director earmarked $12 • The House then offered hospitals an Secretary: Sandy Eaton Faced with a growing budget crisis expected million for school additional form of relief by endorsing Treasurer: Janet Gale to reach $3 billion for the 2004 fi scal year that nursing services. a one-time infusion of $118 million to District Directors, Labor: District 1: begins July 1, the Legislature has undertaken In addition, the improve Medicaid reimbursements. Patricia Healey, Irene Patch; District 2: an unprecedented effort to draft and write Senate included By offering these new funds through Edith Harrigan, Mary Marengo; District the next fi scal year’s state budget. This effort an outside section Medicaid, the House expected to 3: Stephanie Stevens, Tina Russell; included a lengthy series of statewide public to the budget pro- attract federal matching funds, which District 4: Jeanine Hickey, vacant; Dis- hearings held by the House of Representa- viding a Medicaid House leaders would use to preserve trict 5: Barbara Norton, vacant. tives and Joint House and Senate Ways and reimbursement a prescription benefi t for seniors. Means Committee. The hearings provided program for school The Senate: Directors (At-Large/Labor): Sandy a forum for review of Governor Romney’s nursing. • Increases available funding for pro- Ellis, Denise Garlick, Kate Maker, budget proposal and a dialogue of ideas and The House Charles Stefanini viders to $560 million by maximizing Sharon McCollum, Beth Piknick, alternatives to meet the fi scal crisis. and the Senate previously unused federal dollars Elizabeth Sparks, Jan Spicer. During this process the MNA worked hard included versions of maintaining the Pre- • Creates a limited insurance program Directors (At-Large/General): Rick to protect the health care safety net. Much scription Advantage program for 80,000 for the long-term unemployed who Lambos, Jim Moura, Margaret O’Malley, of the public dialogue over the past several Massachusetts seniors. The MNA urged the now lack coverage due to recent Deb Rigiero, Jeannine Williams, Nora months regarding the budget has centered on Legislature to maintain this successful pro- Medicaid cuts, reducing the current Watts, vacant. maintaining “core and essential services.” The gram. Nurses on the front-line see fi rst hand burden on the pool MNA has strongly stated that health care is the ill effects of seniors who cannot afford • Fully funds free care payments for Labor Program Member: Beth Gray- not only a core service; it is a safety net—a prescriptions. Implementing and maintaining community health centers at $28 Nix matter of life and death for vulnerable chil- Prescription Advantage is the right choice for million Executive Director: Julie Pinkham dren and seniors, as well as for mentally ill our seniors and our health care system. • Implements a “prospective payment” Managing Editor: David Schildmeier and mentally retarded citizens. We must allocation method, which will pro- MassHealth/Medicaid Editor: Jen Johnson work towards maintaining programs that vide hospitals with the advantage of Production Manager: Erin M. Servaes foster prevention of illness and basic care to MassHealth/Medicaid faces greater knowing their liability to or from the Photographer: Rosemary Smith our citizenry. If not, this will only result in cuts and this is after 50,000 residents were Pool at the beginning of each fi scal people suffering more serious complications eliminated from the program on April 1. year Mission Statement: The Massachu- that require more costly care. MassHealth provides health coverage to • Protects the “safety net hospitals” by setts Nurse will inform, educate and As advocates for patients and quality health approximately one in six adults, and one ensuring that they receive payment meet member needs by providing timely care, the MNA has been working on the fol- in four children in the commonwealth. This through alternative funding mecha- information on nursing and health care lowing budget issues: includes health coverage for low-income nisms, where available issues facing the nurse in the Common- children and adults, prenatal care, prescrip- • Maximizes federal revenue by bring- wealth of Massachusetts. Through the Public health programs tion drugs, some dental care, and nursing ing in an additional $180 million in editorial voice of the newsletter, MNA The MNA has long advocated for public home care. funds seeks to recognize the diversity of its policy initiatives that promote education, pre- • MassHealth is the key to maintaining • Implements responsible manage- membership and celebrate the con- vention and access in health care. An ounce a stable health care system ment reform initiatives, creating a tributions that members make to the of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure. • MassHealth brings the state billions more effi cient method of determin- nursing profession on the state, local To that end, we have worked in coalitions of federal dollars that we can’t afford ing pool eligibility and national levels. towards supporting adequate funding of to lose Published nine times annually, in important public health programs, includ- Clara Barton Nursing Excellence • MassHealth ensures that almost all January/February, March, April, May, ing: The Senate budget includes the creation children in Massachusetts have qual- June/July, August, September, October • AIDS of the Clara Barton Nursing Excellence and ity health care and November/December by the Mas- • Breast cancer Scholarship Program. • MassHealth improves the health of sachusetts Nurses Association, 340 • Colorectal cancer families and communities across the Turnpike Street, Canton, MA 02021. • Hepatitis C commonwealth Worcester State Hospital • Rape crisis centers If we lose these services, we are guaranteed Earlier this year, Romney proposed the Subscription price: $20 per year • Tobacco control to see an increase in emergency room visits closure of Worcester State Hospital. Worces- Foreign: $28 per year In addition, the MNA has supported the and we are guaranteed to see an increase in ter State Hospital is a critical facility in our Single copy: $3.00 Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) mental health service structure. After the health care costs as people end up needing Periodical postage paid at Canton, MA Program—a program that creates the coor- governor’s announcement, a “Coalition to more expensive care because they lacked and additional mailing offi ces. dinated, expert forensic care necessary to appropriate primary and preventive care. Save Worcester State Hospital” was formed increase prosecution of sexual offenders and And yes—we will see people die. The Senate and the MNA worked to gain public support Deadline: Copy submitted for publica- to deliver the highest level of care to sexual included language in its budget to provide to protect the hospital from closure. The tion consideration must be received at assault victims who access hospital emergency coverage to this population. House budget includes language protecting MNA headquarters by the fi rst day of departments. The SANE Program is provid- Worcester State Hospital from closure. The the month prior to the month of publi- ing services in each region of Massachusetts, Uncompensated care pool Senate includes a variation of the language. cation. All submissions are subject to and the MNA worked in a coalition to level The MNA served on a recent special com- editing and none will be returned. fund the program and include language in mission created by the Legislature to examine The Fernald Center Postmaster: Send address corrections the Senate’s version of the budget to codify the uncompensated care pool. The governor, Governor Romney has proposed the clo- to Massachusetts Nurse, Massachu- the program into law. House and Senate all have proposed various sure of The Fernald Center in Waltham. The setts Nurses Association, 340 Turnpike efforts to stabilize the pool. MNA opposes the proposal and has joined Street, Canton, MA 02021. School nursing, Prescription The House of Representatives: with parent groups to fi ght the closure. Advantage program • Reduces by $57.5 million the assess- Both the House and Senate budget include www.massnurses.org Romney eliminated the funding for school ments Romney’s budget would have language towards protecting Fernald from nurses in his budget proposal. School nurses required hospitals to pay to fund the closure. are a critical component of our front-line health free care pool. As the budget moves towards fi nal passage, care delivery system—in many cases serving • Under the House budget, hospitals the MNA will be working to ensure that the as a child’s primary health care provider and health insurers would each pay public health safety net is maintained and that and handling sensitive and complex health $157.5 million with the state contrib- health care is treated as a ‘core and essential’ issues. The House of Representatives and uting $30 million to achieve a $345 service. June/July 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 5 An interview with state Rep. Vincent Pedone The Massachusetss Nurse recently sat down tected and our resources are maximized. In in your work as a make our community a better place to live. I with state Rep. Vincent Pedone from the 15th times like these, we also need to be diligent legislator? have had the pleasure of learning from great Worcester district. Pedone is currently serving about providing the highest level of public Pedone: My civic leaders, which has helped me be able his sixth term in the House of Representatives. safety and economic opportunity for our position on the to serve my community better. I stay in this He is a lifelong resident of Worcester, an alum- citizens. Ways and Means profession because I love the people that elect nus of St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury MassNURSE: How does your background Committee allows me and that I work for in Boston. I represent and graduate, with honors, from Salem State help prepare you to be an effective state leg- me greater access a hardworking blue-collar district that I have College. In addition to serving in the 101st islator? to the information, lived in my whole life. I am honored that they Airborne Division of the U.S. Army, Pedone Pedone: I have been a legislator since I people and issues have sent me back to represent them for six worked as a social worker for the Massachu- was 25, so I have been immersed in the job that are so central to terms. setts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to for most of my adult life. My background is my job as a legisla- MassNURSE: What is your proudest suc- Children before taking offi ce. in social work, which I think equips me with tor. This committee cess as a state legislator? Pedone’s priorities include health care, the skills and sensitivities to be an effective is considered the Pedone: I don’t have one particular suc- job creation, education reform and funding public offi cial. The issues and problems I deal most powerful Vincent Pedone cess of which I am most proud. It has been for affordable housing. Pedone serves in with as a legislator are the same ones I would committee in the an honor to serve my district and the com- the Ways and Means Committee, and was confront as a social worker, only on a different legislature, giving me greater leverage when monwealth for over 10 years. Some of the recently appointed the vice chairman of the I am fi ghting for issues that are important to highlights over my tenure have been securing Committee on Science and Technology. me and to those I represent. funding for the restoration of Union Station, Pedone has been instrumental in an effort MassNURSE: What would you tell the the building of the Worcester Convention to stop Governor Romney’s proposal to close nurses out there reading this column about Center, and legislation clearing the way to Worcester State Hospital. His leadership on the importance of building a relationship with build our new vocational high school. Over and commitment to this issue led to important their local legislators? the last decade, I have worked to ensure language being included in the House budget Pedone: Building a strong relationship with funding for the Math and Science Acad- to keep the hospital from closing. your state legislator is not only good for you, emy and School of Excellence at WPI and MassNURSE: Congratulations on your but good for him/her as well. The importance the University of Massachusetts Medical recent work to stop Romney’s plans to close scale. My mother and father both worked in of maintaining this relationship is critical to School; funding for our biotech companies; Worcester State Hospital. the public sector, so I grew up realizing the address any issues that may arises in your and the legislation authorizing and funding Pedone: Thank you very much. The closing immense value of being a public servant. neighborhood, your workplace, or with leg- the building of Worcester’s new courthouse. I of Worcester State Hospital is a shortsighted MassNURSE: What are the main priorities islation that may affect you. Your legislator’s have been involved in the restoration of Lake proposal by the administration that would of your legislative agenda for the upcoming assistance is only a phone call away. I can say Park, East Park and Green Hill Park. I enjoyed jeopardize the well being of its patients and year? personally that it is very rewarding to know my battles with Governor Paul Cellucci over undermine the hard work of its dedicated Pedone: As I said earlier, I am most con- the people behind an organization and to have bringing increased commuter rail service to staff. I was fortunate to be working on the cerned with protecting my constituents and a strong relationship with them. Worcester. I was successful in securing rail issue with a great group of people, includ- the citizens of the commonwealth during MassNURSE: What do you enjoy most service to our city and I am continuing to ing MNA representatives and nurses from these trying fi scal times. I want to promote about your work as a state legislator? fi ght for increased service. Of course, I am Worcester State Hospital. economic development, stimulate employ- Pedone: I would have to say the people I very proud of the work that I did in 1995 MassNURSE: What issues do you believe ment opportunities and ensure that workers’ work for and with in the Legislature is what and 1996 when then-Governor William Weld will dominate this legislative session? rights are protected. I want to safeguard core makes my work as a state representative tried to close the Worcester State Hospital. We Pedone: Given the diffi cult fi scal climate services, so that our most vulnerable popula- rewarding. For the most part, I work with an were able to beat back Weld’s attempts then, right now, I think most key legislation will tions are not put at risk. incredibly talented group of colleagues who and I am confi dent that we will be able to do center on budget issues. The Legislature MassNURSE: How does your position on are dedicated advocates and civic-minded the same with Romney’s attempt to close the needs to ensure that core services are pro- the Ways and Means Committee assist you people. Our goals are all similar; we want to hospital this year.

…Rally

From Page 1 lications − the Journal of the American Medical tive director of the MNA. “When nurses of the poor staffi ng conditions. According conducted between May 30 and June 8 by Association and The New England Journal of —all of whom are educators in our health to nurses who have already left the hospital Opinion Dynamics Corporation, Inc., an Medicine − and by the Joint Commission on care system—don’t have enough time to bedside, the number one reason given was independent research fi rm headquartered Hospital Accreditation supports our posi- teach diabetic patients how to manage their that they had too many patients to care for. in Cambridge. Survey respondents were tion,” Higgins said. “The survey results we conditions, there is a greater likelihood that However, 65 percent of those who have left randomly selected from the complete fi le of released are in line with these national studies. those patients will end up being readmitted the hospital bedside say they would be likely the 92,000 nurses registered with the Mas- They underscore that RNs in Massachusetts for complications resulting from the fact or extremely likely to return if safe staffi ng sachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. are forced to care for too many patients at the that they were not taught how to administer legislation was enacted. Fully 68 percent of the respondents have no same time and that the safety of all patients is their insulin. Because we are all concerned Of the 600 nurses polled: affi liation with MNA—the state’s largest seriously compromised as a result. with costs, let me point out that poor patient • An astounding 93 percent report association of RNs, with 22,000 members. “These fi ndings should be a wake-up call to outcomes like this cost the health care system being burned out by excessive According to the research fi rm, the survey hospital administrators, a warning to patients billions of dollars.” patient loads results can be assumed to be representative who seek care in our hospitals, and a call to The survey found that 66 percent of RNs • 65 percent agree that working con- of the 92,000 nurses to within ± 4 percent at action for legislators, who have in their hands believe that hospital fi nances are not properly ditions in hospitals are “brutal” for a 95 percent confi dence interval. today the means to protect the public from spent on patient care; 55 percent believe that nurses The release of the survey coincided with the serious risks posed by current hospital the overall quality of health care in Massachu- • 75 percent report that their manag- the Joint Committee on Health Care’s public conditions,” Higgins concluded. setts has gotten worse over the last fi ve years; ers schedule too few nurses for their hearing on H.1282, the bill that would estab- In addition to the dangers of inadequate and 61 percent believe that in the next fi ve shifts lish RN-to-patient ratios in Massachusetts RN staffi ng, the study found that other vital years the overall quality of health care in the • 70 percent of nurses report being hospitals. More than 500 nurses joined leaders aspects of patient care are also suffering. Nine state will become even more desperate. “fl oated” to assignments in other from 60 health care and consumer advocacy out of 10 nurses report not having enough The survey not only underscores the danger areas of the hospital for which they groups that have endorsed the legislation to time to comfort and assist patients and their posed by chronic understaffi ng in hospitals, lack the proper orientation or train- show their support for the measure. The study families, 86 percent report not having enough but also provides solid and compelling evi- ing complements Opinion Dynamics’ fi ndings time to educate patients, and 81 percent of dence that poor staffi ng conditions created • 60 percent report that hospital admin- earlier this year that 82 percent of registered nurses report that, because they have too and continue to exacerbate the shortage of istrators assign mandatory overtime voters support legislation to regulate RN-to- many patients to care for, their patients have nurses in the state. instead of staffi ng properly patient ratios and that 75 percent are willing to wait for medications or treatments. While national surveys of nurses show • 58 percent report that hospital to pay more for their health care in order to “A medication delay can result not only that one in fi ve nurses plan to leave the managers assign nursing duties to guarantee their safety as patients. in unnecessary pain and suffering, it can profession in the next fi ve years, fully 55 non-nurses instead of hiring RNs “The MNA has long advocated for safe lead to a downturn in a patient’s condition percent of nurses providing hospital care • An overwhelming 86 percent support RN-to-patient ratios. Research conducted by that causes complications or lengthens that in Massachusetts have considered leaving legislation to regulate RN-to-patient the country’s most prestigious medical pub- patient’s stay,” noted Julie Pinkham, execu- direct patient care at the bedside because ratios in hospitals Page 6 Massachusetts Nurse June/July 2003 MNA Convention 2003 100 Years of Caring for the Commonwealth

October 15, 16 & 17, 2003 Mechanics Hall 321 Main Street, Worcester, Mas s. Convention schedule Featured speakers All events are being held at Mechanics Hall in Worcester except where noted. Anita Hill, Attorney Wednesday, October 15 “Speaking Truth to Power: Social change and Workplace Realities” Thursday • 9:30–10:30 a.m. 6:00–7:00 p.m. Cash Bar for Awards Banquet, Crowne Plaza Worcester Anita Hill is an attorney, legal professor and human rights 7:00 p.m. MNA Awards Banquet activist. Anita refl ects on the events before, during and after the Clarence Thomas hearings and states, “I did not choose Thursday, October 16 the issue of sexual harassment, it chose me.” Hill, who has 7:30 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast; Exhibits/Silent conducted research examining recent social and legal gains in Auction open today’s workplace, will share processes that can not only reduce 8:30–9:30 a.m. A Primer for Nurses: “Worcester County’s Role in the confl ict but that can enhance the workplace. Anita Hill Advancement of Women and Nursing” Paul McCarthy, President, Collective Bargaining Associates 9:30–10:30 a.m. Keynote Address: “Speaking Truth to Power: Social Change “Capturing Power in the Health Care Arena” and Workplace Realities,” featuring Anita Hill Thursday • 10:45 a.m.–Noon 10:30–10:45 a.m. Coffee Break Paul McCarthy is a labor union specialist who works closely 10:45–12:00 p.m. Plenary Session: “Capturing Power in the Health Care with union offi cials to solve organizational problems and build Arena,” featuring Paul McCarthy union power and effectiveness. His motivational presentation will address both the capability and responsibility of organized 12:00–2:00 p.m. MNA District 5 Annual Meeting Luncheon held at Crowne nurses to create, apply and capture power in the health care Plaza Worcester arena. The focus will be on the long overdue “coming of age” of 12:00–2:00 p.m. Luncheon for MNA convention attendees; Exhibits/Silent nurses’ unions and their becoming infl uential and active players Paul McCarthy Auction open in the development of health care policy in the U.S. 12:30–2:00 p.m. Unit 7 Business Meeting Larry Tye, Author and former Boston Globe reporter 2:00 p.m. Exhibits/Silent Auction close “The Ten Commandments of Dealing with the Ungodly Press” Friday • 10:45 a.m.–Noon 2:00–6:00 p.m. MNA Business Meeting 7:30 p.m. Improv Boston Dinner Theater held at Crowne Plaza Larry Tye is a former Boston Globe medical reporter and cur- Worcester. A very limited number of tickets will be sold at rently directs the Health Coverage Fellowship, which provides the door on a fi rst-come, fi rst-serve basis. We encourage education and intensive training to 10 medical journalists from purchasing advanced tickets. See registration form for a variety of media. He has won a series of national reporting details. Tickets $55 in advance; $65 at the door. Proceeds awards, is the author of “The Father of Spin” and is currently will benefi t NursePLAN completing a new book. His topic will focus on how to get your message to the public and dealing with a persistent press. Larry Tye Friday, October 17 7:30 a.m. Registration; Silent Auction Hotel Information 8:00-9:30 a.m. MNA NursePLAN full breakfast and meeting for all MNA The MNA Convention 2003 is being hosted at The Crowne Plaza Worcester. The Crowne Plaza is offering a special convention room rate of $99/night for single, dou- members ble or triple occupancy. (12.45% MA occupancy tax additional.) For reservations call 9:30–10:30 a.m. MNA 100th Birthday Celebration, MNA District 2 The Crowne Plaza at 1-800-628-4240. Rooms at this rate available until 9/24/03. 10:30–10:45 a.m. Coffee Break Refund Policy 10:45–2:00 p.m. Plenary Session: “The Ten Commandments of Dealing with Requests for refunds will be accepted in writing until October 3, 2003. A $25 ad- the Ungodly Press,” featuring Larry Tye ministration fee will be deducted from each registration refund. No refunds will be granted after October 3, 2003. On-site registration is contingent upon space. 12:00–2:00 p.m. Luncheon with live auction 2:00–3:30 p.m. Plenary Session: speaker to be announced Chemical Sensitivity Attendees are requested to avoid wearing scented personal products when at- tending this program/meeting. Scents may trigger responses in those with chemi- cal sensitivity. Contact Hours Continuing nursing education contact hours will be awarded by the Massachusetts Nurses Association which is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education MNA Business Meeting by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. October 16, 2 p.m. Questions The MNA business meeting is open and free to all MNA mem- Call MNA’s department of nursing at 1-800-882-2056, x 727. bers, regardless of whether you register for Convention. June/July 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 7

MNA Convention 2003 Safe Staffi ng Saves Lives Registration Form Pass H.1282 Understaffi ng of registered nurses is dangerous to patients. Mistakes, errors and complications become more likely when Name ______nurses are asked to take care of too many patients at once. A study of six million patients reported in the New England Address ______ Journal of Medicine show that patients without adequate City/State/Zip ______nursing attention are more likely to die or suffer serious complications: the more nurses per patient the better the Telephone: Day ______medical outcomes. Evening______ The Journal of the American Medical Association reported that in a study of 232,000 surgical patients the higher the I am a(n): ❏ MNA Member patient-to-nurse ratio, the more likely there will be a death or ❏ *Full-time Student/Unem ployed/Retired serious complication. Each additional patient above four that ❏ Non-Member a nurse cared for produced a 7 percent increase in mortality. * (Includes full time students [minimum 12 credits], unem ployed, If a nurse is caring for eight patients instead of four, there is a retired and student nurse asso ci a tion members.) 31 percent increase in mortality. ❏ Check here if you require vegetarian meals The fact that nurses are burned out from high patient ❏ Check here if you require special assistance during convention loads is causing them to leave the profession. One in three and please call the MNA at 800-882-2056, x727 registered nurses under the age of 30 say they are planning to leave nursing within the next year. 3 Convention Packages: Thursday & Friday, Oc to ber 16 & 17 To Preserve Quality Care and Protect Patient Safety Full Two-Day Convention Package — Thursday and Friday: join a growing list of organizations that support H.1282 Includes ALL events on Thursday (excluding Improv Boston) and Friday. MNA Members $75 All Others $100 Re duced Mem bers* $70 $ Ad Hoc Committee to Defend Health Care Mass. Association of Older Americans AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts Mass. Association of Public Health Nurses Please register below if you plan to attend these Thursday events: AIDS Care Project Mass. Brain Injury Association ❑ Unit 7 Business Meeting • 8:30 am n/c Alzheimer’s Association, Mass. Chapter Mass. Breast Cancer Coalition ❑ District 5 Annual Meeting/Lun cheon • 12:30 pm n/c American Cancer Society Mass. Coalition of Nurse Practitioners American Diabetes Association of Greater Mass. Federation of Teachers Thursday-Only Package: Boston Includes ALL events on Thursday: keynote, plenary session, all meals, exhibits, Mass. Human Services Coalition American Heart Association auction (excluding Improv Boston Dinner Theater). Mass. Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy American Lung Association of Greater Coalition MNA Members $35 All Others $45 Re duced Mem bers* $30 $ Norfolk County Massachusetts Nurses Association Friday-Only Package: American Lung Association of Mass. Mass. School Nurse Organization Includes ALL events on Friday: keynote, two plenary sessions, American Psychiatric Nurses Mass. Senior Action Council NursePLAN Breakfast, all meals, exhibits, auction. Association—New England Chapter Mass. Society of Eye Physicians and MNA Members $40 All Others $50 Re duced Mem bers* $35 $ Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association Surgeons Arise for Social Justice Sister Rosellen Gallogly of Market Boston AIDS Consortium Ministries, Inc. Optional Ticketed Events Boston Health Care for the Homeless Mass NOW (National Organization for Program Women) Awards Banquet • Wednesday, October 15, 7:00pm • $40 $ Boston Women’s Commission Massachusetts Spina Bifi da Association Improv Boston Dinner • Thursday, October 16, 7:30pm Cambridge Women’s Commission MASSPIRG Theater Advance tickets • $55 $ Cape Organization for Rights of the Mental Health Association, Inc. (All proceeds from this event benefi t NursePLAN) Disabled MetroWest AIDS Program Family Economic Initiative MetroWest Latin American Center Total Convention Fees $ Gay and Lesbian Advocates and National Association of Social Workers Payment Defenders - Massachusetts Chapter Please mail this completed form with check made payable to MNA to: Massa chu setts Greater Boston Diabetes Society National Kidney Foundation of Mass., RI, Nurs es Asso ci a tion, 340 Turn pike Street, Can ton, MA 02021. Tel. 800-882-2056, x727. Health Care for All NH, Vermont, Inc. Reg is tra tion forms postmarked prior to October 3, 2003 will be entered in a drawing Independent Living Center of North Shore Neighbor-to-Neighbor to win a free conven tion reg is tra tion. and Cape Ann, Inc. New England Coalition for Cancer Payment may also be made by VISA or MasterCard. Jobs with Justice Survivorship Account # ______Jonathan M. Cole Mental Health New England Patients Rights Group, Inc. Consumer Resource Center Search For A Cure Exp. Date: ______Latin American Health Institute The Abortion Access Project Fax credit card registrations to: 781-821-4445. League of Women Voters of The Consortium for Psychotherapy Massachusetts The Episcopal Diocese of Western Mass. For Offi ce Use Only: Lynn Health Task Force Victory Programs, Boston Charge Code: ______Amt: ______Date: ______Ck#: ______Ck. Date: ______Init: ______V/MC: ______Mass. Asian AIDS Prevention Project Vineyard Health Care Access Program Mass. Association of Nurse Anesthetists Page 8 Massachusetts Nurse June/July 2003

So you think it’s safe at work? Notes from the Congress on Health and Safety Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS): a guide for nurses By Betty Sparks, RN yourself and others. standard precautions (e.g., hand sible, adult patients should take their Task Force on Emergency Preparedness and 1. Suspected SARS patients presenting washing), contact precautions (e.g., own oral electronic temperature and David A. Denneno, RN, MSN to healthcare facilities and doctors’ use of gown and gloves) and airborne report it to the nurse. Health & Safety Congress, Workplace Violence offi ces who require assessment for precautions (e.g., N-95 respirator and 9. Disinfectants such as fresh bleach solu- Taskforce SARS should be diverted by triage eye protection). Removal of protective tion (1/100) or hospital recommended Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or staff to a separate area to minimize equipment should be done by taking cleaning agents should be widely (SARS) is a disease caused by a corona virus transmission to others. These patients off gloves fi rst, then mask, goggles and available. Stethoscopes, scissors and that presents with symptoms similar to the should immediately be given a surgi- gown. Immediately wash hands with other equipment have the potential to common cold. The incubation period is two to cal mask and should be instructed to soap and water or use an alcohol based spread infection and must be properly ten days from the time of exposure. Suspected wear a surgical mask at all times. hand washing solution. disinfected. Linen should be rolled up cases could present with: 2. The medical personnel should apply 6. Limit the number of staff members and not shaken. Place used linen in a Measured body temperature greater the surgical mask to the patient, pref- who are in contact with the patient. All biohazard bag before sending to the than100.4° F erably one that fi lters expired air. All non-essential staff, including students, laundry. Headache, body aches healthcare personnel should wear N- should not be allowed in the unit. 10. Visitors, if allowed by the healthcare Clinical fi ndings of respiratory ill- 95 respirators that have been properly 7. Staff should stay a minimum of 6½-feet facility, should be kept to a mini- ness (e.g. cough, shortness of breath, fi t tested in advance. If N-95 respira- away from the patient whenever pos- mum. They should be provided with diffi culty breathing, hypoxia or tors are not available, surgical masks sible, and avoid exposure to droplets if personal protective equipment and radiological fi ndings of pneumonia should be worn by personnel. close to the patient. Note: the virus has supervised. or acute respiratory distress syn- 3. Patients presenting with probable been found in stool, urine and sputum Excerpted in part from U.S. Department of drome) SARS should be moved and accom- for as long as 21 days after onset of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Rales and rhonchi can be heard, modated in: symptoms. Control and Prevention—SARS Guidelines, oxygen saturation less than 95 per- A negative pressure room with 8. Tympanic temperature probes should World Health Organization SARS Guidelines cent on room air the door closed be used where possible and, if not pos- and the Ontario SARS Guidelines. and A single room with their own Travel within 10 days of onset of bathroom symptoms to an area with docu- A private exam room (turn off air Occupational Safety and Health mented or suspected community conditioning and open window if transmission of SARS including independent air supply is unfea- Department welcomes new member Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Viet- sible) As the MNA continues to be a leader in the expertise,” said Dorothy McCabe, director nam, Thailand, Slovenia, Indonesia, 4. Contact your facility’s infection- areas of safe-staffi ng legislation and univer- of the department of nursing and career Philippines and Toronto, Canada control personnel and initiate SARS sal health care, the organization’s health and services. “She’ll be an invaluable resource to or policies and procedures as written by safety program in the department of nurs- our members, our staff and state’s healthcare Close contact within 10 days of onset your healthcare facility. Unprotected ing had its own leadership announcement to community.” of symptoms with either a person exposures should be reported imme- make recently: thanks to the hard work and Prior to joining the MNA, Pontus served with a respiratory illness who trav- diately and proper documentation foresight of MNA members, Massachusetts as a loss-prevention consultant for Beacon eled to a SARS area or a person completed. is now the only state Mutual Insurance Company in Warwick, R.I. known to be a suspect SARS case 5. A member of the staff must be iden- in the country to While there, she developed and implemented tifi ed as the primary care provider, have two certifi ed health and safety initiatives for municipalities, Suspect a SARS patient? preferably the staff member that occupational health fi nancial institutions, manufacturing facilities What should nurses do if a suspected SARS initiated contact with the patient nurse specialists and hospitals, as well as identifi ed hazards patient presents to triage or the offi ce? Follow upon their arrival to the facility. The (COHN-S) working and recommended control measures. She also these 10 steps to help you limit exposure to designated staff member will use on behalf of its nurse worked as the occupational health nurse man- members. ager for the Rhode Island-based B.A. Ballou The milestone was Company, Inc. where she was responsible marked by the arrival for assessing and treating occupational and of Christine Pontus, non-occupational illnesses/injuries, as well RN and COHN-S, to as creating health promotion, risk reduction Christine Pontus the MNA’s nursing and wellness programs. Other areas of her department. Pontus, expertise include OSHA regulations, workers’ who brings with her more than 25 years of compensation, claims and case management nursing experience, joins the organization as involving employee negotiations, insurance an associate director and will be working with policy reviews and fi nancial feasibility stud- members to help them fi nd solutions to their ies. health and safety questions/concerns. Pontus In addition to her efforts in the occupa- will also assist in organizing and leading the tional health fi eld, Pontus has worked as MNA’s numerous education and prevention supervisor and staff nurse through Medical programs. She will work with Evie Bain, Personnel Pool in Providence and as a charge associate director/coordinator of health and nurse at Waterman Heights Nursing Home safety; the Congress on Health and Safety; in Smithfi eld, RI. She holds both a B.S.N. the Workplace Violence Task Force and the and an M.S. in health service administration Emergency Preparedness Task Force. from Salve Regina University and is certifi ed “Christine comes to the MNA with a at the master’s level as a health care safety tremendous background and incredible professional.

Participants needed for study on multiple chemical sensitivities Members of the Congress on Health and Safety and the Workplace Violence Task Force held a joint meeting on April 9 at MNA headquarters. Of interest to both groups was the Dr. Pam Gibson of James Madison University is looking for people who have multiple MNA position statement on workplace violence being drafted by the task force and the chemical sensitivities and who have worked outside of the home to participate in a study on issues of SARS and smallpox being addressed by the congress. Members who attended work accommodation and community integration. The results will be delivered at the 2003 the meeting are pictured above with a visiting nurse scholar from Japan, Saeko Uno, Chemical Injury Conference, and it is hoped that the research will contribute to an under- who attended the meeting and provided input on workplace violence issues for nurses standing of access problems for people with multiple chemical sensitivities. in her country. From left: Janice Homer, Rosemary O’Brien, Marcia Robertson, Uno If you are willing to participate, please contact Dr. Pam Gibson at 540-568-6195 or via e-mail Saeko, Kate Opanasets, Susan Vickory, Janet Butler, Noreen Hogan, MNA staff member at [email protected]. Both hard copies and electronic copies of the survey are available, so Evie Bain, Mary Bellistri, Kathy McDonald, Liz O’Connor and Harumi Mihara. please specify how you would prefer to receive your version. June/July 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 9 Chemical sensitivity program held at The Fernald Center

In celebration of National Nurses Week, or neurological symptoms develop in those prevent people from The Fernald Center in Waltham hosted an individuals who are susceptible, and these developing multiple educational program for nurses dedicated events may lead to a prolonged illness. chemical sensitivi- to the topic of multiple chemical sensitivities. Triggering—another step in the progression ties, as well as how The program was also used as a platform to of multiple chemical sensitivities—occurs to best accommo- announce that Gov. Mitt Romney had signed when those who are sensitized are exposed date those who have a document proclaiming May 11 through 17 as to smaller and smaller doses of the same or already developed MCS Awareness Week in Massachusetts. chemically-related substances. Once sensiti- this life-altering The educational program, which was held zation occurs symptoms appear quickly, or disorder. The steps on May 8, was led by Jean Lemieux, presi- often instantly, and can have consequences include: elimination dent of the Massachusetts Association of the ranging from skin rashes to wheezing and/or of toxic environ- Chemically Injured, and Evie Bain, MNA anaphylaxis (shock that can lead to death). mental cleaning and health and safety specialist. In the second portion of the program, Bain disinfecting chemi- During the program, Lemieux described helped to identify the products and sub- cals; replacing those Participants from the MCS educational program at The Fernald and explained the steps in the progression stances in a health care worker’s environment products with safer Center hold the proclamation that declares May 11 through 17 to of the disorder, including those of induction that can cause multiple chemical sensitivi- versions; and adher- be MCS Awareness Week From left, Marie Breneos, Sosamma and triggering. ties. Many chemicals such as formaldehyde ence to the required Thampi, Lizzy Abraham, Judith Manning, Noreen Eagan, Evie Bain Induction is the continual exposure (used in the OR), glutaraldehyde (found containment of con- and Jean Lemieux, president of the Massachusetts Association to a known sensitizer such as phenol, where instruments are left to soak, in phenol struction projects in of the Chemically Injured. gluutaraldenyde or natural rubber latex, compounds and in many disinfectants), guar- occupied buildings. or other unknown chemicals. Sensitization ternary ammonium (found in environmental Eliminating natural rubber latex gloves and tiple chemical sensitivities program or to can also occur after a single large exposure cleaning chemicals), and natural rubber latex substituting non-latex synthetic gloves was arrange for a presentation of this program at from a spill/release of a chemical or from have all been linked to the development of also discussed as a way to provide a safer your facility, contact Evie Bain at 781-830-5776 exposure to the aerosolizing of construction multiple chemical sensitivities. work environment. or via e-mail at [email protected]. materials. Respiratory, gastrointestinal and/ Bain also outlined steps that can be taken to For more information on the MNA’s mul- Unit 7 and District 2 participate in Applying OSHA to Health Care Settings Several MNA members from Unit 7 and Dis- Healthcare and Social Service Settings. Judith Kosnoski, Carol trict 2 recently attended sessions on Applying Unit 7 members who participated include Krumsiek, Rosemarie OSHA to Health Care Settings. Participants Steve Robins, Neville Francis, Pat O’Neill, Erlichman, Elizabeth learned about OSHA resources, requirements Sandra Brown, Jean Cook, Marilyn Crawford, George, Donna Kelly- for a safe and healthy workplace, and how Mike D’Intinosanto, William Fyfe, and Cecil Williams, Douglas to address concerns about unsafe working Pryce. Maxine Garbo with the Massachusetts Koziol, Elsie Maran- conditions with employers. Department of Occupational Safety and mem- goly, Amminikutty bers of the MNA staff also attended. Mathew, Ann Moli- Unit 7 nari, and Diane District 2 In addition to attending its state council Pollier. meeting on April 9 at Indian Meadows in The Best Western Hotel and Conference This free program Westboro, Unit 7 members also participated Center in Marlboro was the setting for Dis- is supported by a in the OSHA-focused program. Rosemary trict 2’s May 14 session of Applying OSHA to grant from the Massa- O’Brien, chairperson of the MNA Workplace Health Care Settings. Participants included: chusetts Department Violence Task Force, presented the module on Cheryl Brosnihan, Lynda Colaianni, Mary of Industrial Acci- District 2 participants in Applying OSHA in Health Care Settings. OSHA Guidelines for Preventing Violence in Ellen Stott, Maureen Clark, Barbara Dziejma, dents. Health & Safety Notes

New program seeks to reduce hospital injuries Similarly, gone are the days when the needle-stick injury that the condition must arise during the course of employ- OSHA has initiated a pilot ergonomics initiative which would be attributed to “carelessness, inattention or poor ment and require treatment beyond fi rst aid. Each of these combines the benefi ts of using establishment-specifi c illness/ technique” or the when back injury would be blamed on factors is met in the diagnosis and treatment of MRSA among injury data for the OSHA Data Initiative with the fl exibility “poor body mechanics or not waiting for help.” The prac- healthcare workers. tice of “behavioral safety,” which often leads to blaming the and knowledge of local industry hazards and illness/injury New online resource for occupational safety experience. Specifi cally, the New England regional offi ce of victim for the injuries, is being replaced. Now, equipment OSHA implemented a local emphasis program for hospitals, specifi cally designed to reduce physical stress on the worker Health Care Without Harm—an organization that educates including general medical, surgical and psychiatric hospi- is being introduced into hospitals and nursing homes across health care workers about occupational and environmental tals. the country. health and safety risks—is working to provide medical profes- The initial local program began March 13 and included an sionals with constructive ways to minimize these dangers. MRSA is a recordable occupational illness audience of more than 100 people. Participants learned that HCWH recently added a new section to its Web site that OSHA will use a four-pronged approach in its efforts, includ- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides visitors with important health and safety resources. ing the use of recently stated that Methycillin Resistant Staphlococcus To access HCWH’s resources, visit www.noharm.org/tools/ industry and task- Aureus is a recordable occupational illness. Nurses and other workersafety#chem specifi c guidelines health care workers who test positive for MRSA in infection- In addition, HCWH holds monthly conference calls to dis- (for injury preven- control investigations should be sure that the facility records cuss health and safety issues affecting nurses. To participate tion), enforcement, the illness on the OSHA 300 log of injuries and illnesses. in these calls, contact Tiffany Skogstrom at 617-524-8778 or outreach and assis- In a recent discussion with an OSHA compliance offi cer, via e-mail at [email protected]. it was confi rmed that a positive culture of MRSA in a health tance (employers Members should participate in internal activities may ask for assistance to implement change), and advancing care worker requiring medical treatment is, in fact, a work- research. The main focus of OSHA’s local program will be on related illness and should be recorded in the facility’s OSHA OSHA compliance inspectors who visit your hospital will reducing injuries to patients/professionals during equipment log. Affi rmative MRSA tests should also be reported to the be asking to speak to employees or employee representatives. handling, as well as injuries related to sharps and hollow- employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier. As an MNA member you should not be afraid to speak with bore needles. Most nurses and health care workers who test positive for an OSHA inspector. In fact, you should be encouraged to do Initiatives and designs that are already being utilized in MRSA do not experience symptoms, yet they are treated with so. A direct conversation with employees assists OSHA com- other industries to prevent injuries to workers will soon be antibiotics because they may be a vehicle for transmission of pliance inspectors in identifying working conditions which adapted for use in health care settings under the local pro- the bacteria to susceptible patients. If left untreated though, contribute to employee illness and injury. gram. For example: You can’t lift 180 pounds at UPS anymore MRSA could also pose problems for healthcare workers at MNA members are entitled to participate in the opening and, soon, you won’t be expected to lift 180 pounds in the some time in the future. conference, the inspection tour and the closing conference. healthcare industry either. The requirement for identifying an occupational illness is Employees in non-union facilities also have this right. Page 10 Massachusetts Nurse June/July 2003

Two MNA bargaining units named best nursing team of ‘03 by Advance for Nurses magazine MNA nurses at Merrimack Valley Hospital state’s current fi nancial crisis and Governor of students that earned it this wonderful and school nurses working for the Pittsfi eld Romney’s proposed cuts to school nursing award.” Public Health Department had special reason programs. School nurses provide a valuable social to celebrate during National Nurses’ Week in “This 14-nurse team cares for more than and health care safety net, particularly May. Advance for Nurses magazine, the lead- 8,000 Pittsfi eld students on a daily basis,” said during tough economic times, and they are ing professional publication for the industry, Katie Wiater, RN, CSN, who submitted the often the primary health care resource for named both the hospital emergency-room application that earned the team its recogni- poor or uninsured children. School nurses nurses and the Pittsfi eld school nurses as tion. “We do everything: from administering are also required to conduct annual postural, two of this year’s best nursing teams. psychotropic drugs and teaching proper hearing and vision-screening tests on all stu- In order to be considered for the award, inhaler use, to responding to emergencies dents and monitor compliance with school teams had to have a proven track record of in the gymnasium and administering fi rst immunization regulations. In addition, they excelling in areas such as clinical outcomes, aid. The school nurse is the bottom line in often provide health education to students adaptability, teamwork, community outreach why Advance magazine honored our emer- healthcare.” by teaching them about healthy lifestyles and and knowledge. gency department.” “This group of nurses goes above and illness management. The nurse responsible for nominating the beyond the call of duty because they genu- Advance for Nurses magazine is distributed Merrimack Valley Hospital ER team, Carlos D. Flores, APRN, BC, CEN inely love what they do,” Wiater said. “It to 107,000 nurses throughout New England Meeting all the aforementioned criteria, and an MNA member, shared the same sen- was the team’s unselfi sh desire to serve and and it received more than 300 applicants for and earning the fi rst-place title as result, timents as Hickey when he submitted the protect the physical and emotional health this year’s awards. was the nursing team in MVH’s emergency award application. According to Advance department. The achievement was recognized magazine, Flores said that the nursing team and hailed as a great honor for the entire nurs- became a rock throughout its transition, Private sector bargaining unit at UMass/Memorial ing staff—particularly given the fact that the and during its purchase by Essent Health- – University Campus ratifi es agreement acute care facility, formerly Hale Hospital, care—which allowed the hospital to remain RNs in the private sector bargaining unit at UMass/Memorial – University Campus was slated for closure just 2½ years ago. open under the new Merrimack Valley Hos- ratifi ed a two-year agreement on April 30. The agreement is for the period April 2, 2002 “The nurses really pulled together when pital name—the nursing team maintained an to March 30, 2004, and it makes the RNs the highest paid in the Worcester area. The it was announced that Hale would close its impressively low rate of turnover. “Collabora- agreement grants the RNs three across-the-board increases and two new steps for a total doors,” said Jeanine Hickey, chairperson of tion is key in nursing,” Flores told Advance, increase of 19.6 percent over two years. The wage scale that takes effect in the last year the hospital’s bargaining unit. “Nurses from “and the spirit of sharing among the ED team of the contract will range from $21.95 to $43.47. all departments, as well as physicians, clini- is a constant source of strength.” The agreement also allows for the creation of a staffi ng board, which will comprise cians and other employees, worked together Pittsfi eld school nurses three members of management and three bargaining-unit members. The staffi ng board to keep the hospital open—and we protected will be responsible for reviewing current staffi ng, as well as making staffi ng recommen- nurses’ rights while doing so. Our MNA Nurses with the Pittsfi eld Public Health dations for each unit. These recommendations will be posted in units so that all RNs can nurses were nothing short of courageous Department earned fourth place in the confi rm that staffi ng is in line with recommendations. The agreement also ensures that and dedicated when they faced that chal- magazine’s search for the best nursing teams RNs will have the right to grieve any failure to provide appropriate resources, including lenge, and they were able to win the fi ght as of 2003, and the award was seen as a par- supplies and equipment. a result. That is just one of the many reasons ticular success by MNA members given the Notice to members and non-members regarding MNA agency fee status This notice contains important information an agreement with a labor organiza- she must do so within thirty days of receipt fi cation number relating to your membership or agency fee tion … to require as a condition of of this notice. Receipt shall be presumed to • Objections must also be signed by the status. Please read it carefully. employment membership therein on have occurred no later than three days after objector Section 7 of the National Labor Relations or after the thirtieth day following the notice is mailed to the employee’s address Objections will be processed as they are Act gives employees these rights: the beginning of such employment or as shown in MNA’s records. received. All non-members who fi le a valid • To organize the effective date of such agreement, Employees who newly become subject to objection shall receive a detailed report con- • To form, join or assist any union whichever is the later. If such labor a contractual union security clause after Sep- taining an accounting and explanation of the • To bargain collectively through rep- organization is the representative of tember 1, or who otherwise do not receive this agency fee. Depending on available informa- resentatives of their choice the employees as provided in Sec- notice, must fi le any objection within thirty tion, the accounting and explanation may use • To act together for other mutual aid tion 9(a), in the appropriate collective days after receipt of notice of their rights. the previous year’s information. or protection bargaining unit covered by such agree- MNA members are responsible for full 3. How to challenge MNA’s accounting • To choose not to engage in any of ment when made… membership dues and may not object under If a non-member is not satisfi ed that the these protected activities Under Section 8(a)(3), payment of member- this procedure. MNA members who resign agency fee is solely for chargeable activities, You have the right under Section 7 to decide ship dues or an agency fee can lawfully be their membership after September 1 must he or she may fi le a challenge to MNA’s for yourself whether to be a member of MNA. made a condition of your employment under object, if at all, within 30 days of the post- accounting. Such a challenge must be fi led If you choose not to be a member, you may a “union security” clause. If you fail to make mark or receipt by MNA of their individual within thirty days of receipt of MNA’s still be required to pay an agency fee to cover such payment, MNA may lawfully require resignation, whichever is earlier. accounting. Receipt shall be presumed to the cost of MNA’s efforts on your behalf. If your employer to terminate you. Objections must be renewed each year by have occurred no later than three days after you choose to pay an agency fee rather than This year, the agency fee payable by non- fi ling an objection during the appropriate the notice is mailed to the employee’s address membership dues, you are not entitled to members is 97 percent of the regular MNA period. The same procedure applies to initial as shown in MNA’s records. attend union meetings; you cannot vote on membership dues for chargeable expendi- objections and to renewed objections. Challenges must be specifi c, and must ratifi cation of contracts or other agreements tures. Non-members are not charged for 2. How to object be made in writing. Challenges must be between the employer and the union; you will expenses, if any, which are paid from dues Objections must be received at the follow- received by MNA at the same address listed not have a voice in union elections or other which support or contribute to political orga- ing address within the thirty-day period set above in section 2 within the 30-day period internal affairs of the union and you will not nizations or candidates; voter registration or forth above: to be valid. Challenges not sent or delivered enjoy “members only” benefi ts. get-out-the-vote campaigns; support for ideo- Massachusetts Nurses Association to that address are void. Section 8(a)(3) of the National Labor Rela- logical causes not germane to the collective Fee Objections Valid challenges, if any, will be submitted tions Act provides, in pertinent part: bargaining work of the union; and certain 340 Turnpike Street jointly to an impartial arbitrator appointed by It shall be an unfair labor practice for an lobbying efforts. MNA has established the Canton, MA 02021 the American Arbitration Association. MNA employer – following procedure for non-members who Objections not sent or delivered to the will bear the cost of such a consolidated arbi- (3) by discrimination in regard to hire or wish to exercise their right to object to the above address are void. tration; challengers are responsible for their tenure of employment or any term or accounting of chargeable expenditures: To be valid, objections must contain the other costs, such as their travel expenses, lost condition of employment to encour- 1. When to object following information: time, and legal expenses, if any. Specifi cally age or discourage membership in any Employees covered by an MNA union • The objector’s name challenged portions of the agency fee may be labor organization: Provided, that security clause will receive this notice of • The objector’s address placed in escrow during the resolution of a nothing in this Act, or in any other their rights annually in the Mass Nurse. • The name of the objector’s challenge. MNA may, at its option, waive an statute of the United States, shall If an employee wishes to object to MNA’s employer objector’s agency fee rather than provide an preclude an employer from making designation of chargeable expenses, he or • The non-member’s employee identi- accounting or process a challenge. June/July 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 11 Newton public health nurses demonstrate the power of effective organizing The city of Newton has long been regarded with public health dollars instead of school as one of the state’s most prestigious com- department dollars—even though 85 percent munities, and in many circles it is considered of those working for public health actually the ideal place to live, work and raise a work in schools.” family. Its stellar reputation is founded on But the challenges didn’t end there: “When truth, and that message is driven home by the city divides its budget annually,” said Newton’s mayor, David B. Cohen, on the Creedon, the nurse for the Angier Elemen- suburb’s Web page: “We are a leader among tary School’s 275 students, “70 percent of the communities, with an excellent school system dollars go to schools while only 30 percent and nationally acclaimed library; and we are of the dollars go to public health and other recognized as one of the top-fi ve safest cities city departments. That means school health in the nation.” programs always have considerably less But just a few months ago, Newton found funding.” itself at the edge of a dangerous precipice— With 21 schools and more than 11,200 one that could have ruined the safety and students, those dollar amounts make the security of the city’s school children. The city’s nurses’ jobs exceptionally challenging. “We school nurses, all of who are employed as part don’t merely identify the sick kids and then of Newton’s public health department and send them home,” said Jacobs. “Our job is to all of who are MNA members, were facing keep them healthy, no matter what the ail- dramatic cuts in funding. ment may be, so that they can stay in school The results could have been disastrous if and learn.” it had not been for the dedication, work and And those ailments can be varied and seri- hard-core organizing efforts of the nurses in ous: cancer, cerebral palsy, cardiac conditions, Newton’s public health department. asthma, hepatitis, catherizations and devel- opmental disorders to name a few. Add to Nursing in Newton’s schools this the fact that all of Newton’s public health In the spring of 2002, school nurses Michelle nurses are required to be fi rst responders in Jacobs and Karen Creedon had offi cially the case of a community-wide health crisis. School nurse Michelle Jacobs poses with just a few of the students she cares for at settled into their new positions as co-chairs “There was no doubt,” said Creedon. “We the Lincoln-Eliot School in Newton. of their MNA bargaining unit—the Newton were not meeting the standard set by the Spe- public health department. Their unit, from the cial Commission on School Nursing Services tional funding for us, but the talk in town bargaining unit began to network with the beginning, was facing some challenges. that stated the nurse-to-student ratio should implied otherwise,” remembered Jacobs. community’s parent-teacher organizations “Newton is kind of unique,” said Jacobs, be no more than one to 500. We didn’t even “Karen and I started to understand that any (PTOs), there was clearly a growing sense the nurse responsible for administering care have a nurse in every school.” override was probably only going to benefi t of urgency about keeping a nurse in every to the 275 students in the city’s Lincoln-Eliot Things started to improve though when the school budget, and our bargaining unit school. “It took some time,” Jacobs continued, School. “It’s one of the state’s few remaining the public health department briefl y became was, unfortunately, part of the public health “but our messages were clear and true: school municipalities that funds its school nurses the benefactor of a sort of fi nancial windfall. budget.” nurses are the key to keeping kids safe and in “The state received money from Added to this was the fact that the future class, and healthy children are always better a tobacco settlement,” explained of the grant money looked uncertain. “With- students. Keeping a nurse in every school was Jacobs, “and we were awarded out the grant and without the benefi ts of a the only way to make this happen.” an Enhanced School Health Proposition 2½ override the future of our As the bargaining unit continued its Grant as a result.” With its new bargaining unit and the services we provide outreach efforts, a supportive, but subtle, fi nancing the public health students were in serious jeopardy.” Jacobs and coalition began to grow that included par- department hired a total of six Creedon immediately started working with ents, teachers and community leaders—and new nurses, fi ve of who were other members of the bargaining unit, as well soon the issue was on the agenda of the city’s placed directly in Newton as MNA staffers Joe-anne Fergus and Jason leaders. “We were able to hold a labor man- schools. “For the fi rst time, Silva, to develop a defensive strategy. agement meeting with Newton offi cials and Newton had a nurse in every As their strategizing began to unfold, the part of what we talked about was whether or school,” she said, “although Newton nurses were hit with a one-two not to let the general community know about we were still far from meeting punch: the override was approved—with what was happening,” said Creedon. “But no the ratio of one nurse to every most associated revenue slated to go to the one wanted to have to go there.” 500 students.” school budget—and the grant would be As it turned out, they didn’t have to: the The benefi ts of the grant were eliminated. “Our bargaining unit’s expecta- barraging unit had gained the support of seen immediately however. tions and fears came true,” said Creedon, two important people, Linda Walsh, the city’s Creedon explained: “During “and we decided as a team that we weren’t director of clinical service, and Mayor Cohen, the fi rst academic year when going down without a fi ght.” as well as almost everyone associated with we had a nurse in every school, the city’s PTOs. “That’s when we started to there were over 112,000 visits Strategic organizing at its best think that maybe the tides could turn in our to the nurse’s offi ce, with So together, as a bargaining unit that was favor,” remembered Creedon. over 46,000 doses of medica- only 25 members strong, Newton’s public The tides did in fact turn in favor of the tion administered, and almost health nurses began to fi ght the good fi ght. bargaining unit. In late winter of 2003, it was 3,000 blood-testing procedures At meeting after meeting, they crafted key announced by Cohen that he would include completed. Given all of these messages, devised community outreach plans the nursing positions that had been funded visits, only 3,000 students were and put timelines in place for meeting with by the grant in the city’s own budget. “The sent home early. That’s ground- the school system’s key opinion leaders. They future looks bright for students in Newton’s breaking.” also learned how to tell their story in a way public school,” said Jacobs. “They’ll have a that infl uenced change: they drove home the nurse in every school again, although we’re Changing tides fact that without a nurse in each of Newton’s still excited by the prospect of taking on the By the end of the summer of schools, children would be at risk. one to 500 ratio!” ‘02, however, both the windfall Jacobs and Creedon knew that these poten- According to Joe-ann Fergus, the labor rela- and the nurse-in-every-school tial risks would not sit well with a community tions director who worked directly with the benchmark seemed to be dis- that strove for excellence. “When you’re a team in Newton, their work represents how solving due to the state’s failing role-model community, as Mayor Cohen had successful unions can be. “This 25-member economy. In addition, there was often said we were, you couldn’t expect that unit organized a seamless campaign to keep talk about an override of Propo- a shrinking school-health program would go Newton’s school children safe and healthy, Karen Creedon sits with three students from the Angier sition 2 ½. over well with parents, teachers and opinion and it did so in the midst of two enormous, Elementary School: (left to right) Dara White, Isabel Melt- “We briefl y hoped that an leaders,” said Jacobs. looming budget cuts. That is the power of zer and Emily Meltzer. override would mean addi- She was right. As members from the organizing.” Page 12 Massachusetts Nurse June/July 2003 MNF announces August 1 deadline for 2003 nursing scholarships The Massachusetts Nurses Foundation is a non-profi t orga- One $1,500 scholarship for an active member in District Labor Relations Scholarship nization whose mission is to support scholarship and research 5 pursing a doctoral degree Two $1,000 scholarships are funded annually by a grant in nursing. The primary goal of the MNF is to advance the established by the MNA Cabinet for Labor Relations. This District 5 Scholarship profession of nursing by supporting the education of nurses, scholarship is for an RN or health care professional who is and it provides scholarships and grants to nurses and nursing Funded by District 5, this new scholarship will be given to also an MNA member. Applicants must also be enrolled in students in an effort to meet this goal. an MNA member active in District 5. Awards include: a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in nursing, labor This year’s MNF scholarships include: Two $1,000 scholarships for students who are pursuing relations or related fi eld. nursing degrees and who are also sons or daughters of Carol Flyzik Scholarship District 5 members Worcester City Hospital Aid Society Scholarship This new $1,000 scholarship was established by the Hale One $1,000 scholarship for a District 5 members’ signifi - Funded by a sustaining scholarship endowed by the Hospital Professional Nurses Unit in memory of Carol cant other/spouse who is pursuing a nursing degree Worcester City Hospital Aid Society, this $1,000 scholarship Flyzik, RN, former Hale Hospital Emergency Room Nurse Two $1,000 scholarships for students who are pursuing is awarded annually to a Worcester-area high school senior and MNA member, who was a victim of the tragic events of a higher education degree and who are also sons or who will attend a B.S.N. program. September 11. daughters of a District 5 member The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student—entry Faulkner Hospital School of Nursing Alumni District 4 Scholarship level or practicing RN—who is pursuing an associate’s degree Association Scholarship or bachelor’s degree in nursing. Preference will be given fi rst Funded by District 4, this $500 scholarship is given to an Funded by a sustaining scholarship endowed by the to students living or working in the Merrimack Valley* area, active, District 4 MNA member to assist with his/her studies Faulkner Hospital School of Nurses Alumni Association, the and then to other areas of MNA’s District 4. If the applicant is for a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in nursing. following awards are given annually: a practicing RN who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree, she/he A generic award is given to a student attending an entry must be an MNA member. In the event that no applicants meet District 3 Scholarship level RN program. Priority will be given to descendants the geographic criteria listed above, the scholarship will be Funded by District 3, $10,000 in scholarships is being offered of Faulkner alumni. awarded to a deserving candidate who meets all other criteria to an MNA member active in District 3. Awards include: The Connie Moore Award is given to an RN who is as determined by the MNF scholarship committee. Two $2,500 scholarships to District 3 members pursuing pursuing a B.S.N. or M.S.N. degree. Priority will be *The Merrimack Valley consists of Lawrence, Haverhill, B.S.N.s given to Faulkner alumni. Bradford, Georgetown, Groveland, Methuen, Merrimac, One $1,500 scholarship to a District 3 member pursing Andover and North Andover. an M.S.N. or doctoral degree Scholarship details and deadlines One $2,500 scholarship to a student pursuing a B.S.N. For more information or to request a scholarship applica- Janet Dunphy Scholarship and who is the son or daughter of a District 3 member tion, call the MNF at 781-830-5745. Please be sure to mention Funded by a scholarship established by District 5, this One $1,000 scholarship to a student pursuing an associ- which scholarship for which you are applying. scholarship is given annually to an MNA member who is ate’s degree in nursing and who is the son or daughter Scholarship applications must be postmarked by August 1 active in District 5 and who is pursuing a B.S., M.S. or doctoral of a District 3 member and should be sent to: Massachusetts Nurses Foundation, 340 degree. Awards include: Turnpike Street, Canton, MA 02021. All scholarships, unless One $2,000 scholarship for an active member in District District 2 Scholarship otherwise noted, will be awarded at the MNA’s annual awards 5 pursuing a B.S. in nursing Funded by District 2, one $1,000 scholarship is being offered banquet in October. One $1,500 scholarship for an active member in District to a family member of an active MNA member in District 2 5 pursuing a M.S. in nursing who is attending nursing school. Donations needed for MNF Annual Auction! We Need Your Help The Massachusetts Nurses Foundation is preparing for its 20th Annual Silent & Live Auction to be held at the MNA Convention in October. Donations are needed to make this fundraising event a big success! Your tax-deductible donation helps the foundation raise funds to support nursing scholarships & research.

Your support is appreciated: Benefits Corner brought to you by… Jeanine Williams, MNF President Patricia Healey, MNF Secretary MNA offers new money-saving benefi ts MNA is proud to offer its members two MNA membership department to receive Liz Joubert, MNF Treasurer new benefi ts that provide savings on eye your Sight Care ID card including a com- care and healthcare apparel. plete list of all discounts available. Valuable Personal Items Craft Items Sight Care Vision Savings Plan Work ‘n Gear discount Gift Certifi cates Memorabilia & Collectibles Get substantial discounts on annual Work ‘n Gear features a huge selection eye examinations, eyeglass frames, lenses of the top brands in healthcare apparel, Works of Art Vacation Packages and contact lenses at the 27 Cambridge shoes and accessories. Get your gear at a Eye Doctors or Vision World locations store that specializes in quality healthcare All donations will be appreciated! across Massachusetts, New Hampshire apparel. You’ll save 15 percent off all reg- and Rhode Island. Some of the discounts ularly priced merchandise, everyday, just available through this savings plan include for being a member of MNA. Stop by your Contact the MNF at 781-830-5745 to obtain an auction donor 20 percent off all contact lenses; eyeglass favorite Massachusetts Work ‘n Gear store frames at a signifi cant discounted prices; and present your valid MNA membership form or simply mail or deliver your donation to the Massachusetts single vision lenses only $40 (compared to card to pick up your MNA/Work ‘n Gear Nurses Foundation, 340 Turnpike Street, Canton, MA 02021. $90); bifocals $60 (compared to $140) with discount card. Call 1-800-WORKNGEAR free scratch resistant coating. Contact the for a store near you. June/July 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 13

ongratulations to all MNA members who attended the June 18 press DEP provides daily air quality updates conference & legislative hearing on H.1282, An Act Ensuring Quality With the arrival of smog season, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has resumed daily air-quality forecasting. In addition to warm-weather regional forecasts for Patient Care and Safe RN Staffi ng Legislation! C ground-level ozone, the DEP has started to issue year-round forecasts for fi ne particle pollu- tion in the state’s largest cities. With your support, this event allowed us to give legislators and reporters These particles, which are made up of dust, dirt, soot, smoke and liquid droplets, can detailed information and history on RN understaffi ng, the state of nursing in penetrate deep into the respiratory system when inhaled and can increase the likelihood Massachusetts — and the bill that can end both problems: MNA’s H.1282! of respiratory infections, as well as aggravate asthma and chronic bronchitis. Children, the elderly and people with existing heart or lung disease are most at risk for suffering from Help us keep the issue of safe staffi ng on the legislature’s agenda! particle-related health problems. For current information on your community’s air quality, including ozone and particle Contact your state senators and representatives today updates, call 800-882-1497 or visit www.mass.gov/ozone/. • Provide your legislator with some insight into your job as a front-line nurse MNA baseball cap returns in time for summer • Tell them why you support safe staffi ng legislation • Share a personal story with them • Ask them to contact their colleagues on the Health Care Committee and urge them to support MNA’s safe staffi ng legislation!

Call you senator & representative now. Personal contact helps bills become laws! Senate switchboard: 617-722-1455 • House switchboard: 617-722-2000

Thank you MNA members!

Get Political —Give to NursePLAN! Limited Edition, 100th An niver sa ry

MNA Jackets! Available for $10, these 100 percent cotton hats have a navy blue rim and a beige cap. High-quality, Amer i can-made wind- The MNA logo is silk screened in navy blue on the front. To order, contact Rosemary break ers with MNA em bla zoned on the Smith in the MNA’s membership department, 781-830-5741 or send checks directly back and the MNA 100th An ni ver sa ry to: MNA Membership Dept., 340 Turnpike Street, Canton, MA 02021. logo on the front. Front zipper close, full hood, royal blue/black ac cents with Join the MNA in welcoming the Mercy Ships to Boston white print ing. Per fect for the Mercy Ships is a global charity that pro- pick et line, union gath er ings, vides medical care, relief aid, and long-term and MNA events. sustainable change to developing nations. Health professionals and skilled workers Brought to you from dozens of nations (all of whom share a common vision of helping the world’s poor) by NursePLAN, donate their services onboard the ships or at the political land-based offi ces. On July 2 and 9, the ship Caribbean Mercy will host receptions for healthcare providers action committee while in port in Boston. For more information, contact the Mercy Ships advance offi ce at of the MNA. 781-934-2704. Your pur chase helps support the po lit i cal ac tiv i ties of nurs es across the state. Only $85 if you sign up for a Union Reserve early—Space is limited to 48 people! Direct month ly con tri bu tion of $5 or more, or if you are a cur rent Union Direct donor to NursePLAN ($100 for all others). For more info or to order, call 781.821.4625 x725 or e-mail [email protected]. Tour Italy with MNA NursePLAN Contri bution Form Name: ______October 21 - 29 – Montecatini Spa located in Mailing Address: ______Tuscany Province, Italy $1469* Phone: ______E-mail: ______This all-inclusive trip to the Tuscany region of Italy Employer*:______Occupation*: ______*state law requires that contributors of $200 or more per year provide this information includes tours to Florence, Venice, Pisa, Sienna, San Please circle jacket size (men’s sizes) S M L XL XXL XXXL XXXXL Gimignano while staying in the world famous spa city Please check one: of Montecatini. Air, transfers, hotel, all meals as well as ❑ Donation of $100 or more. Please make check pay able to NursePLAN. Amount enclosed ___ full sightseeing tours are included. Offered as an all- ❑ Donation of $85 and: ❑ I already donate at least $5/month to NursePLAN via Union Direct. inclusive trip, this package is a great value. ❑ Sign me up to become a monthly NursePLAN donor via Union Direct. *Price listed is per person, double occupancy based on check or cash purchase. I would like to contribute the additional amount of (PLEASE CIRCLE ONE) Applicable departure taxes are not included. $5/month $10/month $20/month OTHER $_____/month to be deducted from my account that I have designated for my monthly MNA dues. To receive more information and a fl yer on these European vacations, Signature ______Date______Some sizes are spe cial order and will take up to 8 weeks to be delivered. please contact Carol Mallia, RN, MSN, 781-830-5755 or NursePLAN is the voluntary, non-profi t, political action committee for the MNA whose mission is to further the political e-mail at [email protected] education of all nurses, and to raise funds/make contributions to political candi dates who support related issues. Page 14 Massachusetts Nurse June/July 2003 MNA Elections: Ballot & Candidate Information 2003 voting instructions and details A draft of the fi nal ballot for the 2003 MNA Elections is A. The ballot must be received by 5 p.m., Sept. 20, 2003. order to assure that a ballot can in no way be identifi ed with printed below. Final ballots will be mailed Sept. 1 to all mem- B. Complete area (as per instructions on form) next to the an individual voter. bers in good standing at the address on record. name of your choice. You may vote for any candidate If the mailing envelope has been misplaced, another enve- Ballots must be returned no later than September 20, 2003 from any district. lope can be substituted. This envelope must be addressed in the envelope that will be provided. C. Do not mark the ballot outside of the identifi ed area. to MNA Secretary, c/o Contracted Election Administrator at Please be sure to save the biographies that are printed D. Write-in votes shall not be considered valid and will their address. In the upper left-hand corner of this envelope in this edition of the Massachusetts Nurse as this is the only not be counted. you must: copy members will receive. Bios also are posted on the MNA E. Enclose the correct and completed voting ballot in an A. Block print your name Web site. Biographies will not be mailed with the ballots in envelope (marked Ballot Return Envelope), which does B. Sign your name (signature required) September. not identify the voter in any way, in order to assure C. Write your address and zip code Following are ballot and voting instructions: secret ballot voting. If this information is not on the mailing envelope, the secret All mailing envelopes will be separated from the inner enve- ballot inside is invalid.For more information, please contact MNA 2003 elections fi nal ballot lope containing the ballot before the ballots are removed in the MNA membership department at (781) 830-5741. President, General (1 for 2 years) Karen Higgins, RN (District 5) Candidate Information Secretary, General (1 for 2 years) President, General voice

Sandy Eaton, RN (District 5) Karen Higgins, RN Protection and promotion of RN practice by requir- District Director, Labor, (5 for 2 years) Weymouth, Mass. ing safe staffi ng, opposing intrusions on RN scope District 1 (1 for 2 years) Employment: Staff nurse, Boston Medical Center. of practice and deskilling, and defending occupa- Irene Patch, RN (District 1) Education: Quincy City Hospital School of Nursing, tional health and workplace safety

District 2 (1 for 2 years) Diploma, 1975; Quincy Junior College, Associates Preservation of autonomy and independence of Mary Marengo, RN (District 2) Degree, 1975. individual member organizations

Patricia Mayo, RN (District 2) Present Offi ce: MNA President. Establishment of single-payer universal national District 3 (1 for 2 years) Past offi ces: Secretary, Cabinet for Labor Relations; Vice health care

Tina Russell, RN (District 3) Chair, Cabinet for Labor Relations; Chair, Cabinet for Unionization of any U.S. RN’s desiring representa- District 4 (1 for 2 years) Labor Relations. tion

No candidate In seeking re-election to the offi ce of MNA President, my Solidarity with international nurses’ organizations District 5 (1 for 2 years) motivation is to work with the MNA membership and Board that share similar goals and values • Marlene Demers, RNC (District 5) of Directors to protect and enhance the practice of front-line Defeat the Bush/Romney agenda (tax cuts and loop- Connie Hunter RNC (District 5) staff nurses. holes for the rich and their corporations; cutbacks At-large Director, General (3 for 2 years) I bring more than 28 years experience as a front-line ICU for everyone else; privatization, union-busting, Richard Lambos, RN (District 3) nurse at Boston Medical Center, 18 years experience as a repression here; endless military adventures abroad) Jeannine Williams, RN (District 2) leader within the organization, including 4 years as chair of through uniting with all who fi ght for just health care James Moura, RN, BSN (District 5) the MNA’s Cabinet for Labor Relations and the last 2 years in a just society, while exposing the corporations’ At-large Director, Labor (4 for 2 years) as President. bipartisan enablers. Barbara “Cookie” Cooke, RN (District 3) I have been a co-chair of the MNA’s Statewide Campaign District Director, Labor Donna Kelly-Williams, RN, CPN (District 5) for Safe Care, the chair of the MNA’s Nursing Shortage Task Barbara Norton RN (District 5) Force, and a founding member of the Task Force on Work- District 1 Beth Piknick (District 3) place Violence. Irene Patch, RN Sharon McCollum, RN, BSN (District 5) I believe that as a working staff nurse I can be a voice for Belchertown, Mass. Betty Sparks, RN (District 5) all those working today and am able to express the needs and Employment: Staff nurse, Holyoke Soldier’s Home Joanne Bartoszewicz, RN, BSN, CGRN (District 5) concerns we have on professional issues as well as workplace Education: Springfi eld Tech Community College, AD Nurs- Labor Program Member (1 for 2 years) issues for all members of MNA. I am very clear of the vital roll ing, 1978; UMass Amherst, BS Public Health, 1976. Beth Gray-Nix, OTR/L (District 5) all nurses and Health Care Professionals play in health care Present offi ces: NursePlan Board of Directors; union repre- Nominations & Elections Committee at all levels. I see us as advocates assuring that patients are sentative at Holyoke Soldier’s Home; Board of Directors District 1 (1 for 2 years) cared for safely but I am also clear that we as nurses need the District 1. No Candidate ability to practice safely as well. One cannot happen without District 2 District 2 (1 for 2 years) the other. I will continue to fi ght for nursing’s place in the Mary Marengo, RN No Candidate health care arena and make sure that MNA continues to be a Douglas, Mass. District 3 (1 for 2 years) strong and vocal voice for nurses, Health Care Professionals Employment: Staff nurse, St. Vincent Hospital/Worcester No Candidate and patients. I will continue to aggressively address any issue Medical Center. District 4 (1 for 2 years) that affects nurses or our patients with the goal of SAFETY for Education: Quinsigamond Community College, ADN, No Candidate both you and your patients. I am asking for your vote to re- 1978; Fitchburg State College, BSN, 1992. District 5 (1 for 2 years) elect me as President of MNA for a second term and promise Present offi ces: Board of Directors; Finance Committee; No Candidate I will continue with the same commitment I have given in District 2 Board of Directors, secretary. Bylaws Committee (5 for 2 years) (1 per district) the past. Thank you. Past offi ces: President, Unit 7; Co-Chair Westboro State Sandra E. LeBlanc, RN, CNOR (District 5) Hospital. Congress on Nursing Practice (6 for 2 years) Secretary, General As a recently “privatized” state employee, working now as No Candidate Sandy Eaton, RN a staff nurse in a for-profi t organization, I bring a multifaceted Congress on Health Policy & Legislation (6 for 2 years) Quincy, Mass. perspective along with a renewed respect and commitment Jennifer E. Hilt, RN, BSN (District 2) Employment: Staff nurse, Quincy Medical Center to the necessity of achieving our safe staffi ng legislation for Congress on Health & Safety (6 for 2 years) Education: Massasoit Community College, ADN, 1981; Boston which I have already been an ardent supporter as a member of Janet K. Reeves, RN, C (District 3) College, AB, 1992. the MNA Board of Directors. Also, as a member and secretary Kathryn A. McGinn-Cutler, RN (District 5) Present offi ces: Secretary, Board of Directors; Diversity Com- of District 2, I am excited that the centennial convention will Janice Homer (District 5) mittee; AARN Representative; Steering Committee, Statewide be held where “the heart of the nursing revolution” began Mary Bellistri (District 5) Campaign for Safe Care; District 5 First Vice President. with our historic “independence” vote at Mechanics Hall in David A. Denneno, RN, MSN, MEd, CEN (District 5) Past offi ces: Board of Directors—At-Large; District 5 Acting Worcester. It is fi tting that one of the topics this year as we Rosemary Anne O’Brien, RN (District 5) President; District 5 Board of Directors At-Large. march toward meeting those stated goals, is the reorganiz- Gail Lenehan, RN, EdD, FAAN (District 3) If re-elected, I will continue to advocate that MNA: ing of the districts in order to promote at a grass roots level Mary Anne Dillon RN, BSN (District 5) • Win enactment of safe staffi ng and fundamental health- increasing bargaining unit and staff nurse development in cru- Michael D’Intinosanto, RN (District 2) care reform by any means necessary. cial public relations, legislative, labor and organizing venues. Elizabeth A. O’Connor, RN, BSN (District 5) • Perfect our nursing revolution by transforming obsolete It is my belief that due to my past and present involvement in Victoria Brownstone (District 5) districts into meaningful regional bodies. many aspects of my bargaining units, MNA and the district, I Center for Nursing Ethics (2 for 2 years) • Promote AARN’s principles: provide insight and a benefi cial representative voice, hope you No Candidate Establishment of a progressive national nurses’ More candidate profi les, next page June/July 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 15

Employment: Staff nurse, Newton Wellesley Hospital. Taunton, Mass. Candidate Info Education: Newton Junior College, ADN, 1976 Employment: RN medical/surgical, Brockton Hospital. Present offi ces: Congress on Health Policy & Legislation, Education: Brockton Hospital School of Nursing, diploma, agree and look forward to contributing to the work ahead. 2003; Co-Chair Newton Wellesley Bargaining Unit, 2002, 1984; Bridgewater State College, BS Education, 1979. Patricia Mayo, RN 2003; District 5 Board of Directors, 2003. Present offi ce: Co-chair, Brockton Hospital Bargaining Unit Fiskdale, Mass. Past offi ces: Congress on Health Policy & Legislation, 2001; I have been a front line nurse for 20 years working on a Employment: RN, St. Vincent’s Hospital Nurses’ Committee, Newton Wellesley Hospital Bargain- medical surgical unit for my entire nursing career. I have seen Education: Worcester City Hospital, Diploma, 1965. ing Unit, 1993-Present; District 5 Board of Directors 2002. the changes and have been active in MNA but have no experi- Present offi ces: St. Vincent’s Hospital Co-Chair, 2001-Pres- ence in an elected position. I have been a nursing leader at ent; MNA Awards Committee, 2002-Present; District 2 Director At-Large General Brockton Hospital and presently serve as the co-chair of the Board of Director, 2001-Present. Richard Lambos, RN bargaining unit. I choose to run now because I see the “Evolu- Past offi ces: St. Vincent’s Hospital Secretary. Edgartown, Mass. tion of the Revolution” as my time to offer my experience. I Having served as co-chair of the St.Vincent nurses bargain- Employment: Staff nurse ER, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital will commit to serve with an energy that I believe will produce ing unit and a member of the District 2 Board of Directors, I am Education: Newton Junior College, AD, 1972. positive changes for all RN’s. I promise to work in my elected eager to expand my leadership to serve on the MNA Board of Present offi ces: Director At-Large General; Unit chairman, position to make it better for our patients and our profession. Directors. As a nurse at the bedside, I experience fi rsthand the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. It is time to do so. Thank you for your consideration. hardships facing the nursing profession. I feel that I possess Past offi ces: MNA Finance Committee. Donna Kelly-Williams, RN, CPN the leadership and outreach skills necessary to continue to Presently I am a member of the MNA Board of Directors and Arlington, Mass. enhance the hard work done by the “new MNA” to help pass hope to continue serving the nurses of Massachusetts in that Employment: Pediatric Clinical Nurse III, Cambridge Safe Staffi ng Legislation and to do all that we need to, in order capacity. Each and every nurse in Massachusetts, and every Hospital. to bring new nurses into the profession and retain those who patient, will be impacted by what “we,” as an organization, Education: Laselle College, AD, 1978; Labor Guild. consider leaving. Thank you for your consideration. are trying to accomplish through MNA’s Safe Staffi ng Cam- Present offi ces: Cambridge Hospital MNA President; District 3 paign. I stress the word “we” because only through collective, Congress on Health Policy; Nurse Plan; District 5 Board Tina Russell, RN united, and organized action can we win this battle. I feel safe of Directors. East Bridgewater, Mass. staffi ng is the most important issue for nurses in this state and Past offi ces: MNA 100th Anniversary Celebration; Cam- Employment: Staff nurse, Brockton Hospital nationally. Let me continue to help you attain that goal. bridge Hospital Negotiation Team. Education: Brockton Hospital School of Nursing, Diploma, Jeannine Williams, RN I have been an MNA Nurse specializing in Maternal-Child 1962. Manchaug, Mass. Health, currently in General Inpatient Pediatrics for over 25 Present offi ces: MNA Board of Directors; MNA Finance Employment: Retired years. Although many aspects of healthcare have changed Committee; Negotiating Committee Brockton Hospital. Education: Charlotte County Memorial, RN, 1958. during my practice years, the one thing that remains the same Past offi ces: Cabinet for Labor Relations; Board of Direc- Present offi ces: President, Mass. Nurses Foundation; MNA is the need for the Registered Nurse to take care and coordinate tors; President District III; Co-Chair Bargaining Unit Board of Directors; Convention Planning Committee; the care of all patients. In order for us to take our profession Brockton Hospital. Safe Care; President, District 2. away from its endangered species status, we need to engage This is a time of great change at MNA, in nursing, and in I have a strong belief in union rights and the importance current and future nurses to become more involved politi- health care. of organizing in order for RN’s and health professionals to cally. As an elected member of the MNA Board of Directors, I have had the privilege of working with wonderful nurses have a voice and protection in the workplace. It is this belief I would add diversity, as a member of both a hospital and and staff at MNA, both on the Cabinet for Labor Relations that has guided me in my leadership roles as a member of the clinical specialty not currently represented, and would strive and the Board of Directors. MNA Board of Directors and as District II President. Though to bring more nurses to become pro-active in representing our Since the Cabinet and the Board merged, there has been currently retired, I also served as secretary of Unit 7 and Chair profession in the healthcare political arena. an increased effort to pass our Safe Staffi ng Bill. We have at Westboro State Hospital for many years. My history with Barbara Norton, RN become very politically active. I would like to continue to be the MNA provides the necessary experience and a valuable Portsmouth, Rhode Island involved in this activity. perspective as our organization moves forward. I am eager Employment: Staff nurse, Brigham & Women’s Hospital. There is still so much to be done to improve the working to participate in our exciting future which must include pas- Education: Laboure College, AD conditions for all nurses in our state and to insure that all our sage of our safe staffi ng legislation and organizing efforts. Present offi ces: MNA Board of Directors; Chairperson, patients have the safest and best quality care possible. I seek your support of another two-year term on the MNA Brigham & Women’s Bargaining Unit. We need our Safe Staffi ng Bill. We need Single Payer Health Board of Directors. Beth Piknick Care. We need safe working environment for ALL nurses and James Moura, RN, BSN Hyannis, Mass. health care providers. Dorchester, Mass. Employment: Staff nurse, Cape Cod Hospital There is SO much to be done and I would like very much Employment: Staff nurse, PACU, West Roxbury VA Medi- Education: Faulkner Hospital School of Nursing, Diploma, to remain a part of this by remaining a member of the MNA cal Center. 1971; Lesley College, BS, 1999. Board of Directors. Thank you. Education: University of Rhode Island, BSN, 1974. Present offi ces: Liaison Cape Cod Hospital Bargaining District 4 Present offi ces: MNA Director at Large, General; MNA Unit; District 3 president; MNA Board of Directors, No candidate Board Policy Committee; District 5 Board of Directors. Director At-Large; Districts Summit Committee; AARN District 5 Past offi ces: Cabinet for Labor Relations; ANA delegate; representative from Massachusetts. Marlene Demers, RNC Congress on Health & Safety. Past offi ces: District 3, vice president; MNA Board of Pelham, N.H. My vision for our association is one of labor activism, Directors, Director At-Large; Cape Cod Hospital Local Employment: Health Care Facility Inspector I; DPH— social justice and member empowerment. I oppose the Bush Bargaining Unit. Health Care Quality. and Romney agenda. Their proposals weaken and destroy This fall, I would ask you to consider voting for me in the Education: NH Technical Institute, ADN, 1978; New our collective bargaining rights and dismantle core public position of MNA, Director At-Large, Labor position. The Hampshire College, BS, Health Care Administration, health services and support for Medicare, Social Security change within the association continues. It has been an honor 1983; Springfi eld College, MS Psychology, 1990. and Medicaid programs which protect the most vulnerable to be part of this ongoing change and growth. I have been a health care facility inspector for the Depart- of our nation’s and state’s population. I will work for the I have been involved in the MNA since 1975. It has been an ment of Public Health for the past 11 years. It has been a role following: immense joy to observe the Association become powerful and that has evolved as the health care industry changes. However, • The passage of safe staffi ng legislation, which will credible in so many areas. I hope to continue my involvement the issues of quality of care and patient and staff safety remain establish professional conditions for nursing practice with MNA. So, please allow me to do this by voting for me. a constant focus of the oversight of health care providers. and safe patient care in the commonwealth. More important than voting for me is that you vote. Please My worldview of nursing has also evolved over the 25 years • The passage of Universal Health Care access in the take a few minutes to review the candidates and participate I have practiced nursing. We are in desperate need to recruit Commonwealth to promote better patient health in YOUR Association by voting. nursing students to begin to address the nursing shortage as outcomes. Sharon McCollum, RN, BSN well as to care for nurses who are providing care in settings • Expanding funding and resources to support effective Dorchester, Mass. where staffi ng continues to be problematic. We must be vocal, internal and external union organizing support for Employment: Nursing Supervisor, Department of Mental as we become aware of negative patient outcomes. Nurses our union members and the education of their union Health. can be the voice of reason as we advocate for quality nursing leadership through the MNA Labor Institute. Education: University of Vermont, BSN, 1974. services for those who are entrusted to our care. • The building of coalitions with like-minded Present offi ces: Board of Directors, Director at Large; Board I believe that my years of experience in nursing administra- health care professional, nursing and community Executive Committee; Co-Chairperson Diversity Com- tion, program development (quality assurance) and ongoing organizations to promote nursing’s agenda in the mittee. regulatory oversight of health care facilities will prove to be Commonwealth. Past offi ces: Nominations Committee; 2000 Leader Fellow; assets for the position that I seek on the Board of Directors. Diversity Task Force; District 5 Nominations Committee. Connie Hunter, RNC Director At-Large Labor Betty Sparks, RN East Walpole, Mass. Barbara “Cookie” Cooke, RN More candidate profi les, next page Page 16 Massachusetts Nurse June/July 2003 MNA Elections: Candidate Information Rosemary Anne O’Brien, RN Norwood, Mass. Diploma. South Harwich, Mass. Employment: Staff nurse ED, Newton Wellesley Hospital. Present offi ces: Bylaws Committee; Congress on Health & Employment: RN II Nurse Consultant, Commonwealth of Education: Massasoit Community College, AD, 1991. Safety; Unit Treasurer 1983-present. Massachusetts, Department of Mental Retardation. Present offi ces: Director At Large, Labor; NursePlan; Board Education: Catherine Laboure School of Nursing, RN, 1960; Policy Committee. Congress on Nursing Practice Boston College, 1961-1965; U-Mass Boston, 1990-1993. This is a challenging time for our profession, regardless if No candidates. Present offi ces: Union Rep, 1995 – present; Workplace we are general or labor relations members. On a daily basis Violence Task Force, 1999-present; Congress on Health & we deal with increased patient activity, increasing patient Congress on Health Policy & Legislation Safety, 2001 – present; Convention Committee 2001, 2002, assignments, hospital reorganization, and large hospital Jennifer E. Hilt, RN, BSN 2003; BORN Task Force 2002 – 2003. conglomerates along with our governor attempting to control, Worcester, Mass. Gail Lenehan RN, EdD, FAAN gut or eliminate collective bargaining agreements. Employment: Maternal Child Health Nurse Per Diem, U- Hingham, Mass. Though the work is diffi cult and exhausting, we need to Mass Memorial Home Health. Employment: Editor, Journal of Emergency Nurses, Emer- join together, presenting a united front, to protect our patients, Education: University of Rochester, BSN, 1993; UMass gency Nurses Association. our families and ourselves by working to pass our safe staff- Medical Center Nurse Practitioner Program, MSN (in Education: St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing, RN ing legislation. progress). Diploma, 1968; Boston College School of Nursing, BSN, As we move into MNA’s second century of being the voice As a practicing community health nurse, I believe public 1972; Boston University, MS, 1973; Harvard, EdD, 1996. of our profession in Massachusetts, we need to refl ect on the health impacts everyone. Past offi ces: Congress on Health and Safety. 300 women who saw a need and formed MNA 100 years ago. From closing mental health facilities to concerns over recent As the editor of the well respected Journal of Emergency They knew that by speaking with one voice, there were many infectious diseases, healthcare has moved beyond the tradi- Nursing for over 20 years, I have strongly advocated not things they could accomplish. tional boundaries. Since nursing is the profession dedicated only for the well being of patients, but emergency nurses We, as the nurses of the second century, need to work to to improving patient quality of life, we must be as dynamic as well. I have written numerous editorials and articles, in advance the practice and profession of nursing, by setting as the environment we practice in. As both consumers and many journals, educating nurses on SARS, smallpox vac- new standards for the nurses who will follow us. employees in health care, we know a safe nursing work cinations, needlesticks, violence in hospitals, back injuries, Thank you for allowing me to work for us. I ask that you environment is vital to providing patient care in a hospital, latex allergy, hepatitis and chemical injuries, have helped to continue to give me this privilege by voting for me. clinic or home. organize national conferences on the issues, and have lectured Joanne Bartoszewicz, RN, BSN, CCRN As a member of the Congress on Health Policy and Legisla- extensively. Melrose, Mass. tion, I would inform and rally our MNA membership about I have worked closely now for seven years with Evie Bain, Employment: Staff nurse, Whidden Memorial Hospital/ the nursing oriented issues in the legislature. MNA’s nurse expert on occupational safety, and the Congress Cambridge Health Alliance. on Health and Safety, an admirable group of nurses with a Education: Whidden Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Congress on Health and Safety great esprit de corps. MNA’s is the only Congress on Health Diploma 1979; Salem State College, BSN 2001. Janet K. Reeves, RN, C and Safety in the entire country and an outstanding prototype. Present offi ces: Chairperson, Whidden Memorial Hospital Norwell, Mass. I respectfully ask for another term on the Congress. There bargaining unit; vice-chairperson, Congress on Health Employment: Staff RN, Newton Wellesley Hospital. is much more to do, to raise the consciousness of hospital Policy & Legislation; executive committee, NursePlan; Safe Education: Cape Cod Community College, AD, 1974. administrations, to educate each other, and to stop blaming Staffi ng Committee and District 5 Financial Committee. Kathryn A. McGinn-Cutler, RN the victim. A T-shirt I saw recently said, “If someone saves With the current trends in health care, staff Registered Westwood, Mass. one life, they are a hero; if they save a hundred lives, they are Nurses will need to advocate not only for patients, but Employment: Staff nurse, disabled. a nurse.” Nurses need to save, not just the lives of patients, advocate even more confi dently for ourselves. It is with this Education: Northeastern University, BSN, 1986. but our own lives as well. confi dence and authority that we will make the changes in Present offi ces: Congress on Health & Safety. Mary Anne Dillon, RN, BSN health care that are necessary. As a staff nurse at a community Janice Homer Brookline, Mass. hospital, I will bring over 24 years of experience to the Board Brockton, Mass. Employment: Staff nurse, MICU, Brigham & Women’s of Directors. I will also bring confi dence I have developed Employment: Staff nurse NICU; Tufts New England Medi- Hospital. from my experience as a chairperson from a strong, supportive cal Center. Education: U-Mass Boston, BSN, 2003; Fulton Montgomery bargaining unit with a history of embracing change. I look for- Education: Brockton Hospital School of Nursing, Diploma Community College, ADN, 1977; Boston City Hospital, ward to contributing to the challenges the Board of Directors RN; University of Green Bay Wisconsin, presently pursu- LPN, 1976. will face in dealing with the current trends in health care. ing BSN. The complexities of our health care system have the poten- Present offi ces: Congress on Health & Safety. tial for long term affects on a nurse’s health and safety. The Labor Program Member Janice is a RN with 22 years experience in hospital nurs- continuous demand to manage these inadequacies while Beth Gray-Nix, OTR/L ing. Presently a NICU nurse at Tufts New England Medical simultaneously providing care requires our profession to Sudbury, Mass. Center, Boston, Mass. Since 2000, she has lead a task force remain vigilant. Supporting safe staffi ng legislation keeping Employment: Director of Occupational Therapy; The Fer- in Massachusetts Nurses Association Congress on Health abreast with the national and regional debate on the small- nald Center. & Safety investigating chemical injuries and the high rate pox vaccination program and its implications to the nurse Education: Utica College Syracuse University, BS, 1978. of occupational asthma in nurses. Janice has been involved would be a few examples. By continually addressing these Present offi ces: Board of Directors, Labor Program in reviewing and analyzing data from various medical and ongoing issues and utilizing current research in this quest Member; Unit 7 Executive Committee OT Rep.; Member- technical literatures on the effects of indoor chemical expo- should create a safer environment for present and future ship, Finance & Legislative Committee for Unit 7. sure. She has lectured on toxic chemical use in the healthcare nurses alike. I would like to be involved with this process as Past offi ces: Unit 7 State Employee Occupational Therapy industry and assisted with air quality investigations within your representative. Representative. healthcare institutions. She is presently an active member in I have spent 27 years as a front line provider which includes I have been a strong supporter of MNA since 1981 when I Health Care Without Harm, Health Care Without Harm Work nearly three years as a head nurse at Boston City Hospital, fi rst joined as the occupational therapy representative on the Groups for Nurses; Mass Department of Public Health Asthma with that in mind my concerns for the safety and health of Unit 7 State Employee Executive Board. I want to continue to Coordination Project; MNA Congress on Health & Safety and our profession is foremost. represent the health care professionals on the board of direc- Tufts New England Medical Center’s Safety Committee. Michael D’Intinosanto, RN tors because we are an important part of the overall push for Mary Bellistri Winchendon, Mass. quality care. As a member of the board of directors, I have Norwell, Mass. Employment: RN Supervisor, Templeton Developmental been able to infl uence and change bylaws and policy at MNA Employment: RN-Staff, Boston Medical Center. Center. to be inclusive of our professions. Please help me continue to Education: Boston City Hospital School of Nursing, Education: Laboure Junior College, ADN 1984; Fitchburg work for you by giving me your vote. Diploma, 1973; Suffolk University, BS, 1981. State College, BSN, 1999. Present offi ces: Member, Work Place Violence Task Force; Present offi ces: District 2 Nominating Committee; Vice Nominations & Elections Committee Boston Medical Center Negotiating Committee. President, Unit 7; Safe Care Steering Committee. No candidates. Past offi ces: Congress on Health & Safety. Past offi ces: Chair, Congress on Health Policy and Legisla- David A. Denneno, RN, MSN, MEd, CEN tion (1999-2003); Vice President of District 2. Bylaws Committee Stoughton, Mass. Having served on the Congress on Health Policy and Sandra E. LeBlanc, RN, CNOR Employment: Staff RN, Caritas Norwood Hospital Legislation for these past eight years, I know full well the Waban, Mass. Education: Regis College, BSN, 2002; MSN, 2003; Eastern importance of MNA’s structural units. The elected leaders of Employment: Pod Coordinator, Newton Wellesley Hospi- Nazarene College, BA-Biology, 1981; MEd, 1984. the MNA structural units help to establish policy and position tal. Present offi ces: Workplace Violence Task Force; Health & Education: Newton Wellesley Hospital School of Nursing, Safety Congress. More candidate profi les, next page June/July 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 17 MNA condemns Tenet-SEIU neutrality pact and supports California nurses The MNA joined the California Nurses the Massachusetts Nurses Association—an SEIU pact and will proceed. hospital closures or any business decisions Association (CNA) in condemning a deal independent nurses union representing more “Free elections should be a model for Tenet that compromise patient care. SEIU also co- announced recently by Tenet Healthcare and than 22,000 RNs and health professionals in RNs and all Tenet employees. In the United wrote harmful programs such as bonuses for the Service Employee International Union Massachusetts. “The point of collective bar- States, employees still get to choose their telephone advice clerks who limit patient (SEIU) as an attempt to bribe Tenet employ- gaining is to organize a union to negotiate union and should not have the company referrals to physicians. ees, deny them a democratic choice on who a contract that meets your needs. This deal choose it for them,” said CNA executive CNA said that it will fi le charges with the should represent them and, in the end, create forces nurses to except a contract in order to director Rose Ann DeMoro. National Labor Relations Board and is con- a “company union” that will deny nurses at have a union, and a union without the power “It’s outrageous that non-union Tenet RNs sidering other legal actions against the pact. California-based Tenet hospitals from having to act like a union at all.” and other employees, who are far behind the Several provisions of the deal are illegal a real and powerful union voice on patient World renowned consumer advocate Ralph economic standards of other hospital work- including: care issues. Nader has also joined CNA and the MNA in ers, especially RNs represented by CNA in Forcing employees to join SEIU as The Tenet-SEIU agreement would allow questioning the agreement and its impact on 150 facilities across California, would be a condition for receiving pay and SEIU to conduct organizing campaigns and patients. compelled to join a union anointed by Tenet benefi t increases hold union elections at 28 Tenet hospitals in “Tenet is notorious for its commitment to qualify for pay increases,” DeMoro said. Bribing employees with the promise California and two in Florida – with the bless- to profi ts regardless of the consequences for “Tenet should immediately provide the pay of increased pay solely based on join- ing of Tenet’s hospital management. In return, the public’s well being,” said Nader. “As has increases and any other improvements prom- ing SEIU and in advance of any employees voting for already occurred with other arrangements, ised in this back-room deal to its deserving Selecting for employees what union the union, SEIU union locals at the Tenet SEIU’s back-room deal degrades indepen- employees – without conditions, and without they have to join and granting exclu- hospitals are required to accept pre-negoti- dent professional responsibility of nurses denying their democratic rights to freely select sive favors to that union ated wages in a four-year contract agreement for patient care protection.” a union of their choice,” DeMoro added. For Tenet, said DeMoro, “This appears and give up their federally legislated right The Massachusetts Nurses Association Instead, Tenet employees would be locked to be a short-term public relations strategy to strike. represents two Tenet-owned hospitals in into a long-term agreement with the main designed to drive up their stock prices with The announcement of the deal comes after Massachusetts and is currently negotiating terms decided in advance in closed door the supposed promise of ‘labor peace.’ Per- months of bad press and scrutiny of Tenet a new contract at Tenet-owned St. Vincent/ meetings with top management from both haps they are guided by illusions of hefty Healthcare, including government probes Worcester Medical Center in Worcester. In Tenet and SEIU. profi t taking for top executives who have into allegations of widespread Medicare 2000, the nurses at the facility led a highly Further, there are no indications that seen their stock portfolios plummet in recent fraud by the company, and is seen by many publicized 49-day strike over the issues of Tenet RNs, in particular, will be permitted to months due to numerous federal and state as a way to squelch true organizing efforts at unsafe staffi ng and mandatory overtime, ulti- continue to exercise their patient advocacy investigations into Tenet’s billing practices Tenet facilities, as well as to buy the silence mately winning landmark contract language obligations and be able to freely protect and patient care conditions.” of long-time critics of the corporation. The to prohibit the practice at the facility. their patients. In the Kaiser Permanente “But it will be a failed strategy,” DeMoro MNA also believes Tenet has cut the deal to “We believe employees should be free to deal with SEIU and AFSCME, which SEIU continued. “If Tenet is doing this for investor work with SEIU as opposed to the powerful form unions with a representative of their cites as a model in its press release, it was security, investors should feel anything but California Nurses Association, which has choosing, in an environment free from com- agreed that silence would be maintained on secure.” negotiated much stronger agreements for pany coercion,” Pinkham said. nurses in the state. Registered nurses at seven Tenet hos- When we fight for our rights . . . they call us ‘troublemakers.’ “This kind of back-room dealing by a union pitals in Los Angeles and Orange County Labor Notes 2003 Conference • September 12-14, Detroit with the country’s most notorious anti-union recently petitioned the federal labor board Troublemaking in Troubled Times: Organizing ToWin and anti-patient corporation is nothing less for a representation election. That process, Topics to include: than shameful and represents a major setback which provides RNs at those hospitals with • Rebuilding the labor movement when for the labor movement in California,” said a genuine democratic choice and allows other the deck is stacked: Lessons from Julie Pinkham, RN and executive director of unions to participate, supersedes the Tenet- labor history on how we’ve fought through tough times. • War: labor’s response and the impact on all workers • Fighting concessions: keeping our healthcare and pensions • Organizing strategies for the work- Candidate Info place, community, and the unorga- nized • Alternative organizing: workers cen- statements, educational resources, and provide valuable information to the MNA board of ters, non-majority unions and alliances directors as they decide the goals and missions of the MNA. • Building social movement unionism here and abroad The Congress on Health and Safety has done great work to make our work environment Sessions will be translated into Spanish. safer for us and our patients. I want to share in that important work. Speakers to include: I want to continue to serve you as a member of the Congress on Health and Safety. I would Charley Richardson, workplace technology expert, Military Families Against the War; Bill Fletcher,TransAfrica Forum; Monica Santana, Latino Workers Center; Kate very much appreciate your vote. Bronfenbrenner, Labor Education Research, Cornell University;Ajamu Dillahunt,APWU, Elizabeth A. O’Connor, RN, BSN Black Workers for Justice; Rick Kitchen, CAW Milton, Mass. Local 127, Navistar; Maria Martinez, IBT Local 556; Rand Wilson, SEIU Local 285; Stephanie Employment: Staff nurse, Brigham & Women’s Hospital. Luce, co-author, The Living Wage; Ken Riley, Education: Fitchburg State College, BSN, 1976. I’ll Be There! International Longshoremen’s Association, “Some unions organize immigrant workers and Local 1422; Lucas Benitez, Coalition of Past offi ces: Congress on Health & Safety; District 5 Board of Directors. say,‘Now you have a voice.’ But it is important for Immokalee Workers,Taco Bell Truth Tour; Mike the workers to keep organizing.We need educa- Parker, co-author, Democracy Is Power; Julie • tion on how to enforce our rights and contract. Staff nurse 26 years; all Brigham & Women’s Hospital Yes, we do have a voice. I’m going to the confer- McCall, Labor Heritage Foundation; Teofilo • ence to learn how to make them hear us.” Reyes,Transnationals Information Exchange; I’ll Be There! Health & safety has always been a main interest of mine Marisela Garcia Dan La Botz, author of A Troublemaker’s “At the 2001 Labor Notes Conference • Η SEMCOSH, Detroit, Mich. Handbook; Sara Mersha, DARE; Peter Olney, I was able to tell everyone about the ave been a committee member of various hospital committees including: Air Quality Charleston 5. It was the place to meet Institute for Labor and Employment; Baldemar activists from across the country who Committee & Needle Safety Advisory Committee Conference Information Velasquez, FLOC; Sam Smucker,AFL-CIO would take the news about our struggle • Organizing Institute; Jeff Crosby, IUE-CWA back home to their workplaces and com- Currently Patient Care Safety Services Committee. Also a member of the DPH Needle- Early Registration Discount—by May 31! Local 201, GE; Evert Hoogers, Canadian Union munities. I look forward to coming back Place: Hyatt Regency Hotel, Dearborn, of Postal Workers; and others from Europe, this September, because Labor Notes is stick Advisory Committee Michigan (union hotel, near Detroit about fighting back and building solidarity.” Asia, Mexico, and Latin America. . . Join these Ken Riley • Regularly attend conferences related to health & safety sponsored by the follow- Metro Airport) activists and hundreds more in Detroit! ILA Local 1422, Charleston, SC Phone: 313/593-1234, fax: 313/593-3366, ing organizations: Health Care Without Harm; Toxics Action; Brigham & Women’s Email: www.dearborn.hyatt.com REGISTER NOW! Annual Conference on Occupational & Environmental Health; Alliance for Healthy Room Rates:* Single/Double $99,Triple $124, Quad $149 Yes, I’ll be there! Enclosed is my registration fee of $100 ($150 Tomorrow; MASSCOSH; OSHA; MNA *You must mention “Labor Notes Conference” to receive these rates. Canadian). $10 off for registration by May 31. I hope to continue my work with the Congress on Health & Safety Registration: $100 ($150 Canadian). $10 N a m e ______OFF if registered by May 31. Includes Victoria Brownstone Saturday Banquet. Some scholarships A d d r e s s ______available. Cambridge, Mass. City______State______Zip ______Airline Discount: Available on Employment: Staff nurse, Newton Wellesley Hospital. Northwest/KLM/Continental code share Union ______flights. Phone 800-328-1111 and mention Education: University of Florida, BSN, 1967. Labor Notes Worldfile #RBAKX. Phone______Email ______Present offi ces: Newton Wellesley Hospital Bargaining Unit Negotiating Committee, 1995 Conference Schedule: Friday, Sept. 12,
Please send me ___ brochures to recruit others in my area. 1:00 p.m. – Sunday, Sept. 14, 3:00 p.m.




to present. Childcare (ages over 1 year) will be avail- Check enclosed Charge my: Visa MasterCard AmEx able for a fee, if requested by Aug. 1. Acct. No.______Exp. Date ______For more information: Labor Notes, Center for Nursing Ethics & Human Rights 7435 Michigan Ave., Detroit, Michigan Signature ______48210. Phone 313/842-6262. Fax 313/ Return to: Labor Notes, 7435 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI 48210. Fax: 313/842-0227 No candidates. 842-0227.Web: www.labornotes.org. REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.LABORNOTES.ORG Page 18 Massachusetts Nurse June/July 2003 MNA Continuing Education Courses Your source for career training and advancement

Mechanical Ventilation Emergency Medical Response

Description This course will provide an overview of mechanical ventilation types, to Hazardous Materials and Acts of Terrorism modes and therapies. Course will also discuss the nursing man age ment of a patient on mechanical ventilation. Description The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is sponsor- Speakers Carol Mallia, RN, MSN ing this program on emergency medical services in response to hazardous Date August 19 materials and acts of terrorism. The program is specifi cally designed for Time 5:00-9:00pm physicians, nurses, EMTs, and hospital support staff to provide educa- Place MNA Headquarters, Canton tion in the treatment of individuals exposed to chemical and biological Fee MNA members, $45; all others, $65 agents. The program will include identifi cation of hazardous materials, Contact hours 4.5 toxicological and biological effects of chemicals and biological acts of MNA contact Susan Clish, 781-830-5723 or 800-882-2056, x723. terrorism. The chemical profi le of common agents, the decontamination procedures and personal protective equipment will be discussed. CDC guidelines for surveillance of exposed nurses and other health care work- Verbal Self Defense for Nurses ers and nursing interventions for patient care will be identifi ed. Speakers Anthony Fucaloro, EMT Description This program is designed to provide the nurse with the basic skills for Capt. Lawrence P. Ferazani managing confl ict in the workplace environment. Confl ict resolution Evie Bain, RN, MEd, COHN-S strategies are discussed. The program will conclude with an interactive Dates Wednesday, Sept. 10 discussion of case scenarios related to confl ict management. Time 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Speaker Joe-Ann Fergus, RN, BSN Place MNA Headquarters, Canton Date Thursday, Sept. 4 Fee MNA members, $45; all others, $65 Time 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Contact hours* 6.9 Place MNA Headquarters, Canton Special notes Lunch provided. Class limited to 25. Fee MNA members, $45; all others, $65 MNA contact Theresa Yannetty, 781-830-5727 or 800-882-2056, x727 Contact hours* 3.3 MNA contact Theresa Yannetty, 781-830-5727 or 800-882-2056, x727 Advanced Cardiac Life Support

Interpreting Laboratory Values Description This American Heart Association course will provide information on the clinical management of cardiac and respiratory emergencies through Description This program will enhance the nurse’s ability to evaluate and determine case study approach. Course content includes assessment, arrhythmia the clinical signifi cance of laboratory values. Clinical case studies will be recognition, intubation, defi brillation and pharmacological interventions. used to illustrate the relationship of laboratory values to patient conditions. This is a two-day certifi cation and one-day recertifi cation course. Recer- Clinical management of abnormal laboratory values will be discussed tifi cation candidates must present a copy of their current ACLS card at Speaker Carol Mallia, RN, MSN the time of registration. Date Tuesday, Sept. 9 Speakers Carol Mallia, RN, MSN, and other instructors for the clinical sessions Time 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Dates Wednesdays, Oct.1 & 8 Place MNA Headquarters, Canton Time 9:00 – 5:00 p.m. Fee MNA members, $45; all others, $65 Place MNA Headquarters, Canton Contact hours* 4.1 Fee Certifi cation: MNA members, $155; all others, $195 MNA contact Theresa Yannetty, 781-830-5727 or 800-882-2056, x727 Recertifi cation: MNA members, $125; all others, $165 Contact hours* 16 for certifi cation program Basic Dysrhythmia Interpretation MNA contact Susan Clish, 781-830-5723 or 800-882-2056, x723 Anatomy of a Legal Nurse Consultant Description This course is designed for registered nurses in acute, sub acute and long-term care settings to learn cardiac monitoring and dysrhythmia inter- Description This program will introduce the nurse to the scope of practice of the legal pretation. Implications and clinical management of cardiac dysrhythmias nurse consultant. The history and evolution of this important role, its will also be discussed. Course will include a text book, calipers and require LEGALLEGAL NURSNURSE multifaceted components—including practice environments, litigation pro- study between sessions one and two. CONSULCONSULTATANTNT cess, case evaluation for compliance with standards of nursing/healthcare Speaker Carol Mallia, RN, MSN practice, nurse expert witness role, risk management and other important Dates Tuesdays, Sept. 16 & 23 considerations—will be described. Professional certifi cation will also be Time 5:00- 9:00 p.m. addressed. Place MNA Headquarters, Canton Speakers Barbara J. Levin, BSN, RN, ONC, LNCC; Tammy J. Murphy, RN, LNC; Fee MNA members, $90; all others, $125 Kelly W. Shanley, RN, LNC; Jane Mihalich, BSN, RN, LNCC; Erin Weber, Contact hours* 9.0 BSN, RN, CCRN; Elaine Noren, BS, RN, LNCC MNA contact Theresa Yannetty, 781-830-5727 or 800-882-2056, x727 Dates Thursday, Oct. 9 Time 5:30- 8:30 p.m. Peripheral I.V. Therapy Program Place MNA Headquarters, Canton Fee MNA members, $65; all others, $95 Description This program introduces the RN to the theory of peripheral venipuncture. Contact hours* 3.2 It includes anatomy and physiology of the peripheral circulatory system, MNA contact Susan Clish, 781-830-5723 or 800-882-2056, x723v fl uid and electrolyte imbalance, infection control and legal issues of the practice of venipuncture. Classroom instruction will include procedural Oncology Series for Nurses demonstration and return demonstration on I.V. arms. Clinical experi- ence will not be provided. Description A three-part series designed for nurses to increase their knowledge in Speakers Mary Walsh, RN, BS, CRNI, Infusion Therapy Specialist oncology nursing. The content of session one of the series will include an Marilyn Bernard, RN, CRNI, Infusion Therapy Specialist overview of cancer management, tumor physiology and staging, relevant Date September 25 laboratory testing and treatment strategies and safe handling of neoplastic Time 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. agents. Session two will discuss chemotherapy administration, classifi ca- Place MNA Headquarters, Canton tion of chemotherapeutic agents, management of toxicities and adverse Fee MNA members, $65; all others, $95 effects of treatments and oncological emergencies. Session three will Special notes Certifi cate of attendance will be awarded include pain and symptom management, palliative care and an overview MNA contact Susan Clish, 781-830-5723 or 800-882-2056, x723 of hospice care. June/July 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 19

Speaker Marylou Gregory-Lee, MSN, RNCS, OCN, Adult Nurse Practitioner Emergency Medical Response Dates Tuesdays Oct. 21, 28 & Nov. 4 Time 5:30- 9:00 p.m. to Hazardous Materials and Acts of Terrorism Place MNA Headquarters, Canton Fee Series: MNA members, $175; all others, $225 Description The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is sponsor- Each session: MNA members, $65; all others, $95 ing this program on emergency medical services in response to hazardous Contact hours* 3.6 per program. Total for series: 10.8 materials and acts of terrorism. The program is specifi cally designed for Special note Completion of Session 1 is required for attendance at Session 2 physicians, nurses, EMTs, and hospital support staff to provide educa- MNA contact Theresa Yannetty, 781-830-5727 or 800-882-2056, x727 tion in the treatment of individuals exposed to chemical and biological agents. The program will include identifi cation of hazardous materials, Diabetes 2003: What Nurses Need to Know toxicological and biological effects of chemicals and biological acts of terrorism. The chemical profi le of common agents, the decontamination Description Session 1: This session will discuss the pathophysiology and classifi ca- procedures and personal protective equipment will be discussed. CDC tion of Diabetes Type 1 and 2. The nursing implications of blood glucose guidelines for surveillance of exposed nurses and other health care work- monitoring will be discussed. Non-pharmacological interventions such as ers and nursing interventions for patient care will be identifi ed. exercise and meal planning will be explained. The program will conclude Speakers Anthony Fucaloro, EMT with a discussion of oral pharmacological agents. Capt. Lawrence P. Ferazani Session 2: This session is designed to provide the nurse with a compre- Evie Bain, RN, MEd, COHN-S hensive update on insulin therapy. The nursing management of the newly Dates Wednesday, Dec. 3 diagnosed diabetic patient, both complicated and not, will be explored. Time 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Nursing management of the diabetic patient in the pre/post operative, Place MNA Headquarters, Canton ambulatory care, home care and school setting will be discussed. Fee MNA members, $45; all others, $65 Speaker Ann Miller, MS, RN, CS, CDE Contact hours* 6.9 Dates Session 1: Thursday, Oct. 23 Special notes Lunch provided. Class limited to 25. Session 2: Thursday, Oct. 30 MNA contact Theresa Yannetty, 781-830-5727 or 800-882-2056, x727 Time 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. Place MNA Headquarters, Canton Wound Care—Dressing for Success Fee MNA members, $65 all others, $95 (Each session) Contact hours* 3.6 per session Description This program will provide a comprehensive overview of the factors MNA contact Theresa Yannetty, 781-830-5727 or 800-882-2056, x727 affecting wound care and strategies for managing complex wounds. A thorough review of wound products will enable the attendee to select the optimal dressing based on clinical fi ndings. New dimensions of wound Nursing Management of Central Lines care, such as growth factors, hyperbaric oxygen, electrical stimulation, cultured skin replacements and vacuum-assisted closure devices will Description This program describes the multiple venous access devices used in also be discussed. central line therapy. Indications for tunneled vs. non-tunneled lines and Speaker Carol Mallia, RN, MSN, CWOCN potential complications will be discussed. The nursing management and Date Tuesday, Dec. 9 legal aspects in managing the care of these devices will be described in Time 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. detail. Place MNA Headquarters, Canton Speakers Mary Walsh, RN, BS, CRNI, Infusion Therapy Specialist Fee MNA members, $45; all others, $65 Marilyn Bernard, RN, CRNI, Infusion Therapy Specialist Contact hours* 4.5 Date Thursday, Nov. 13 MNA contact Susan Clish, 781-830-5723 or 800-882-2056, x723 Time 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Place MNA Headquarters, Canton Fee MNA members, $65 all others, $95 Important Information Contact hours* 3.0 for all courses MNA contact Theresa Yannetty, 781-830-5727 or 800-882-2056, x727

Registration Registration will be processed on a space available basis. Enroll- Advanced Dysrhythmia Interpretation ment is limited for all courses.

Description This course is designed for nurses who have had a basic course in moni- Payment Payment may be made with MasterCard or Visa by calling MNA or toring patients for cardiac rhythm disturbances and wish to enhance that by mailing a check to MNA, 340 Turnpike St., Canton, MA 02021 knowledge base with more complex monitoring of advance dysrhythmias. The course will describe the EKG changes related to ischemia, injury, Refunds Refunds are issued up to two weeks before the program date and infraction. The EKG abnormalities associated with toxic drug levels minus a 25% processing fee. No refunds are made less than 14 and electrolyte imbalances will also be described. The course will con- days before the program's fi rst session or for subsequent ses- clude with an overview of pacemakers and common pacemaker rhythm sions of a multi-day program. disturbances. Speaker Carol Mallia, RN, MSN Program MNA reserves the right to cancel programs when registration Dates Tuesday, November 18 Cancellation is insuffi cient. Time 5:00- 9:00 p.m. *Contact Continuing Education Contact Hours are provided for all programs Place MNA Headquarters, Canton Hours except “Advanced Cardiac Life Support” and “Anatomy of a Legal Fee MNA members, $45; all others, $65 Nurse Consultant” by the Massachusetts Nurses Association, Contact hours* 3.2 which is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education MNA contact Susan Clish, 781-830-5723 or 800-882-2056, x723 by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Contact hours for “Advanced Cardiac Life Support” Cardiac and Pulmonary Pharmacology and “Anatomy of a Legal Nurse Consultant” are provided by the Rhode Island State Nurses Association, which is accredited as an approver of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Description This program will provide nurses, from all clinical practice settings, a Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. better understanding of how cardiac and pulmonary medications work. The actions, indications, and nursing considerations will be discussed To successfully complete a program and receive contact hours, you must: 1) sign in, 2) be present for the entire time for the major categories of cardiac and pulmonary medications. Speaker Carol Mallia, RN, MSN period of the session and 3) complete the evaluation. Dates Tuesday, Dec. 2 Chemical Scents may trigger responses in those with chemical sensitivity. Time 5:00- 9:00 p.m. Sensitivity Please avoid wearing scented personal products and refrain from Place MNA Headquarters, Canton smoking when you attend MNA continuing education programs. Fee MNA members, $45; all others, $65 Contact hours* 4.2 MNA contact Theresa Yannetty, 781-830-5727 or 800-882-2056, x727 MNA Member Benefi ts Save You Money

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LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE SERVICE ALLIANCE SERVICES ...... 888-922-SAVE 4.9 cents/minute for long distance calls & 5% discount (vs. Verizon) on local service—7 MNA’s premier group benefi ts programs help you get more out of your membership days a week, 24 hours a day! Prepaid discount international calling cards also available. and your hard-earned money! Take advantage of these special benefi ts specifi cally designed for MNA members. For information on any of our discount programs, contact the specifi c representative listed or call Chris Stetkiewicz in the MNA For more information, call the MNA, 800-882-2056, x726. membership department, 800-882-2056, x726.