March 2003

Inside… New lead sponsors of single-payer health care ...... 2

Executive Director’s column: Beware of repeating history ...... 3 THE NEWSLETTER OF THE NURSES ASSOCIATION  www.massnurses.org  VOL. 74 NO. 2 Union leaders gather to learn, strategize, plan for future Pembroke Hospital vigil...... 3 MNA on Beacon Hill: More than 100 local bargaining unit lead- presentation by Paul McCarthy, acclaimed Safe staffing & quality care...... 4 ers representing the majority of facilities union consultant and organizer and former represented by the MNA across the common- director of the MNA labor program. Capitol Hill Watch ...... 4 wealth came together for an historic “Chairs McCarthy’s program focused on the need Assembly” meeting in Marlborough — an for nursing bargaining units to develop a opportunity for nurses to learn, network, cohesive organizing strategy built around Health care committee share strategies and plan for the future. four key components: 1) the need to develop leadership profiles ...... 5 “Because we know that the managers of an effective two-way communications system the health care industry come together to with rank and file membership; 2) the need Newly elected members of develop strategies that impact the working to develop a strategy of what you want to House of Representatives...... 6-7 conditions and practice conditions of staff achieve through the collective bargaining nurses and patients in this state, we have process and to keep members active in that Legislative directory ...... 8 called this meeting to provide us, those of us process; 3) the need to identify issues of com- on the front lines of health care activism, the monality and importance to the bargaining MNA consent-to-serve form ...... 9 opportunity to do some strategizing of our unit 4) and the need to build bridges with the own,” said Karen Higgins, RN, president community to help achieve objectives and to Learning, networking, of the MNA. “Our local bargaining units address key issues. sharing strategies...... 10 cannot afford to work in isolation from one He emphasized that the role of a union another. We need to share ideas, we need to Nora Watts, left, and Connie Hunter, leader was to mobilize and to “empower Toxic cleaning chemicals: communicate and plan together so that we Newton Wellesley Hospital the membership to take ownership of the an in-depth discussion ...... 12 can combat the forces that are constantly union.” working to undermine the work we do and wicz was equally impressed with the event. “Members need to understand that they are Island hospital gets rid the care we deliver.” “From the North shore to the South shore to the union and that they should be going to the of antiseptic smell...... 12 While the labor program of the MNA holds the western part of the state, in new bargain- union to interpret their contract, not to man- an annual business meeting at the MNA con- ing units and older bargaining units, in large agement,” McCarthy said. “Members need Fact Sheet/Cleaning chemical vention each year, this meeting was called units and small units the concerns were the to know that they have the power and they for the specific purpose of bringing leaders same,” she said. “This was a great way for us have the ability to use that power to address use in hospitals ...... 13 together to explore additional avenues of to come together, meet other chairs, and to problems at the facility. They need to know communication and networking. identify needs and to come with new ideas. that as union members they have an obliga- MNA member benefits ...... 15 “I thought it was a great to share informa- It definitely refreshed me as to why I became tion to participate in the process and to own tion with all the other bargaining units and a chair and to affirm why I continue to be a the solutions to the problems they face.” MNA nominations & election to meet each of the chairs. I received a lot of chair of my local unit.” Following McCarthy’s presentation, dif- policies & procedures...... 16 valuable information and I hope it continues,” The program began on the evening of ferent representatives from bargaining units said Cece Buckley, co-chair of the bargaining Jan. 29, when the participants gathered for spotlighted specific issues and campaigns to Traveling with MNA...... 17 unit at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center. a cocktail reception. The next day, a full-day Whidden Hospital chair Joanne Bartose- program was held, beginning with a two-hour See Chairs Assembly, Page 11 Continuing Education ...... 18-19 MNA blasts Vigil supports Pembroke Hospital nurses governor’s health Smallpox vaccine update The MNA’s caution regarding care cuts smallpox vaccination for health- care workers has been endorsed After reviewing health care cuts announced by nursing groups in Rhode Island, by Gov. Mitt Romney in February, the MNA Maine, California and Texas and by issued a press release blasting the cuts, calling them shortsighted, misguided and devastat- more than 350 hospitals nationwide. ing to children, seniors and other vulnerable Complete details, Page 20 populations. According to the MNA statement, which was widely covered by local media, “Not only are these cuts harmful in their impact on the citizens of the commonwealth, they For the latest are economically wasteful, ultimately result- developments ing in patients receiving more costly care impacting nurses, in already overcrowded emergency rooms. visit the While the governor has called for an equal sharing of the burden of cuts to the budget, MNA web site, his approach to the health care sector shows a www.massnurses.org lack of understanding of the unequal burden borne by health care and human service pro- viders for many years.” The MNA is actively working with the Father Ed Boyle, also known as the “Labor Priest,” leads the Pembroke nurses in a See Romney, Page 11 pro-union song during their Candlelight Vigil. Complete details, Page 2. Page 2 Massachusetts Nurse March 2003 March 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 3

Nurses’ Guide to Single Payer Reform MASS-CARE/MNA takes issue with state report on universal health care By Peggy O’Malley legislation called for the creation of a guide At the same time, LECG assumed there will not usually available to policymakers in Mas- Last December, LECG, a consultant firm hired for legislators to move from the present chaos be no savings from a system that provides sachusetts. While other states routinely collect by the state issued a long-awaited report on uni- to a unified, universal system. timely, coordinated care in appropriate set- data on the condition of their health systems, versal health care, which was supposed to provide LECG failed to fulfill the purpose for tings instead of the costly care we all hear several years ago Massachusetts stopped col- an unbiased analysis and road map for the state on which it was commissioned by not provid- about when sick, uninsured folks end up in lecting this information, essential to informed addressing this issue. Below is an Op Ed that was ing legislators the long-awaited “road map” ER’s with health problems that could have decision-making, drafted by MNA board member and President of to achieving universal coverage and the fund- been treated more cost-effectively before they The information collected by LECG dem- MASS-CARE Peggy O’Malley, which provides a ing system that would fairly pay for it. became serious. Furthermore, in its compari- onstrates that “business as usual” is simply powerful and pointed critique of this document, Instead, LECG has been allowed to squan- son of single payer to the two models not unsustainable. With the highest costs in the while underscoring the benefits of a single payer der precious time and money analyzing and providing universal coverage, LECG omit- nation, the Massachusetts health care system model of health care delivery. presenting to the Legislature three models ted the costs of those remaining uninsured threatens to bankrupt the State budget, as well Last month, a report on universal health of health care delivery, two of which do not as though people without insurance have no as health facilities, employers and individuals care was released by LECG, a Chicago consul- meet the standards of universal coverage health care costs. while leaving over 400,000 uninsured, mostly tant commissioned by the commonwealth. and consolidated financing. While acknowl- Such omissions in LECG’s analysis have workers and their children. MASS-CARE, the 80-organization coalition edging that only the single payer proposal inflated their bottom-line cost estimate for a We as a state must act. of organizations who support single payer meets both standards, LECG neglected to so-called “single payer” system by as much Now is the time to choose the path that will health reform in Massachusetts, believes the objectively analyze the costs and benefits of as $3 billion. If so, moving to a true single lead to reduced costs and universal coverage report is a politically biased product. A full all three models. payer system would more than pay for com- through enactment of a single payer system and fair analysis was sabotaged by powerful In the analysis of its “single payer” model, prehensive coverage and benefits, including in Massachusetts. An objective assessment special interests. LECG underestimated the savings that would prescriptions and long-term care. That would of policy options would have arrived at that In the summer of 2001, the Legislature be achieved by creating a real single payer be consistent with previous reports of two conclusion. appropriated $250,000 to develop a transition system in Massachusetts. The basic premise consultants commissioned by the Massachu- The Legislature appropriated $250,000 for plan for “consolidated health care financing of a single payer system is the elimination setts Medical Society. Independently, they a report. Everyone understood, at the time, and streamlined health care delivery acces- of the costs of dealing with the bureaucracy concluded that Massachusetts could adopt what the purpose of the report was to be. The sible to every resident in the commonwealth” of private insurance. Yet LECG has assumed a single payer system that covered everyone report that was written has very little associa- as its commitment to advocates for health a significant continuing role for insurance with comprehensive care and save us all $1 tion with that legislative purpose. This means reform who, in turn, agreed to push for companies in its “single payer” model, thus billion annually. that the money was largely wasted. Given the universal coverage through the Legislature retaining a large component of administra- In its report of 170-plus pages, LECG does staggering array of health problems in this instead of through a ballot initiative. The tive costs. furnish useful information which, oddly, is state, squandering this money massively missed a strategic opportunity. n Congressman, physicians propose solution to rising health care costs and uninsured U.S. Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) and this legislation, we no longer have to endure Additionally, nearly 4,000 individual physi- a group of the nation’s most prominent phy- the nightmare of a collapsing health system. cians have endorsed the physicians’ proposal sicians are proposing a new bill, the United Our nation will be free from having to put up including two former surgeons general (Dr. States National Health Insurance Act, a single with the outrageous costs that keep millions David Satcher and Dr. Julius Richmond); payer national health program. The legislation of Americans from receiving medical care and a Nobel laureate (Dr. Bernard Lown). proposes an effective mechanism for control- and needed medications. Tens of thousands Also joining the physicians and members ling skyrocketing health costs while covering of families won’t have to declare bankruptcy of Congress to endorse the National Health all 42 million uninsured Americans. over medical bills. Universal national health Insurance Act will be Dr. Maya Rockeymoore, The bill also restores free choice of physi- insurance (single payer) takes the resources Urban League Director of Health Policy; Dean cian to patients and provides comprehensive we have in place, and deals with them in Baker, co-director, Center for Economic and prescription drug coverage to seniors, as well an intelligent manner. It excludes the tragic Policy Research; and Hillary Shelton, a as younger people. hemorrhage of resources into non-health spokesperson for Julian Bond, chairman of “It’s about time,” says Conyers. “With entities.” the NAACP. n

Massachusetts Health Care Trust legislative sponsors Listed below are the Massachusetts legis- Pamela P. Resor, Acton , Newton lators who have signed on as cosponsors of Stanley C. Rosenberg, Amherst Peter V. Kocot, Northampton S.686 the Massachusetts Health Care Trust, Charles E. Shannon, Winchester Elizabeth A. Malia, Jamaica Plain Peggy O’Malley, chair of MassCare speaks the single payer bill to cover everyone in Mas- Dianne Wilkerson, J. James Marzilli, Jr., Arlington at a rally held in support of striking GE sachusetts. If your senator and representative Representatives: Thomas M. McGee, Lynn workers in Lynn, who were waging a are listed, please call them to say thanks and Frank M. Hynes, Marshfield, lead House Shirley Owens-Hicks, Roxbury two-day strike over rising health care ask how you can help them achieve passage. sponsor Marie J. Parente, Milford premiums. The rally focused on the grow- ing health insurance crisis and its impact If your legislators aren’t listed, give them a Ruth B. Balser, Newton Anne M. Paulsen, Belmont on working people and the need for reform call urging them to support the bill. Deborah D. Blumer, Framingham Douglas W. Petersen, Marblehead of our health care system. She urged sup- Senators: Edward G. Connolly, Everett , South End port for a single payer health care system Steven A. Tolman, Brighton, lead Senate Paul C. Demakis, Back Bay Frank I. Smizik, Brookline in the state. sponsor Paul J. Donato, Medford Joyce A. Spiliotis, Peabody Jarret T. Barrios, Cambridge Christopher J. Donelan, Orange Karen Spilka, Ashland Cynthia S. Creem, Newton Carol A. Donovan, Woburn David B. Sullivan, Fall River Susan C. Fargo, Lincoln Mark V. Falzone, Saugus Kathleen M. Teahan, Whitman Robert A. Havern, Arlington Michael E. Festa, Melrose Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Cambridge . Brian A. Joyce, Milton Gloria L. Fox, Boston , Amherst Have you moved? David P. Magnani, Framingham Patricia D. Jehlen, Somerville , Springfield Please notify the MNA Joan M. Menard, Somerset Louis L. Kafka, Sharon Anthony J. Verga, Gloucester of your new address: Andrea Nuciforo, Jr., Pittsfield Rachel Kaprielian, Watertown Alice K. Wolf, Cambridge n 800-882-2056, x726 Marc R. Pacheco, Taunton Jay R. Kaufman, Lexington Page 2 Massachusetts Nurse March 2003 March 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 3

Executive Director’s column Nurses: beware of bad history being repeated By Julie Pinkham sicians pushed We went to the public, we made our case already successfully mobilized to quash this MNA Executive Director their plan, and the and we won. But the cost was high. Hundreds program before it could get started. (See the Ever heard the saying that those who do nursing commu- of new grad nurses were unable to find jobs, description of their efforts in the front-page story not know their history are destined to repeat nity pushed back nursing enrollments dropped, hundreds of on our recent chairs assembly.) it? Well this is apparently a truism among – hard! experienced nurses had been laid off. Those My message to all our bargaining units and health care administrators and health care But once the remaining at the bedside became frustrated to all nurses is to beware of bad history repeat- consultants. Go back to the early ‘80s when physicians failed with working amid the wreckage of constant ing itself. If you see any attempt to “expand nurses basked in the age of primary nursing. in their attempt, mismanagement and excessive patient loads. the role of PCAs”, or to develop new or alter- Back then we had quality patient care in the the hospital Yes, we stopped deskilling, but we were left native models of care, this is a signal to band palm of our hands. industry, led by with patient assignments of 1 to 8 on med together and rise up in opposition to any of We actually had the ability to practice nurs- a cadre of nurse surg, and with the new practice of mandatory these attempts. ing consistent with our education and licensure administrators overtime, once again forcing nurses to strike We can’t allow consultants or administra- — with professional standards of practice and cloaked in their Julie Pinkham to stop these dangerous conditions. tors to dictate to us what is an acceptable the ability to provide total care to a safe ratio “consultant” suits, Lo and behold, we now find ourselves deep model of nursing care. In the past, when of patients. At least some of the more fortunate having scrubbed away any understanding of in a shortage of nurses who are willing to administrators and consultants told us what among us did…for awhile. But, along with pri- patient care from their minds and curricu- work in the current hospital environment. our profession could and couldn’t do (gener- mary nursing, the ‘80s brought an onslaught lum vitae, began their assault on the nursing But the wheel of history just keeps turn- ally in the name of the bottom line), all too of cost cutting and reimbursement schemes profession. This was the early ‘90s and these ing. After all these mistakes, after reports often we kept “asking” them to reconsider. for hospitals that set the stage for the next 20 “nurse consultants,” these Benedict Arnolds and exposés pointing to deskilling and poor What MNA’s history of dealing with these years — years dominated by DRGs, managed of nursing refined the physicians’ failed plan staffing as the cause of the current shortage, issues shows is that those bargaining units care, mergers and consolidations — none of by scrubbing away the “R” and adding a “P” the myopic managers in paneled offices never which tell management what they want, it good for nurses or patients. to create the term “Patient Care Technician.” do seem to learn their lesson. what they need — and expect it, are much Remember what the industry did then, This was the era of “patient focused care,” These same administrators who two years more effective. starting with the physicians, in 1988, who which meant laying off 40 to 50 percent of ago admitted that deskilling failed are now If and when you are approached to develop tried to introduce what they thought was a nurses and replacing them with unlicensed at it again. We are once again seeing the same a new model of care, tell them you have one great idea called RCTs (registered care techni- personnel with maybe two weeks of training. plan introduced at area hospitals, such as already developed, they can find it imbedded cians). This was a plan to deal with a shortage Yes, without any research to support them, Newton Wellesley Hospital. One wonders if in the language of the MNA’s quality patient of nurses by using unlicensed technicians as these so-called professionals sold deskilling they ever will get it. Apparently being stupid care/safe RN staffing legislation. Tell them to another pair of hands to assist physicians of nurses far and wide. With it came the inevi- is profitable. At Cooley Dickinson Hospital in implement the ratios we have spelled out, and (and replace nursing positions). Apparently, table speed up of nursing work, increased Northampton, management wants to engage to adhere to the other provisions of the bill, to physicians the education and assessment patient loads and the further degradation the nurses in a discussion of a “new model” including developing a real acuity system to skills of RNs were irrelevant. After all, at that of patient care. This too met with tremen- of care. allow for improvements in staffing when the time, in their minds, anybody could be trained dous resistance. Remember the Brigham & While the Cooley Dickinson nurses are patients’ needs dictate. Tell them this is what to do what a nurse did. Without knowing the Women’s nurses’ strike vote in 1996, and the developing their strategy to deal with this it takes to safely practice as an RN today – and firestorm they were stepping into, the phy- eight others that soon followed. situation, the Newton Wellesley nurses have that’s what we and our patients deserve. n Pembroke Hospital nurses hold candlelight vigil Nurses from throughout the state marched the state Department of Mental Health to and a history of violent behavior, yet lacks a worse for the nurses. in solidarity with the registered nurses of investigate the Pembroke facility later that forensic unit, a unit designed with staff and “Before the vote, management was telling Pembroke Hospital, who held a candlelight year. The deteriorating conditions drove resources to care for those patients. Young, us they cared about these issues and wanted vigil outside the entrance to the South Shore many employees to leave the facility, and, aggressive patients, with a history of repeated to work to improve things without a union. psychiatric hospital on Feb. 20 to protest the ultimately, convinced the nurses to organize assaults, are placed on units beside geriatric Well, since the votes have been impounded, hospital’s anti-union delaying tactics. The a union as a means of protecting themselves patients. This has resulted in numerous inci- things have gotten worse. They have stopped nurses have been waiting for seven months and their patients. dents of workplace violence and assaults of working with us and have even cut a popular to learn the outcome of their vote for a union In response, Universal Health Systems has both staff and patients. In fact, the hospital has bonus program for nurses who work over- election held last June. While the nurses had hired one of the most expensive union busting eliminated its security detail on the evening time, which is a violation of federal labor law,” cast their votes at a National Labor Relations firms in the country, paying hundreds of thou- shift, leaving the understaffed nurses and said Linda Klemme, a Pembroke nurse and Board (NLRB) election held at the facility on sands of dollars that could go to desperately their patients in a more vulnerable position. member of the organizing committee. “They June 13, 2002, the ballots were impounded needed improvements in nurse staffing and Retaining qualified staff is a key issue for had no intention of improving things. All they after the hospital filed an appeal with the patient care simply to deprive the nurses of a number of nurses active in the organizing wanted to do was stop us from having a voice NLRB questioning the nurses’ right to orga- their right to form a union. The staffing levels drive, who have seen the growing nursing at this hospital.” nize a union. and working conditions at Pembroke Hos- shortage impact their facility, as nurses leave The nurses began organizing a union “We have been waiting for the results of our pital, a psychiatric facility serving the South for better working conditions, pay and ben- with the MNAin late 2001. This followed a union vote for more than seven months, and Shore, are among the worst in the state, with efits offered by surrounding facilities. period when staffing conditions deteriorated, we are holding this vigil to raise public aware- nurses regularly assigned between 12 and 25 The nurses are also among the lowest paid and more than 25 percent of the hospital’s ness of our plight and to ask the public and patients. A safe assignment for a psychiatric in the region, which prevents the facility workforce left the facility in response to supporters of our cause to contact the hospi- nurse is no more than six patients. from recruiting the staff needed to provide management policies. In September, the tal administration and tell them to stop their The nurses also complain that the hospital safe patient care. Since the votes have been Department of Mental Health began moni- legal appeal and let the votes be counted,” admits patients with criminal backgrounds impounded, conditions have gotten even toring the facilities staffing levels at Pembroke said Helen Gillam, RN, a nurse at the facility Hospital. In December of 2001, 80 percent of and a member of the union organizing com- Pembroke nurses say thank you the RNs eligible for union representation mittee. In addition to holding the vigil, the signed cards authorizing the MNA to repre- nurses will begin a campaign of leafleting Our heartfelt thanks to all participants at Pembroke Hospital’s Candlelight Vigil on Feb. sent them for collective bargaining. within the community to seek public support 20. It takes great courage to stand up to an administration such as ours. This administration “It is shameful for this employer to use for their cause. “All we want is a voice in the whose primary goal is profit, turns a deaf ear on our pleas for safe, effective staffing and funds that could be used for patient care and decisions that impact our ability to provide retention of skilled treatment teams. Quality patient care and service excellence must be improvements in conditions for the nurses the best care possible to our patients. The hos- accomplished through a united effort. Our organizing effort is our attempt to have a strong who care for patients to subsidize high priced pital has ignored us for years and patients effective voice in raising our demands that critical issues be addressed with intelligence, lawyers and consultants whose only purpose have suffered because of it.” with integrity and as a team. is to deprive these nurses of their right to Pembroke Hospital is owned by Universal Our vigil was dignified, correct, thoughtful and honest. God bless each nurse at Pembroke workplace democracy,” said Roland Goff, Health Systems, the nation’s third largest for- Hospital who was working and who used their only break time to walk with us. MNA director of labor relations for the MNA. profit hospital management company, which nurses from all over the state participated. Thank you; thank you; thank you. We felt your Now it is going directly to the public to owns more than 80 facilities in 22 states. Since support. We will never forget you. see if public pressure can force the hospi- purchasing Pembroke in 2001, the company In unity, tal administration to change its anti-union has cut staff and degraded services, causing Pembroke Hospital Nurses stance. n Page 4 Massachusetts Nurse March 2003 March 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 5

MNA on Beacon Hill

H. 1282 safe staffing levels and quality care: ISSN 0163-0784 USPS 326-050

A critical combination whose time has come President: Karen Higgins Vice President: Patrick Conroy By Charles Stefanini hensive to date, The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Secretary: Sandy Eaton MNA Legislative Director and includes data Health Care Organizations (JCAHO) reports Treasurer: Janet Gale The Massachusetts Nurses Association, in for more than 6 that inadequate staffing levels have been a collaboration with the Coalition for Quality million patients factor in nearly a quarter of most serious life- District Directors, Labor: District 1: Care, has re-drafted and re-filed Quality discharged from threatening events that have been reported to Patricia Healey, Irene Patch; District 2: Patient Care/Safe Staffing Legislation to 799 hospitals in 11 the commission in the last five years. Edith Harrigan, Mary Marengo; District set minimum RN-to-patient ratios. The bill, states, including The JCAHO report analyzed more than 3: Stephanie Stevens, Tina Russell; H.1282, is critical to preserving quality care Massachusetts. The 1,600 serious incidents from 1996 through District 4: Jeanine Hickey, vacant; Dis- and protecting patient safety. research concludes March 2002 and found that nurse staffing trict 5: Barbara Norton, vacant. that the number of levels were deemed a contributing factor Directors (At-Large/Labor): Sandy We can win patients assigned in 50 percent of ventilator-related incidents, Ellis, , Kate Maker, The campaign launched by the MNA to each registered 42 percent of surgery-related incidents, 25 Sharon McCollum, Beth Piknick, and its members continues in full swing. nurse has a criti- Charles Stefanini percent of transfusion incidents, 25 percent Elizabeth Sparks, Jan Spicer. Together, we are working toward one goal cal impact on the of delays in treatment, 25 percent of infant -- to make safe staffing legislation the law in health of patients. Researchers found a clear abductions, 19 percent of medication errors, Directors (At-Large/General): Rick Massachusetts. Last May you gathered over correlation between staffing ratios and six of 14 percent of inpatient suicides, and 14 per- Lambos, Jim Moura, Margaret O’Malley, 80,000 signatures statewide. Your voices are the leading adverse patient outcomes, from cent of patient falls. Deb Rigiero, Jeannine Williams, Nora being heard. The petitions you have filed and infections to cardiac arrest. When staffing According to the JCAHO report, “When Watts, vacant. the literature you have distributed are major ratios are where they should be, there is a there are too few nurses, patient safety is Labor Program Member: Beth Gray- steps toward victory. reduction in all adverse outcomes. threatened and health care quality is severely Nix Every button and bumper sticker tells The JAMA study, Hospital Nurse Staffing compromised.” the story to a growing audience. And when and Patient Mortality, Nurse Burnout, and For years, the MNA has been raising con- Executive Director: Julie Pinkham people hear our message, they agree. The Job Dissatisfaction, a study of 232,000 surgi- cerns about precisely this situation. We have Editor: David Schildmeier challenge that faces us requires informing cal patient discharges found “the higher the cited repeatedly the negative impact of unsafe Production Manager: Erin M. Servaes both the public and the members of the leg- patient-to-nurse ratio in a hospital, the more staffing levels at Massachusetts health care Photographer: Rosemary Smith islature. The time to act is now. Every single likely there will be patient deaths or complica- facilities. We have noted that staffing reduc- Mission Statement: The Massachu- person in Massachusetts needs to be educated tions after surgery.” tions have resulted in a rapid deterioration setts Nurse will inform, educate and about how best to achieve quality patient care. Each additional patient per nurse was asso- in nurses’ working conditions, contributed meet member needs by providing timely Our message has great merit. ciated with a 7 percent increase in mortality. to a dramatic shortage of nurses and placed information on nursing and health care The difference from four to six and from four patients in jeopardy. We have expressed our The experts agree issues facing the nurse in the Common- to eight patients per nurse would be accompa- strong concern that the number of patients wealth of Massachusetts. Through the The New England Journal of Medicine, the nied by a 14 percent and 31 percent increase assigned to each nurse — a doubling and editorial voice of the newsletter, MNA Journal of the American Medical Association, in mortality. The researchers also found that sometimes tripling that leaves nurses caring seeks to recognize the diversity of its and the Joint Commission on Accreditation each additional patient per nurse was associ- for seven, eight or nine patients — radically membership and celebrate the con- of Health Care Organizations have released ated with a 23 percent increase in the odds of diminishes the quality of care. tributions that members make to the studies that clearly reinforce our position. burnout and a 15 percent increase in the odds Safe staffing remains our major issue, nursing profession on the state, local Unsafe staffing levels put patients at risk for of job dissatisfaction. because we know that it is the key to quality and national levels. life-threatening infections, shock and bleed- In conclusion the authors state that nurse patient care and to safe patient care. ing. Staffing levels directly impact patient staffing ratio legislation “represents a credible Published nine times annually, in health and survival rates. For nurses in Mas- approach to reducing mortality and increas- There’s one clear answer January/February, March, April, May, sachusetts, their findings provide strong ing nurse retention in hospital practice” and The MNA has provided the industry June/July, August, September, October scientific evidence supporting MNA legisla- … “Improvements in nurse staffing resulting and policymakers with the answer to this and November/December by the Mas- tion that is much needed and long overdue. from the legislation could be accompanied by dilemma: H.1282, Quality Patient Care/Safe sachusetts Nurses Association, 340 The Journal study is the most compre- declines in nurse turnover” Staffing legislation is the only solution. n Turnpike Street, Canton, MA 02021. Subscription price: $20 per year Foreign: $28 per year eeSave the Dateee Single copy: $3.00 Periodical postage paid at Canton, MA Capitol Hill and additional mailing offices. Watch MNA Lobby Day 2003 Deadline: Copy submitted for publica- tion consideration must be received at MNA headquarters by the first day of Tuesday, May 6 the month prior to the month of publi- Nurse Reinvestment Act cation. All submissions are subject to editing and none will be returned. funding moves forward Postmaster: Send address corrections Late on Jan. 23, the U.S. Senate passed an to Massachusetts Nurse, Massachu- amendment spearheaded by Senator Barbara setts Nurses Association, 340 Turnpike Mikulski (D-Md.) that allocates $20 million in Street, Canton, MA 02021. the FY 2003 Budget for the Nurse Reinvest- ment Act (NRA). The differences in the FY www.massnurses.org 2003 Omnibus Appropriations bills of the two chambers will now have to be reconciled in conference. Since the House does not have 10 am - noon NRA funding in its bill, this is one of many Great Hall, Statehouse differences that will have to be discussed and agreed upon. Last year, Congress passed leg- In conjunction with National Nurses Week islation creating the NRA but provided no Sponsored by MNA Congress on Health Policy & Legislation funding of the program. n Page 4 Massachusetts Nurse March 2003 March 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 5 Christine Canavan, RN, appointed vice chair of Health Care Committee State Rep. and registered nurse Christine • Passage of $10,000 in funding for hepatitis B vac- on Nursing and Nursing Practices for Canavan has been appointed vice-chair of the legislation that cinations for those school employees fiscal year 2000. Joint Committee on Health Care. A long-time requires out of who interact with developmentally • Sponsor of the “Needlestick Bill” member of the committee, Canavan has been hospital dialysis disabled students whose health which was signed into law in a strong and outspoken advocate for nursing units to adhere insurance did not cover the cost of 2000. This law designs regula- and quality health care issues. to a patient/staff the vaccination. tions to reduce needlestick injuries Her appointment comes at a critical time, ratio of 3 to 1 in • Instrumental in the passage of the and sharps exposure incidents by as Canavan serves as the lead sponsor of the order to provide “Mixed Population Bill” to protect employing prevention strategies. In Quality Patient Care/Safe Staffing legislation maximum safety elderly residents in public housing addition, it creates a guide to pur- to set minimum RN-to-patient ratios. for all patients. developments. chasing those products which are Canavan represents the 10th Plymouth Dis- • Sponsor of 1994 • Instrumental in the passage of the best engineered to protect health trict, which includes part of her home city of legislation which “Freedom of Choice Pharmacy care workers. Brockton, the town of West Bridgewater and precipitated a Christine Canavan Bill.” • Lead House Sponsor of S.2234, one precinct in Easton. Department of • Instrumental in the passage of the bill “Trench Safety Legislation” which Canavan has a long list of health care leg- Public Health regulation that requires ending “Drive Through Deliveries.” was signed in to law in Decem- islative accomplishments: out of hospital dialysis facilities to • Instrumental in fiscal year 2000 ber. The legislation was drafted in • Passage of legislation that requires have emergency back up genera- budget inclusion of the “Whistle- memory of Jacyln Moore, a spunky newborns to have a hearing screen- tors. blower Bill” to protect health care 4-year-old Bridgewater girl, who died ing test prior to discharge from the • Sponsor of a line item included in workers. in 1999 when the trench she was play- hospital. the 1995 fiscal budget that provided • Responsible for Special Commission ing in collapsed. n Legislative profiles: Health Care Committee leadership Richard Moore/Senate chair State Sen. Richard Moore was reappointed Patient Bill of Rights associate dean of students at Assumption across the nation into classrooms to explain Senate chair of the Joint Health Care Commit- and funding for an College and assistant to the president at the concept of representative democracy. As tee. First elected to the enhanced school Bentley College, and is a trustee of Nichols president of the Massachusetts Chapter of the in 1996, Moore has emerged as a leader on health program. College and former trustee of Quinsigamond American Society for Public Administration, patient safety, homeland security, school- His work has Community College. Moore has been the editor and initiator of two based health and a variety of other major attracted the atten- His career in public service includes assign- publications – Civis Americanus Sum: Proceed- issues of concern to the people of his Worces- tion of legislators ments at local, state and national levels. He is ings of the First Massachusetts Summit on Civic ter-Norfolk District and the commonwealth. from throughout the a former three-term selectman of Hopedale Education and Memos to the Governor. Moore, as Senate Chair of the Legislature’s nation, as co-chair- (1970-78) and past president of the Massachu- In 1987, Senator Moore helped initiate and influential Joint Committee on Health Care man of the National setts Selectmen’s Association (1975-76). After served as the first chairman of the Blackstone for the past four years, is constantly in the Conference of State nine terms in the Massachusetts House of River Valley National Heritage Corridor, forefront of issues affecting the health of the Legislatures’ Task Representatives (1977-94), where he chaired a Congressionally designated region of 24 people of Massachusetts. His imprint can be Force on Protecting Richard Moore three different standing committees, and as a communities in Massachusetts and Rhode found on nearly every piece of health care Democracy that is presidential elector (1992), Moore was nomi- Island that hold national significance as the legislation enacted in Massachusetts since providing essential guidance in defining nated by President Bill Clinton, and confirmed “Birthplace of America’s Industrial Revolu- 1999. Since health care is among the most the state role in homeland security. He has by the U. S. Senate as associate director of the tion.” He remains a commissioner and officer important sectors in the state’s economy, also been elected to the executive committee Federal Emergency Management Agency. His of the corridor. His leadership efforts have Moore’s efforts have an impact far beyond on NCSL, and was selected in 2000 by the distinguished leadership at FEMA earned him helped to preserve the region’s important his exemplary work to improve medical qual- Council of State Governments as one of the the agency’s highest award, the Distinguished historical and environmental assets and ity and access to health care. organization’s coveted Henry Toll Leadership Service Award. protect the region from major airport and Among his major legislative accomplish- Fellows. Among his special interests is encourag- landfill projects. He has also sponsored the ments are: the establishment of the Betsy An educator by training, Moore is cur- ing young people to consider involvement in reconstruction of Route 146, the establishment Lehman Center for Patient Safety, the reorga- rently an adjunct assistant professor in the public service. Moore is one of the original of the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage nization of the health-related licensing boards public administration graduate program at organizers of NCSL’s “America’s Legislators State Park, and the establishment of the Black- with the Department of Public Health, the Bridgewater State College. He is a former Back to School Week” bringing state legislators stone Valley Chamber of Commerce. n Peter Koutoujian/House chair Newton State Rep. Peter Koutoujian has Koutoujian main- Year” by the Massachusetts Attorney Gen- the West Suburban Samaritans, the Newton been appointed as the new House chairman of tains a small legal eral’s Victim and Witness Assistance Board Boys and Girls Club, the Newton Commu- the Health Care Committee. Koutoujian had practice in Waltham. and received the 2001 Outstanding Legislative nity Service Center and the Bentley College been serving as the committee vice-chair. His He also occasion- Achievement Award from the Massachusetts Service Learning Program. He also maintains efforts were critical in the campaign to save ally appears as an Association of Day Care Agencies. In 2002, the an active membership in such diverse groups Waltham Hospital. expert legal analyst Massachusetts Coalition for Choice presented as the Armenian Assembly, The Knights of Koutoujian’s legislative career began and commentator him with its Leadership Award. Vartan, the Council of Armenian Executives, in 1996 when he was elected to the 10th for Court TV and He is the president of the Massachusetts the Boston Athenaeum, the National Asso- Middlesex District, which comprises por- New England Cable Legislators Association. In addition, he ciation for Advancement of Colored People, tions of Newton, Watertown and Waltham. News. has been an outspoken delegate to both and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Kout- Koutoujian has received numerous awards Born and raised in the Governor’s Commission on Domestic oujian is a member of the Bright Elementary recognizing his legislative achievements and Waltham, Koutou- Violence and the Massachusetts Violence School Educational Council in Waltham and efforts in a wide range of policy areas includ- jian completed his Peter Koutoujian Prevention Task Force and now leads a currently has the distinction of being the only ing health care, domestic violence prevention, bachelor of science statewide coalition of Male Legislators male member of the Waltham Business and social services for the mentally ill and men- in psychology at Bridgewater State College Against Domestic Violence. Over the course Professional Women’s Club. tally retarded and public safety. in 1983 and went on to New England School of Koutoujian’s tenure in the legislature, he The Greater Union of Marash Armenians From 1991 through 1995, Koutoujian served of Law. In 1989, he earned his juris doctor has been selected for the prestigious Darden honored Koutoujian for his contributions as a prosecutor in Middlesex County. He has and has since become a member of the bar and Flemming Legislative Fellowships and to the Armenian-American community taught several courses, including criminal associations of Massachusetts and Washing- has hosted a VIP delegation of South African with the “Marashtzee of the Year” award. law, criminal procedure, and legal ethics at ton, D.C. He is currently attending the John political leaders. Koutoujian also has been named the honor- the Massachusetts School of Law in Andover, F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard Aside from his professional duties, Kout- ary chairperson for the Salvation Army’s and introduction to American government University this fall, pursuing a masters degree oujian is active in many civic organizations. Christmas Castle as well as the American at Bentley College in Waltham. Currently, in public affairs. He serves as a member of the board of Cancer Society’s 1999 and 2000 Relay for in addition to his position in the Legislature, In 2001, he was named “Legislator of the directors for four different organizations - Life in Newton. n Page 6 Massachusetts Nurse March 2003 March 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 7 Newly elected members of the House of Representatives The Massachusetts Nurses Association the poorest Americans living in Appala- most of his life, and has a resounding victory for the senator. would like to congratulate the newly elected chia. He also spent a summer working as served as chair of the Upon graduation from members of the Massachusetts House of an intern in the United States Congress. Orange Town Demo- law school, he accepted a position with Mer- Representatives. We commend you on your After graduation, Mike served as the program cratic Committee since rimack Valley Legal Services in Lowell. He dedication and commitment to public services director for the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse 1996. He resides in has served as a public interest lawyer in the and look forward to working with you to pro- Association of Boston. He then entered Suf- Orange with his wife, fields of housing, Social Security disability, tect patient safety and preserve quality care. folk University Law School, where, while Maureen, and their three and unemployment law. earning academic honors, he worked for the children. He has a B.S. In early 2001, Eldridge successfully ran for Jennifer Callahan, RN (D-Sutton) Office of New Hampshire Public Defender. degree from Westfield a position with the Acton Housing Author- Eighteenth Worcester District After earning his juris doctor degree in 1996, State College and an ity and was appointed by the Acton Board Bellingham, Blackstone, Millville, Sutton - Pcts. Costello went to work for the office of the MPA degree from American International of Selectmen as an associate member to the 1, 2, Uxbridge - Pcts. 1, 2, 4 Essex County district attorney. College in Springfield. Acton Planning Board. Jennifer Callahan is In 1998, Costello became field director James Eldridge (D-Acton) (R-Wareham) an assistant professor for Congressman John Tierney’s (D-Salem) Thirty-Seventh Middlesex District Second Plymouth District in the Graduate School campaign and also successfully ran as a can- Acton - Pcts. 3, 4, 5, Boxborough, Harvard, Bourne – Pcts. 1,2,3, Carver, Wareham of Nursing at the didate for councilor-at-large in Newburyport. Lancaster - Pct. 1, Lunenburg, Shirley Susan Williams Gifford was a Wareham University of Massa- Following Congressman Tierney’s campaign, James Eldridge selectman from 1999-2000. Gifford worked chusetts Worcester. She Costello was chief of staff for state Sen. Joan attended the Acton- on issues that involved business develop- also works as a quality Menard (D-Somerset), former chair of the Boxborough public ment, town management, and fiscal issues. consultant in the edu- Massachusetts Democratic State Party. schools and graduated Gifford has stated that some priority issues cation and health care Currently, Costello runs a private law practice from Acton-Boxborough for her will be preserving local aid, cutting fields. in Newburyport and serves on the board of Regional High School in taxes and improving education. Callahan is also a registered nurse and directors of Link House Programs, Inc. 1991. After high school, Mary Grant, RN (D-Beverly) nationally certified health education special- Costello began his career in politics at a James graduated from Sixth Essex District ist. Previously, she had been an employee at young age. He is the son of former state John Hopkins Univer- Beverly UMass Medical Center and UMass Memorial legislator and former mayor of Amesbury, sity as a political science Mary Grant gradu- Health Care for 12 years working as a senior Nicholas Costello. He is married to Kerrin major. He worked on the ated from Boston quality coordinator, peer review coordinator D’Archangelo of Haverhill and they live in 1992 presidential election and was himself College with a bache- and orthopedic trauma nurse. Prior to her Newburyport with their 2-year-old daughter, elected, in his junior year, President of the lor’s degree in nursing employment at UMass, she was a commu- Kate. Johns Hopkins student body. While in school, and a master’s degree nity maternal child health coordinator for the Robert Coughlin (D-Dedham) he served as philanthropy chair of his frater- in community health. Southern Worcester County Visiting Nurses Eleventh Norfolk District nity, Sigma Alpha Mu, worked with Habitat She has worked and program coordinator for an AIDS public Dedham, Walpole - Pct. 8, Westwood for Humanity, and mentored high school stu- on many city-wide health policy education program. A lifelong Dedham dents in Baltimore. James also interned with commissions and She holds a doctorate in higher education resident, Coughlin Congressman Martin Meehan (D-Mass.) in committees includ- policy, research and administration and a graduated from Mas- the nation’s capital. ing: the Beverly City Masters of Public Health from the Univer- sachusetts Maritime After graduating in 1995, Eldridge returned Charter Commission from 1993 to 1995 and sity of Massachusetts Amherst. She was a Academy with a degree to Acton and became active with the Acton from 1999 to 2001, Beverly Ordinance Review Case University Scholar at Boston Univer- in marine engineering Town Democratic Committee, Acton Earth Committee, Beverly High School Site Council, sity where she received both a bachelor of and was commissioned Day Committee, the League of Women Voters Beverly Technology Fund Steering Commit- science in nursing and a bachelor of arts in as an officer in the and the Organization for the Assabet River tee and is a past president of the League of sociology. United States Naval (O.A.R.). He also expanded his mother’s Women Voters. She is a lifelong resident of Sutton and Reserve. At Mass. South Acton Clean-Up Day effort to become Grant is a registered nurse and a member of served as a member of the Sutton Board of Maritime, he played a town-wide event, now sponsored by the the MNA. She worked for the commonwealth Selectmen, Sutton School Committee and rugby and represented his fellow cadets as the Acton Conservation Trust. of Massachusetts in community health centers Long Range Planning Committee. Region- student member of the board of trustees. In a During this period, Eldridge was employed for 14 years. ally, she has served on the board of directors further leadership role that served youths all as a litigation assistant with the downtown Grant is a parent, wife, homeowner, of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Com- across the state, he was chosen from a field of Boston law firm of Hale & Dorr. As campaign health care practitioner, community leader, merce, chairing major business initiatives on 180,000 students to be a member of the Board manager for Bob Durand’s successful state volunteer, taxpayer and concerned citizen. workforce education, technology and regional of Regents of Higher Education. Senate race in 1996, James became familiar Her hard work and community involve- economic development. She was the former After earning his degree, at age 20 Coughlin with the issues and concerns affecting the ment have earned her the respect of public vice president of the American Business became the youngest resident ever elected to towns of the Route 2 corridor. His ability to officials, parents and teachers, local business Women’s Association. She was the vice chair the school committee. In 1995 he was elected lead the campaign victory earned him a posi- owners, neighborhood groups and civic of the Massachusetts Association of School to serve on the board of selectmen, the young- tion as a legislative aide for Bob Durand at the organizations. Committee’s Central Massachusetts Divi- est person elected to that position. He was Statehouse. In the fall of 1997, Eldridge began Don Humason (R-Westfield) sion. She is on the board of directors for the re-elected to the board in 1998 and served as law school at Boston College. He served as Fourth Hampden District Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School vice chairman and chairman. president of the school’s major public inter- Montgomery and Westfield District’s Education Foundation. Statewide, In the world of business, Coughlin was est group for 2 years, expanding the group’s Don Humason is she represented nurses as a member of both president and co-founder of SportsAttire efforts to include committees on children’s a native and lifelong the MNA’s Congress on Health Policy & Inc., a technology company that supports rights, civil rights, criminal law, community resident of Westfield. Legislation and Cabinet on Legislation & the sports apparel industry. Currently, he economic development, and community Don graduated cum Government Affairs. She is also a former is a principal of a capital management firm service. In his second year at law school, he laude from Westfield delegate to the Central Massachusetts Labor and donates his time as a trustee at Deaconess managed then-state Rep. Pam Resor’s 1998 State College with a Council. Glover Hospital and Massachusetts Maritime re-election campaign. That same year, he also bachelor’s degree in Mike Costello (D-Amesbury) Academy. became vice-president of the re-energized criminal justice. His long First Essex District He and his wife Christine (Norton), own a Acton Conservation Trust, and assisted in history of community Amesbury, Newburyport, Salisbury home in the Oakdale section of Dedham. They the incorporation of the Household Goods public service includes: Mike Costello is a have two children, MaryKate and Paul. Recycling Ministry, Inc., a faith based non- member of Westfield cum laude graduate Christopher Donelan (D-Orange) profit that provides used furniture and Community Development Corporation; of Salem State College. Second Franklin District household goods to area low-income families. member of the Westfield Republican City He spent three years at Athol, Erving, Gill, Greenfield, Orange, Warwick He then served as a member of the board of Committee, chairman of Ward 2 Republican Salem State, organizing Chris Donelan, 38, was a police officer for directors. Committee; member of the Westfield River and implementing a 10 years, was a legislative aide for a year and In his final year of law school, Eldridge was Watershed Association; and former member program that resulted for the past six years was a probation officer elected chair of the Acton Democratic Town board of directors of the Greater Westfield in students par- for the commonwealth. He is currently a pro- Committee, and was asked by now-Sen. Pam Chamber of Commerce ticipating in building bation officer in charge of the Franklin County Resor to manage her re-election campaign. Humason’s professional experience desperately needed Community Corrections Center. James reached out to the entire district in includes: director of legislative affairs for the housing for some of He has been active in Democratic Politics orchestrating a grassroots effort that secured Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Page 6 Massachusetts Nurse March 2003 March 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 7

Human Services; chief of staff to Westfield’s Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley) of the emergency response team and honor the board of directors of the Massachusetts state Sen. Michael Knapik; legislative aide Fourteenth Norfolk District guard. He has been recognized with many Municipal Association, and spent three years to Knapik when he was in the House; and Natick - Pct. 1, Wellesley, Weston citations including Officer of the Year award on the Governor’s Local Government Advi- Massachusetts Trial Court security officer at Alice Peisch holds the from the Mothers Against Drunk Drivers sory Committee. Westfield District Court. position of town clerk “MADD.” He is married with one son and A resident of South Hadley for 22 years, Mark Howland (D-Freetown) of Wellesley. Having lives in East Sandwich. John and his wife Patricia are the parents of Twelfth Bristol District devoted considerable Jeffrey Sanchez (D-Boston) two grown children, Sarah and Peter. Freetown - Pct. 3, Lakeville - Pcts. 2, 3, Middle- time and effort to the Fifteenth Suffolk District Brian Wallace (D-Boston) borough - Pcts. 2, 4, New Bedford - Wd. 1, Pcts. education system in Boston - Wd. 10, Pcts. 1-9; Wd. 11, Pct. 1; Wd. Fourth Suffolk District F, G; Wd. 3, Pcts. A, B, C, D, E; Wd. 4, Pcts. D, Wellesley, Peisch is 19, Pcts. 1-5, 8, Brookline - Pcts. 5, 14 Boston - Wd. 6, Pcts. 1-9; Wd. 7, Pcts. 1-9; Wd. E, Taunton - Wd. 4, Pct. A dedicated to insuring Jeffrey Sanchez was 13, Pcts. 3, 6 While still in high adequate funding for raised in the Mission Brian Wallace has worked as an aide at school, Mark Howland education and persu- Main housing develop- the State House, on the Boston City Council started Environmental ing fair treatment for all ment from 1973-1990 and and as special assistant to Boston Mayor Ray Research Corps, earning students. A resident of Wellesley, she and her now is a homeowner in Flynn. A former probation officer in Brighton money on projects like husband have three children. Jamaica Plain. District Court, he also served as executive an Acushnet River pol- William “Smitty” Pignatelli (D-Lenox) Sanchez worked as a director of the South Boston Boys and Girls lution study. Howland Fourth Berkshire District personal financial man- Club. He worked as an adjunct professor graduated from South- Alford, Blandford, Chester, Egremont, Great agement advisor and as at UMass Boston and as a television sports eastern Massachusetts Barrington, Lee, Lenox, Monterey, Mount a residential counselor announcer. Brian is currently a published University with a degree Washington, New Marlborough, Otis, Pittsfield at a shelter for homeless author and his first bookFinal Confession has in biology. Mark worked - Wd. 5, Pct. B, Sandisfield, Sheffield, Stock- youth in San Diego, Calif. From 1995 to 2001 been optioned by Twentieth Century Fox and as a Teamster union employee for Fernandes bridge, Tolland, Tyringham, West Stockbridge he worked as a community liaison/policy is slated to be filmed in Boston this year. Supermarkets in the west end of New Bed- William “Smitty” advisor for Jamaica Plain/Mission Hill and Wallace graduated from Boston State Col- ford to pay for college, eventually becoming Pignatelli is a lifelong the Hispanic community and later became lege and Emerson College. He has been very a dairy manager. resident of Lenox and Director of Boston Census 2000 for Mayor active with many community organizations. His family, led by his sister Jane, still a graduate of the Lenox Thomas M. Menino. While director, his Wallace is married to Lauren and they have operates Howland Greenhouses, a business public schools. efforts were recognized as a very success- two boys, Brendan and Cullen. He and his founded by their parents over 50 years ago. Upon graduating ful local effort nationally documenting an family reside in South Boston. After college, Howland found work with from high school, Pig- increase in Boston’s population for the first Steve Walsh (D-Lynn) the New England Fisheries Steering Com- natelli became a licensed time in decades, therefore increasing the city’s Eleventh Essex District mittee. His small part-time office in the master electrician and for share of millions of dollars from the federal Lynn - Wd. 5, Pcts. 1, 2, 4; Wds. 6, 7 and 1970s grew to a full time office in the ‘80s, the next 20 years worked government. Sanchez is a former independent Nahant and into a regional presence and national in his family’s electrical consultant on community relations to the Steve Walsh grew exposure during the ‘90s has moved into the contracting business. For the past four years, superintendent of the Boston Public Schools up in Lynn and went international arena for the next millennium. Smitty has been the business development and Boston School Committee. He has proven through the public Three major EPA awards for merit and envi- manager for Lee Bank. While at the bank, he experience as an organizer in “hard to reach” school system, K-8. He ronmental technology, three trade missions attended Babson College School for Financial communities. graduated high school with two governors of Massachusetts and the Studies and graduated in 2001. (D-South Hadley) from St. John’s Prep. He speaker of the House, and a philosophy that Pignatelli was elected to the Lenox Plan- Second Hampshire District received a bachelor’s blends economic vitality with environmental ning Board in 1987 and served for five years. Easthampton, Hadley, South Hadley degree in government sense makes ERC a leader in its field. In 1992 he was elected to the Board of Select- John Scibak, 49, is a from Weslyan Univer- Howland’s dedication to public service men and is currently serving his fourth term graduate of the Uni- sity and is currently involved many years of service to local as the board’s chairman. He also served as versity of Notre Dame, attending evening boards in two towns in the past. He also was Berkshire County Commissioner. His com- where he received a classes at New England School of Law. elected as a selectman in Freetown. Bonnie munity involvement includes: serving on BA, MA and Ph.D. in Walsh worked at The American Repertory and Mark have a wonderful family with three the board of directors of the American Red Experimental Psychol- Theater at before leav- daughters. Cross and the Laurel Lake Preservation Asso- ogy. Beginning his career ing to become an intern funeral director at Barbara L’Italien (D-Andover) ciation. He also has been involved in many as an assistant professor Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home. He also was Eighteenth Essex District local organizations as well. of special education at the drama director at St. Mary’s Jr./Sr. High Andover - Pcts. 1, 7, 8, Boxford - Pct. 2, Jeffrey Davis Perry (R-Sandwich) Indiana University, John School. For the last six years he has served as Georgetown - Pct. 2, Haverhill - Wd. 2, Pcts. 1, Fifth Barnstable District assumed the position of executive director to LynnArts, Inc. 2; Wd. 5, Pct. 2; Wd. 7, Pct. 2, Methuen - Pct. Barnstable - Pcts. 10, 11, 12, Bourne - Pct. 4, Director of Psychology at Belchertown State Daniel Webster (R-Hanson) 7, North Andover - Pcts. 7,8 Mashpee - Pcts. 1, 3, Sandwich School in 1981. From 1985-1990, he was a Sixth Plymouth District Barbara L’Italien has Jeffrey Davis Perry, researcher and health care administrator in Duxbury - Pcts. 2, 3, 4, 5, Halifax - Pct. 2, extensive work expe- 38, was a police officer the rehabilitation field. Since 1990, John has Hanson, Pembroke rience in the field of and sergeant for seven been employed by the Sisters of Providence Daniel Webster is an attorney with the law geriatric social work. years and a small busi- Health System in Springfield, where he has firm of Webster, Nagle and Brown. He has She graduated from ness owner for eight. held positions as the director of research and been a Hanson selectman for five years, cur- Merrimack College with He obtained his college the director of corporate, foundation and gov- rently serving as chairman, and is the former a bachelors degree in degrees by paying his ernment grants. Most recently, John has been chairman of the town’s finance committee. political science. While own way and going to the vice president of planning for the health Other newly elected legislators are: in college, she was the night school. He gradu- system. In addition, he has been an adjunct Lewis Evangelidis (R-Holden) campaign office coor- ated from Curry College assistant professor and instructor at the Uni- First Worcester District dinator for Kevin Blanchette and a student with a bachelor’s degree versity of Massachusetts Amherst. Holden, Hubbardston, Oakham, Princeton, intern for the House Committee on Post Audit in sociology and as a member of the Alex- In the area of public service, John has been Rutland, Sterling – Pct. 1, Westminster and Oversight and the House Committee on ander Graham Bell Honor Society. He also an active volunteer within his community Public Service at the Statehouse. successfully completed an executive manage- over the past 21 years, having been involved William Lantigua (I-Lawrence) She is active in the Andover school system ment program sponsored by Babson College’s in youth sports, the local teen center, the Sixteenth Essex District serving on the school improvement council, School of Law Enforcement Executive Educa- council on aging and various non-profit Lawrence – Ward A, Precincts 2, 4; Wards B, C; PTO and the Support Our Schools Ballot Ini- tion and served in the Massachusetts National organizations and civic groups. He also has Ward D, Precincts 3, 4; Ward F, Precinct 3 tiative Committee. Barbara is also involved Guard. been a member of various committees and in many other community organizations: Since 1993, he has owned several small boards in South Hadley for the past 17 years, Michael Rush (D-Boston) the North Andover/Andover YMCA, St. businesses including Sandwich Variety, Inc. a including 12 years as an elected town meeting Tenth Suffolk District Augustine Parish in Andover, Girl Scouts convenience and package store located on member and 11 years on the South Hadley Boston – Ward 20, Precincts 3, 5-20, Brookline and the Andover/North Andover League of Route 6A in Sandwich, a private investiga- Board of Selectmen. During this time, John – Precincts 15, 16 Women Voters. tion firm in Bourne and a wholesale supply has also been active in the Massachusetts Married to Kevin Hall, the couple has company in Orlando, Fla. Perry also served as Selectmen’s Association, having served as Joyce Spiliotis (D-Peabody) four children, Rudy, Allie, Samantha and a police officer and sergeant for the Wareham the president of the organization in 1999. Twelfth Essex District Andrew. Police Department where he was a member In addition, John served for three years on Peabody n Page 8 Massachusetts Nurse March 2003 March 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 9 Contacting your state legislator – an updated list House Golden, Thomas A., Jr. Rep.ThomasGolden 722-2575 Peisch, Alice H. 722-2000 Name Email Phone Gomes, Shirley Rep.ShirleyGomes 722-2803 Perry, Jeffrey D. Rep.JeffreyPerry 722-2000 Asselin, Christopher P. Rep.ChristopherAsselin 722-2470 Grant, Mary E. Rep.MaryGrant 722-2000 Petersen, Douglas W. Rep.DouglasPetersen 722-2430 Atkins, Cory Rep.CoryAtkins 722-2080 Greene, William G., Jr. Rep.WilliamGreene 722-2030 Peterson, George N. Jr. Rep.GeorgePeterson 722-2100 Atsalis, Demetrius J. Rep.DemetriusAtsalis 722-2692 Haddad, Patricia A. Rep.PatriciaHaddad 722-2080 Petrolati, Thomas M. Rep.ThomasPetrolati 722-2255 Ayers, Bruce J. Rep.BruceAyers 722-2090 Hall, Geoffrey D. Rep.GeoffreyHall 722-2320 Petruccelli, Anthony Rep.AnthonyPetruccelli 722-2900 Balser, Ruth B. Rep.RuthBalser 722-2400 Hargraves, Robert S. Rep.RobertHargraves 722-2305 Pignatelli, Smitty 722-2000 Binienda, John J. Rep.JohnBinienda 722-2090 Harkins, Lida E. Rep.LidaHarkins 722-2300 Poirier, Elizabeth A. Rep.ElizabethPoirier 722-2976 Blumer, Deborah D. Rep.DeborahBlumer 722-2400 Hill, Bradford Rep.Brad.Hill 722-2489 Polito, Karyn E. Rep.KarynPolito 722-2460 Bosley, Daniel E. Rep.DanielBosley 722-2120 Hillman, Reed V. Rep.ReedHillman 722-2256 Pope, Susan W. Rep.SusanPope 722-2305 Bradley, Garrett J. Rep.GarrettBradley 722-2120 Honan, Kevin G. Rep.KevinHonan 722-2692 Quinn, John F. Rep.JohnQuinn 722-2370 Broadhurst, Arthur J. Rep.ArthurBroadhurst 722-2263 Howland, Mark A. 722-2000 Reinstein, Kathi-Anne Rep.KathiAnneReinstein 722-2430 Brown, Scott P. Rep.ScottBrown 722-2305 Humason, Donald F. Jr. 722-2000 Rivera, Cheryl A. Rep.CherylRivera 722-2090 Buoniconti, Stephen J. Rep.StephenBuoniconti 722-2060 Hynes, Frank M. Rep.FrankHynes 722-2552 Rodrigues, Michael J. Rep.MichaelRodrigues 722-2030 Cabral, Antonio F. D. Rep.AntonioCabral 722-2140 Jehlen, Patricia D. Rep.PatriciaJehlen 722-2676 Rogeness, Mary S. Rep.MaryRogeness 722-2100 Callahan, Jennifer M. Rep.JenniferCallahan 722-2000 Jones, Bradley H., Jr. Rep.BradleyJones 722-2100 Rogers, John H. [email protected] 722-2990 Canavan, Christine E. Rep.ChristineCanavan 722-2320 Kafka, Louis L. Rep.LouisKafka 722-2305 Ruane, J. Michael 722-2380 Candaras, Gale D. Rep.GaleCandara 722-2040 Kane, Michael F. Rep.MichaelKane 722-2400 Rush, Michael F. 722-2000 Carron, Mark J. Rep.MarkCarron 722-2060 Kaprielian, Rachel Rep.RachelKaprielian 722-2220 Rushing, Byron Rep.ByronRushing 722-2637 Casey, Paul C. Rep.PaulCasey 722-2430 Kaufman, Jay R. Rep.JayKaufman 722-2552 Sanchez, Jeffrey 722-2000 Ciampa, Vincent P. Rep.VincentCiampa 722-2120 Keenan, Daniel F. Rep.DanielKeenan 722-2220 Scaccia, Angelo M. Rep.AngeloScaccia 722-2692 Connolly, Edward G. Rep.EdwardConnolly 722-2692 Kelly, Shaun P. Rep.ShaunKelly 722-2240 Scibak, John W. Rep.JohnScibak 722-2000 Coppola, Michael J. Rep.MichaelCoppola 722-2090 Kennedy, Thomas P. Rep.ThomasKennedy 722-2012 Simmons, Mary Jane Rep.MaryJaneSimmons 722-2400 Correia, Robert Rep.RobertCorreia 722-2810 Khan, Kay Rep.KayKhan 722-2140 Smizik, Frank Israel Rep.FrankSmizik 722-2060 Costello, Michael A. 722-2000 Knuuttila, Brian Rep.BrianKnuuttila 722-2692 Speliotis, Theodore C. Rep.TheodoreSpeliotis 722-2380 Coughlin, Robert K. Rep.RobertCoughlin 722-2000 Kocot, Peter V. Rep.PeterKocot 722-2575 Spellane, Robert P. Rep.RobertSpellane 722-2370 Creedon, Geraldine Rep.GeraldineCreedon 722-2575 Koczera, Robert M. Rep.RobertKoczera 722-2210 Spiliotis, Joyce A. Rep.JoyceSpiliotis 722-2000 DeLeo, Robert A. Rep.RobertDeLeo 722-2410 Koutoujian, Peter J. Rep.PeterKoutoujian 722-2582 Spilka, Karen Rep.KarenSpilka 722-2460 deMacedo,Viriato Rep.VinnyDemacedo 722-2090 Kujawski, Paul Rep.PaulKujawski 722-2960 Stanley, Harriett L. Rep.HarriettStanley 722-2130 Demakis, Paul C. Rep.PaulDemakis 722-2460 Kulik, Stephen Rep.StephenKulik 722-2210 Stanley, Thomas M. Rep.ThomasStanley 722-2575 Dempsey, Brian S. Rep.BrianDempsey 722-2240 L’Italien, Barbara A. 722-2000 St. Fleur, Marie P. Rep.MarieSt.Fleur 722-2060 DiMasi, Salvatore F. Rep.SalvatorDiMasi 722-2600 Lantigua, William Rep.WilliamLantigua 722-2000 Story, Ellen Rep.EllenStory 722-2692 Donato, Paul J. Rep.PaulDonato 722-2460 Larkin, Peter J. Rep.PeterLarkin 722-2070 Straus, William M. Rep.WilliamStraus 722-2263 Donelan, Christopher Rep.ChristopherDonelan 722-2000 Leary, James Brendan Rep.JamesLeary 722-2230 Sullivan, David B. Rep.DavidSullivan 722-2460 Donovan, Carol A. Rep.CarolDonovan 722-2240 LeDuc, Stephen P. Rep.StephenLeDuc 722-2575 Swan, Benjamin Rep.BenjaminSwan 722-2692 Eldridge, James B. 722-2000 Lepper, John A. Rep.JohnLepper 722-2100 Teahan, Kathleen M. Rep.KathleenTeahan 722-2130 Evangelidis, Lewis G. 722-2000 Linsky, David P. Rep.DavidLinsky 722-2210 Timilty, Walter F. Rep.WalterTimilty 722-2692 Fagan, James H. Rep.JamesFagan 722-2575 Loscocco, Paul J. Rep.PaulLoscocco 722-2460 Tobin, A. Stephen Rep.AStephenTobin 722-2900 Fallon, Christopher G. Rep.ChristopherFallon 722-2396 Malia, Elizabeth A. Rep.LizMalia 722-2090 Toomey, Timothy J., Jr. Rep.TimothyToomey 722-2230 Falzone, Mark V. Rep.MarkFalzone 722-2575 Mariano, Ronald Rep.RonaldMariano 722-2220 Torrisi, David M. Rep.DavidTorrisi 722-2396 Fennell, Robert F. Rep.RobertFennel 722-2470 Marzilli, J. James, Jr. Rep.JamesMarzilli 722-2460 Travis, Philip Rep.PhilipTravis 722-2430 Festa, Michael E. Rep.MikeFesta 722-2210 Miceli, James R. Rep.JamesMiceli 722-2582 Turkington, Eric Rep.EricTurkington 722-2210 Finegold, Barry R. Rep.BarryFinegold 722-2240 Murphy, Charles A. Rep.CharlesMurphy 722-2900 Vallee, James E. Rep.JamesVallee 722-2575 Finneran, Thomas M. 722-2500 Murphy, James M. Rep.JamesMurphy 722-2396 Verga, Anthony J. Rep.AnthonyVerga 722-2400 Flynn, David L. Rep.DavidFlynn 722-2017 Murphy, Kevin J. Rep.KevinMurphy 722-2230 Wagner, Joseph F. Rep.JosephWagner 722-2080 Fox, Gloria L. Rep.GloriaFox 722-2692 Nangle, David M. Rep.DavidNangle 722-2960 Wallace, Brian P. Rep.BrianWallace 722-2000 Fresolo, John P. Rep.JohnFresolo 722-2430 Naughton, Harold P., Jr. Rep.HaroldNaughton 722-2396 Walrath, Patricia A. Rep.PatriciaWalrath 722-2180 Frost, Paul K. Rep.PaulFrost 722-2487 Nyman, Robert J. Rep.RobertNyman 722-2582 Walsh, Martin J. Rep.MartinWalsh 722-2188 Galvin, William C. Rep.WilliamGalvin 722-2380 O’Brien, Thomas J. Rep.ThomasOBrien 722-2120 Walsh, Steven M. Rep.StevenWalsh 722-2000 Garry, Colleen M. Rep.ColleenGarry 722-2060 O’Flaherty, Eugene L. Rep.GeneOFlaherty 722-2370 Webster, Daniel K. Rep.DanielWebster 722-2000 George, Thomas N. Rep.ThomasGeorge 722-2487 Owens-Hicks, Shirley 722-2256 Wolf, Alice K. Rep.AliceWolf 722-2070 Parente, Marie J. Rep.MarieParente 722-2017 Gifford, Susan W. Rep.SusanGifford 722-2000 Address: Statehouse, Boston, MA 02133 Patrick, Matthew Rep.MatthewPatrick 722-2582 Gobi, Anne M. Rep.AnneGobi 722-2575 Phone: Area code is 617 Goguen, Emile J. Rep.EmileGoguen 722-2400 Paulsen, Anne M. Rep.AnnePaulsen 722-2140 House email: add @house.state.ma.us Golden, Brian Paul Rep.BrianGolden 722-2070 Pedone, Vincent A. Rep.VincentPedone 722-2090 Senate email: add @senate.state.ma.us Senate Name Email Phone Cheryl A. Jacques CJacques 722-1555 Marc R. Pacheco MPacheco 722-1551 Robert A. Antonioni RAntonio 722-1230 Brian A. Joyce BJoyce 722-1643 Steven C. Panagiotakos SPanagio 722-1630 Steven A. Baddour SBaddour 722-1604 Michael R. Knapik MKnapik 722-1415 Pamela P. Resor PResor 722-1120 Jarrett T. Barrios JBarrios 722-1650 Brian P. Lees BLees 722-1291 Stanley C. Rosenberg Sen.StanRosenberg 722-1532 Frederick E. Berry FBerry 722-1410 Thomas M. McGee TMcGee 722-1350 Charles E. Shannon, Jr. CShannon 722-1578 Stephen M. Brewer SBrewer 722-1540 David P. Magnani DMagnani 722-1640 Jo Ann Sprague JSprague 722-1222 Harriette L. Chandler HChandle 722-1544 Linda J. Melconian LMelconi 722-1660 Bruce E. Tarr BTarr 722-1600 Robert S. Creedon, Jr. RCreedon 722-1200 Joan M. Menard JMenard 722-1114 Richard R. Tisei RTisei 722-1206 Cynthia Stone Creem CCreem 722-1639 Mark C. Montigny MMontign 722-1440 Steven A. Tolman STolman 722-1280 Susan C. Fargo SFargo 722-1572 Richard T. Moore RMoore 722-1420 Senate President Guy William Glodis GGlodis 722-1485 Michael W. Morrissey MMorriss 722-1494 Robert E. Travaglini RTravagl 722-1500 John A. Hart, Jr. JHart 722-1150 Therese Murray TMurray 722-1481 Susan C. Tucker STucker 722-1612 Robert A. Havern RHavern 722-1432 Andrea F. Nuciforo, Jr. ANucifor 722-1625 Marian Walsh MWalsh 722-1348 Robert L. Hedlund RHedlund 722-1646 Robert O’Leary ROleary 722-1570 Dianne Wilkerson DWilkers 722-1673 Page 8 Massachusetts Nurse March 2003 March 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 9

MNA election dates Consent to Serve for the March 15 Deadline for consent to serve forms for preliminary ballot Massachusetts Nurses Association 2003 Elections June 15 Deadline for consent to serve forms for final ballot I am interested in active participation in the Massachusetts Nurses Association Sept. 1 Ballots to be mailed Sept. 20 Deadline for ballot return Oct. 1 Ballots to be counted MNA General Election  President, General* (1 for 2 years)  Nominations Committee, (5 for 2 years) [1 per district] District 1, MNA 23rd Annual  Secretary, General* (1 for 2 years) q Bylaws Committee (5 for 2 years) [1 per district] Legislative Breakfast  District Director, Labor* (5 for two years) [1 per district] q Congress on Nursing Practice (6 for 2 years) Single Payer: Solution  Director At-Large, General* (3 for 2 years) q Congress on Health Policy & Legislation (6 for 2 years)  Director At-Large, Labor* (4 for 2 years) q Congress on Health & Safety (6 for 2 years) to the Healthcare Crisis  Labor Program Member* (1 for 2 years) q Center for Nursing Ethics & Human Rights (2 for 2 years) a panel discussion featuring: *General means an MNA member in good standing and does not have to be a member of the Labor Program Labor means an MNA member in good  Suzanne Gordon, columnist, author of standing who is also a labor program member. Labor Program Member means a non-RN Healthcare Professional who is a member in good standing of the From Silence to Voice and Life Support: labor program. Three Nurses on the Front Lines Please type or print — Do not abbreviate  Peggy O’Malley RN, Executive Director Name & credentials ______of MASS-CARE, statewide coalition for (as you wish them to appear in candidate biography) single payer reform  Jean Dillard RN, health care activist Work Title ______Employer ______ Health care providers who have worked in both Canadian and U.S. MNA Membership Number______MNA District______hospitals Saturday, April 5 Address ______9 a.m. to noon The Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House Cfty______State ______Zip ______500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke This is your annual opportunity to meet with Western Mass. legislators and nursing Home Phone ______Work Phone ______colleagues to discuss current health care issues while enjoying a delicious buffet Educational Preparation breakfast. School Degree Year  2.4 continuing education contact hours  Mark the date and send in your reserva- tion TODAY!  Invite a colleague.  Write your legislator and tell him/her Present Offices/Association Activities (Congress, Committee, Unit, etc.) you will be there! MNA District  For more information call the District 1 office at (413) 584-4607 or email: [email protected] The breakfast is $10 for District 1 members, $5 for students and $20 for non-members. Register early as seating is limited. Regis- tration deadline is March 25. Make check payable to: District 1, MNA, 243 King Past Offices/Association Activities (Congress, Committee, Unit, etc.)Past 5 years only. Street, Northampton, MA 01060 MNA District Directions to the Log Cabin: From the North: Route 91 south to Exit 17 to Route 141 west (towards Easthampton). The Log Cabin is two miles ahead on the left. From the South: Route 91 North to Exit 17B (Rte. 141 West). The Log Cabin is two Candidates may submit a typed statement not to exceed 250 words for president and vice president and 150 words for all other miles ahead on the left. From the Mass. candidates. Briefly state your personal views on health care, nursing and current issues including, if elected, what your major Pike: Take Exit 4 (West Springfield) to I-91 contribution(s) would be to the MNA and in particular to the position which you seek. This statement will be used in the candidate North. Take Exit 17B (Rte. 141 West). The biography which will be printed in the Mass Nurse. Statements, if used, must be submitted with this consent to serve form. Log Cabin is two miles ahead on the left. This activity is provided by the Massachusetts Nurses Association. The Massachusetts Nurses Signature of Member Signature of Nominator (leave blank if self-nomination) Association is accredited as a provider of con- tinuing nursing education by the American Postmarked Deadline: Preliminary Ballot: March 15, 2003 Return To: Nominations and Elections Committee Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Final Ballot: June 15, 2003 Massachusetts Nurses Association Accreditation. To successfully complete this 340 Turnpike Street, Canton, MA 02021 program and receive contact hours you must: 1) sign in, 2) be present for the entire time period of the session and 3) complete the evaluation. • Hand delivery of material must be to the MNA staff person for Nominations and Elections Committee only. • Expect a letter of acknowledgment (call by July 30 if none is received) • Retain a copy of this form for your records. • Form also available on MNA Web site: www.massnurses.org Page 10 Massachusetts Nurse March 2003 March 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 11 Learning, networking & sharing strategies More than 100 local bargaining unit leaders representing the majority of facilities represented by the MNA across the commonwealth came together for an historic “Chairs Assembly” meeting in Marlborough — an opportunity for nurses to learn, network, share strategies and plan for the future.

Bill Fyfe, Unit 7 chairperson

Paul McCarthy, acclaimed union consultant and organizer and former director of the MNA labor program, makes his presentation. MNA President Karen Higgins

Helen Gillam, Pembroke Hospital

Kim O’Connor, Cooley Dickinson Hospital

Participants give a standing ovation to Helen Gillam of Pembroke Hospital.

From left, Steve Robins, Ron Jacobs, Stephanie Stevens.

Connie Hunter Therese Robishaw of Nantucket Cottage Hospital. Page 10 Massachusetts Nurse March 2003 March 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 11

…Chairs Assembly

From Page 1 with creating many of the conditions that led when the audience heard of the result, they for developing alliances with community address those issues to stimulate discussion to the current shortage of nurses. gave Hunter and Watts a rousing ovation. groups in the region to work on projects to and information sharing among the partici- Hunter and Watts of Newton Wellesley O’Connor described recent overtures by improve the health care of the region. pants. Hospital told of efforts by their hospital to Cooley Dickinson Hospital to meet with the change the job descriptions of their PCAs to union and other caregivers in the institution Pembroke Hospital nurse appeals Warning issued on privatization allow them to take on nursing tasks, such as to develop an “alternative model of care” at for help in winning union rights Bill Fyfe, newly elected chairperson for removing urinary catheters and even doing the hospital. Helen Gillam, a long-time nurse and orga- Unit 7, the MNA’s public sector unit of some patient teaching to new mothers. The The nurses at Cooley Dickinson Hospital nizer of an effort to win union rights for the health care professionals employed by the nurses told of a concerted and successful are just beginning the process and will be nurses at Pembroke Hospital, a private psy- commonwealth, described the impact of campaign by the nurses’ union to fight and working with the MNA to develop a strategy chiatric hospital owned by one the nation’s ensuing budget cuts on patients and public eventually stop the plan before it could be to deal with the situation. largest for-profit hospital chains, spoke sector workers. Specifically, he discussed implemented. The MNA’s official position on “models of passionately and powerfully of the nurses’ anticipated efforts by the Romney adminis- First, the nurses gathered information care” is that there is only one that works and 13-month struggle to win a union election at tration to gut the Pacheco privatization bill, about the plan, as well as research and docu- only one worth considering, and that is the the facility (see related story on Page xx). She legislation sponsored by Sen. Marc Pacheco mentation of nursing practice regulations that model embodied in MNA’s Quality Patient told of intensive abuse and union-busting in 1994 to stop the state from privatizing state prohibit such practices. Next, they conducted Care/Safe Staffing legislation. The model strategies employed by the hospital and of services without first proving those privati- open meetings with the nurses in the bargain- calls for a safe nurse-to-patient ratio on each the nurses courageous and arduous struggle zations would indeed save money, and that ing unit to present the information they had unit (1 to 4 on medical/surgical floors, 1 to to have their union ballots, cast on June 13, the level of services to clients would not be collected, to inform them of what the hospital 2 on critical care, etc.) with the ratios to be 2002, finally counted. compromised. The legislation helped prevent wanted to do, and to seek their support and improved based on patient acuity. She had called upon the leaders in atten- a number of misguided attempts to privatize participation in a campaign to prevent it from dance to mobilize support for their cause efficient and effective state services. being implemented. The power of alliances by attending a candlelight vigil on Feb. 20. The MNA anticipates a strong push from This was followed by the circulation of a Jeanine Hickey of Merrimack Valley Hos- Gillam received a long and loud standing the state to weaken the Pacheco bill to save petition throughout the hospital, asking the pital in Haverhill and Jeanine Cunningham ovation from the audience who received a money in these tough economic times. Fyfe nurses to sign on in opposition to the plan. of Anna Jacques Hospital in Newburyport poignant reminder of what the meeting was urged all MNA members to be aware of this More than 95 percent of the nurses signed briefed the gathering on efforts by nurses all about. trend and to respond when notified to rally, the petitions. in bargaining units from throughout Essex lobby and support MNA efforts to fight any As this was going on, the nurses’ bargain- County and the North Shore to come together Goals for the future changes to this valuable legislation. ing committee had commenced negotiations to form their own regional “alliance” of In the afternoon, the audience broke up into with management over their new contract. nurses to work together to support contract working groups to discuss and identify goals, Fighting attempts to replace RNs They presented a proposal that would prevent issues as well as legislative and general health objectives and needed resources for the MNA Connie Hunter and Nora Watts of Newton the hospital from assigning any duties cur- care concerns for their region. labor program to grow and succeed over the Wellesley Hospital and Kim O’Connor of rently performed by the nurses to other types The coalition is now represented by next five years. Cooley Dickinson Hospital discussed attempts of staff. At one of the sessions, they brought nurses from Merrimack Valley Hospital, A number of ideas were generated and at their hospitals to change the model of care the petitions to management and informed Anna Jacques Hospital, Lawrence General shared. This information was collected and delivery, specifically the threat of replacing them they had a week to inform the nurses Hospital and Northeast Health Systems. will be presented to the MNA Board of nurses with unlicensed personnel. that the program would be stopped before The group has been meeting on a monthly Directors, who will be charged with devel- The strategy by hospital administrators to the nurses would take the issue to the public basis, has mobilized nurses to support job oping a comprehensive budget and plan of deal with shortages of nurses by trying to find and the media. actions at their respective facilities when implementation. Some of the common ideas means of doing without registered nurses is a Ultimately, management responded with a called upon, and is now planning a legislative generated included improved technology via common one employed in almost every short- letter committing to stop implementation of event to help educated nurses and legislators the web and other means for union leaders age. It was tried in the late ’80s and early ’90s the program and with a commitment to meet in their region of the need to pass the MNA’s to share information; contract language and to deal with the last shortage with devastating with the union before any future actions were safe staffing bill. ideas; better support for chairs and co-chairs results for the quality of patient care wherever contemplated. Future plans call for building bridges with in carrying out their work for the union; simi- it was attempted. It has also been credited It was a true victory for the nurses, and non-unionized nurses at area hospitals, and lar meetings held more often throughout the year. n

…Romney

From Page 1 legislature and with allies in the health care were threatened by these cuts. children out of more expensive special needs 50,000 seniors who were to lose access to advocacy community to raise awareness of In Newton, two public health nurses have programs. They are the state’s best investment MassHealth, is planning to make more cuts the impact of these cuts on patients and com- been laid off as a result of these cuts in a of our health care dollars, but this is where the in the Medicaid program, and to increase munities and to mobilize support to restore system where nurses were already overbur- governor chose to cut first,” Pinkham said. drug costs for seniors at a time when seniors funding to these programs. dened and over extended. In Framingham, The governor is also slashing budgets in the are having to choose between paying for food “The governor has just broken his promise which has a large immigrant population, Departments of Mental Health and Mental or their prescription drugs. to not cut core services,” said Julie Pinkham, there are many students who would not get to Retardation, programs that have already The governor is cutting some of the states MNA executive director. “Health care is not school if it was not for the presence of a school undergone years of cuts and where patients most successful and nationally recognized only a core service, it is a safety net, a matter of nurse. According to Marcia Buckminster, the and clients are suffering from a chronic lack public health programs to prevent AIDs, life and death for vulnerable children, senior director of Framingham’s school health pro- of appropriate care. hepatitis C, to stop smoking, reduce teen citizens, mentally ill and mentally retarded gram, that city’s hospital is a for-profit entity “Our mental health system has been in pregnancy and screen for and provide early citizens. The government has taken an axe which only offers emergency services to the shambles for years. We have mentally ill detection for a number of types of cancer. “As to those programs focusing on prevention of uninsured. They do not have a community patients roaming the streets or being boarded nurses, we know the value of prevention and illness and basic care to these populations, based clinic in town and many of their pedia- for days in hospital emergency rooms because the positive impact it has on people, and on which will only result in these people suf- tricians will not see uninsured children. The we lack beds and staff to care for them. We preventing more expensive health care treat- fering more serious complications requiring Children's Medical Security Plan has a long have dangerous patients being housed with ments,” said Pinkham. more costly care.” waiting list and MassHealth is also being cut. geriatric and pediatric patients in hospitals The MNA believes the time for budget Among his cuts is the elimination of signifi- The school nurses initiated a nurse-managed for lack of proper resources to care for them. cutting is over and the time for revenue cant funding for the state’s highly successful health center in a school in the part of town We have nurses being physically beaten and generation has arrived. “The health care Enhanced School Health program that funds that has the neediest population. Absentee- assaulted on a regular basis because of a safety net is not only frayed, it is in tatters, school nurses and school nurses in cities ism has dropped and children are able to lack security and resources to take care of and there is no room for further assaults on and towns with children lacking access to be treated on site by the nurse practitioner. violent patients. The system is in crisis, yet our health care system. As nurses, we have adequate health care. Immediately follow- They were about to open the same model at this Governor wants to gut these programs seen the human toll our lack of investment ing announcement of the cuts, school nurses the high school before the devastating news more. It shows a lack of understanding for in health care has taken. It’s time to invest in across the state began receiving layoff notices; of the cuts came. the needs of the mentally ill in this state,” the well being of our citizens, not to support and school-based clinics, in many communi- “School health programs prevent illness, Pinkham said. draconian policies that will harm them,” said ties the only source of health care for children, they keep kids in schools, and help keep some The governor, who pledged to protect the Pinkham. n Page 12 Massachusetts Nurse March 2003 March 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 13 Toxic cleaning chemicals replaced with those that are safer for all By Evelyn I. Bain, M Ed, RN, COHN-S not have any labels.) At annual safety train- area.” Yet the areas where the products were As MNA members learned more about Associate Director/Coordinator, MNA ing programs, they had learned that Material being used had no windows. The air coming these cleaning chemicals they wanted others Occupational Safety and Health Program Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) contained infor- out of the vents in the walls did not seem to to have this information. They worked with MNA members, in hospitals and health mation about health effects of chemicals change when the housekeepers arrived with Health Care Without Harm to develop the care settings across the state, are beginning used in the workplace. They hunted down their spray containers and buffing machines. Fact Sheet on Cleaning Chemicals (HCWH) to see toxic environmental cleaning chemicals the MSDS for the environmental cleaning So this product was not being used according that also accompanies this article. The fact replaced with products that are safer for all chemicals. The nurses found the section about to the manufacturers directions. sheet has been distributed locally and at sev- those working in the health care industry as Hazards Identification and learned that many MNA members called the Massachusetts eral national meetings and can be obtained at well as patients and the environment. the HCWH website www.noharm.org. Recently the Cape Cod Times published the The issue of toxic environmental cleaning article, “Island hospital gets rid of antiseptic chemicals causing adverse health effects in smell,” describing changes in environmental To receive the form for confidential asthma reporting healthcare and other workers, and probably cleaning chemicals identified as toxic to the for occupational disease and injury, contact Evie Bain patients, is far from being resolved. Yet every environment. (The story is reprinted below.) day now, more is being learned, more changes Many of these chemicals have been identi- at 781-830-5776 or [email protected], or download the are taking place, and thanks to groups like the fied as toxic to human health as well. Deirdre Imus Foundation and the members of For the past few years, nurses have been form from the Department of Public Health web site at the MNA Congress on Health and Safety, the aware that headaches, burning eyes, coughing www.state.ma.us/dph/bhsre/ohsp/ohsp.htm concern is taking a very positive turn and the and even asthma symptoms that happened need to eliminate toxic chemicals and replace at work seemed to be somehow related to them with products safer for health and the what was happening with the housekeep- environment is being understood. n ers. Nurses began to notice that as these of the symptoms they were having were noted Department of Health, Occupational Safety very hard-working people were spraying or on the MSDS. They also went on the internet and Health Program (OSHP) to see if there Some bouquets buffing or polishing the floors and counter- to learn more. was information that would help them tops, their eyes would burn, their coughing Nurses learned that a product frequently understand more about these chemicals. They — and thanks would begin and their headaches might used in many hospitals to strip the wax from learned the OSHP was studying Occupational Sometimes it takes an outsider, someone with a even start. After some nurses developed the floor could cause central nervous system Asthma as part of a grant from the National keen eye for things that really matter, to put in asthma and several of their co-workers had effects of headache, dizziness and nausea and Institute for Occupational Safety and Health perspective the motions and emotions nurses go experienced anaphylaxis, they begin to hunt respiratory effects of coughing, wheezing and (NIOSH). The study was finding that envi- through every day. The following is excerpted for answers. shortness of breath. The vapors and mists ronmental cleaning chemicals were a major from the Cape Cod Times, Dec. 29, 2002. It How could they learn more about these could produce symptoms of burning, tearing, cause of work related asthma in health care is used with permission. cleaning products? Nurses looked at the redness and pain in their eyes. On a scale of 1 and other workers. Some of that information labels on the containers that the housekeepers to 4 (4 being the most toxic), the product had is presented here in the article Work-Related By Dan McCullough used and learned the names of the products. a rating of 3. The MSDS said that the prod- Asthma Cases - Massachusetts SENSOR With New Year’s Eve coming the day after (They also noticed that some containers did uct should only be used “in a well ventilated 1993-2001. tomorrow, it’s time for the annual awards for the past year, a long-standing tradition in this space at this time, and an opportu- Island hospital gets rid of antiseptic smell nity for me to thank a few people. This year the “Angels on Earth” Award By Robin Lord in children. The state Department of Public Health sets goes to the nursing staffs of our two hos- Cape Cod Times Imus and staff members of her center vis- standards for infection control and steriliza- pitals, Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Martha’s Vineyard Hospital has gone ited Martha’s Vineyard Hospital in November tion, according to spokeswoman Roseanne Hospital. Who could begin to tally the good green. to discuss the possibility of changing the Pawelec. that you do in the course of a year? What Shortly before Christmas, the island’s cleaning regimen. One month later, the switch But, it makes no demands on the way insti- measurement could a person take of your largest health-care facility dumped most of had taken place. tutions achieve those standards, she said. healing behavior, of your kind and gentle its toxic cleaning chemicals in favor of envi- “Cleaning products are among the most “We applaud them for taking on environ- ministrations. ronmentally friendly products. hazardous chemicals you will find in your mentally friendly products, but it doesn’t While the rest of us sleep unconcerned, Hospital cleaners have gone from using home or office,” said Imus during a telephone mean anything to us, as long as they meet you are walking the darkened hospital about 15 cleaning products laced with chlo- interview from her 4,000-acre all organic, veg- those standards,” she said. corridors, aware of the sick and some- rine, ammonia and other strong chemicals, to etarian and eco-friendly New Mexico cattle Staff members are excited about having a times sleepless patients in your care. A six nontoxic products. ranch, which she and her husband established safer environment at the 40-bed hospital for light goes on here and you jump to your Windemere Nursing and Rehabilitation five years ago as a retreat for children with them, as well as patients, lead housekeeper feet, a machine beeps over there, and you Center in Oaks Bluffs, which is associated cancer. Denise Brouillette said. are on your way to a patient’s side, arriv- with the hospital, will make the change this “It doesn’t make sense to expose sick kids Some are having a hard time believing the ing in seconds. month. to toxins.” green products clean as well, because they Sometimes, however, there are no lights, “If you think of all the hospitals in the Imus said she suggested the change at the associate clean with strong chemical smells, no beeps, but you are nonetheless sum- world that should be pursuing the green Hackensack facility when she saw the irony she said. moned to the aid of a patient by the silent agenda, it’s this one,” said Michael Dutton, of treating cancer patients in an environment “We had a foam tile cleaner and you basi- signal of fear you see in a patient’s eyes, chief development officer at the hospital. “We that was circulating chemicals – from floor cally had to leave the room after you used it, the despair you sense in the slump of the have Vineyard Haven Harbor on one side, the cleaners to laundry detergents. Ferguson it was so strong, she said. shoulders, the loneliness you sense in the lagoon and the ocean on the other. It’s sort of jumped at the idea. Hospital officials have placed fliers in pronunciation of a syllable. a natural for us.” “Within five minutes, he said ‘this makes so rooms to inform patients of the change, tell- These are the signals you can read that Hospital board of directors chairman John much sense, let’s start today’,” she said. ing them to expect a less pungent, faint citrus make you a nurse, that make you the Ferguson was the one who proposed the idea Imus’ Center provided cleaning products to smell in their rooms. professional that you are. Anyone can be to hospital CEO Tim Walsh. Ferguson, who the Oak Bluffs hospital. Most of the products While there is an initial expense of the dis- trained to answer a machine or a light. Only is CEO at Hackensack University Medical they use are made by the Clean Environment pensers, bottles and products, Dutton expects super-humans such as you can see pain, Center in Hackensack, N.J. made his facility Co. in Lincoln, Nebraska. They do not con- the overall cost to be equal to or slightly less loneliness and anguish in the wordless — the sixth largest hospital in the country — tain ammonia, chlorine or chlorine solvents, than before the change. body language of the ill. the first in the nation to use environmentally phosphates or manmade chemicals. Imus claimed at Hackensack there was Sharing the award with the hospital friendly cleaning products in March 2001. There are also no petroleum-based chemi- an 11 percent drop in the cost of cleaning in nurses will be the visiting nurses, hospice He was convinced of the value of a chemi- cals in the products, according to Imus. the first year. Now the facility is seeing a 15 nurses, nurses in long-term care facilities, cal-free hospital environment by Deirdre The only chemical for which there is cur- percent reduction, she said. and home health care nurses and aides who Imus, wife of radio personality Don Imus, rently no substitution is a substance that kills In addition to the two hospitals, several work with so many other people in so many who established the Deirdre Imus Environ- tuberculosis germs. schools, health clubs and nursing homes are other venues. Each of you, in your work as mental Center for Pediatric Oncology at the So the hospital will continue to use a chemi- consulting with the Imus Center. n a nurse, is at the very center of the essence Hackensack Medical Center. cal solvent to kill germs that cause the lung — Cape Cod Times of the human experience. How God must Her mission is to find ways to prevent disease until an environmentally-safe version Jan. 4, 2003 love you; how so very much God must environmental causes of cancer, particularly is developed, Dutton said. Reprinted with permission love you. n Page 12 Massachusetts Nurse March 2003 March 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 13 Fact Sheet/Cleaning chemical use in hospitals Chemical use in hospitals contributes to nols, and bleach are registered with the EPA as particulate matter becomes aerosolized and poor air quality and has been implicated in the as pesticides. These toxic chemicals are used Work-related asthma: suspends in the breathing zone of operators increase of worker respiratory ailments such for routine cleaning on every surface in the Top 10 causing agents and building occupants. Spray bottles should as asthma and Reactive Airway Dysfunction hospital environment. Health effects from The most commonly reported asthma- be replaced with a pour and wipe applica- Syndrome (RADS). Exposure to and contact long-term exposure to quaternary ammonium causing agent was “indoor air pollutants,” tion process. Floor burnishers and buffers with cleaning chemicals can also cause eye, compounds include occupational asthma and which were cited most frequently by should have an enclosed system with a filter nose and throat irritation, skin rashes, head- hypersensitivity syndrome.5, 6 nurses, teachers and office workers with (scrubber) to capture chemical vapors and aches, dizziness, nausea and sensitization. work-related asthma. Of the 65 cases particulate matter that is generated during According to the Massachusetts Department Floor stripping, polishing chemicals reporting that their asthma was associ- the burnishing process. These changes will of Public Health (DPH), the most commonly Floor strippers contain chemicals that ated with exposure to cleaning materials, contribute to the reduction of the aerosol reported occupational asthma-causing agent can seriously harm the user and may also the second most frequently reported agent, concentration of these cleaning chemicals and is poor indoor air quality. affect the building occupants. Chemicals 26 (40%) were employed as health care their by-products. These changes decrease air Good air quality results in an environment in these products include diethylene glycol workers. Latex fell from the third most contamination and contribute to improved where workers feel healthy and comfortable ethyl ether, aliphatic petroleum distillates frequently reported asthma causing agent indoor air quality and the health and comfort and as a result, are more productive. This and nonylphenol ethoxylate, ethanolamine in the last SENSOR data summary (1993- of all the building inhabitants. decreases both costs and liabilities. Adequate (a known sensitizer), butoxyethanol, and 1998) to the fifth, possibly reflecting a shift ventilation in relation to environmental clean- sodium hydroxide (lye). among glove users toward non-powdered Resources ing products and processes is a major factor Health care workers and others exposed or non-latex gloves. The following articles and guidelines will in good air quality.1 By carefully choosing to floor stripping and floor polishing chemi- assist you in modifying the use and selection environmentally sound cleaning chemicals, cals experience headaches, eye irritation, Agent No. % of cleaning chemicals for improved indoor cleaning methods and cleaning equipment, dizziness, nausea, difficulty concentrating, air quality and a safer healthier work envi- U.S. businesses could realize a productivity fatigue, wheezing, coughing, asthma attacks, Indoor Air Pollutants** 88 20.5 ronment. gain of $30 to $150 billion annually and a 0.5% respiratory infections, hypersensitivity pneu- Cleaning Materials 73 17.0 • A detailed report from INFORM, Inc. to 5% increase in worker performance. monitis, and nose, throat and skin irritation. If can be obtained by contacting Lara Mold 46 10.7 According to the American Lung Asso- exposure continues, irreversible lung damage Sutherland via email at sutherland@in ciation, asthma is the most prevalent and the formation of fibrous tissue (fibrosis) Dust 43 10.0 forminc.org. This report is an in-depth occupational lung disease in developed coun- may occur making breathing more difficult. Latex 42 9.8 look at the problems with cleaning tries.2 Cleaning and disinfecting chemicals chemicals and possible solutions. such as ammonia, chlorine, cleaning deter- Scented cleaning chemicals Chemicals, NOS 32 7.4 • A list of environmentally preferable gents, ethylene oxide, pesticides, and sodium The use of unscented cleaning chemicals is Smoke, NOS 23 5.3 products, also noted as the best in hydroxide, are listed by the DPH as causing recommended to improve indoor air quality. class, The OSD Update, 99-31, can RADS.3 Nursing, teaching and office work are The Archives of Environmental Health note Formaldehyde 20 4.7 be obtained from the Massachusetts the occupations most likely to report problems that some humans exposed to fragrance prod- Isocyanates 17 4.0 Operational Services Division, at One with indoor air quality. DPH statistics from ucts might experience some combination of Ashburton Place, Room 1017, Boston, Solvents, NOS 17 4.0 1993-1998 note that nurses have the highest eye, nose and/or throat irritation; respiratory MA 02108. These products have been number of reported cases of work-relat-ed difficulty; possibly broncho-constriction, or NOS = Not otherwise specified evaluated and accepted using a variety asthma, and indicate that health care is the asthma-like reactions; and central nervous * Up to 3 agents were reported for each case. of environmental and health concerns ** Includes cases who report “bad air,” “indoor industry with the most cases of work-related system reactions (e.g. dizziness, incoordina- as criteria. air pollutants,” “poor ventilation,” or “sick 7 asthma. The most frequently reported expo- tion, confusion, fatigue). building syndrome.” More specific agents • The Janitorial Pollution Prevention sures in health care were to latex, poor indoor associated with indoor air pollution, including Project provides quick reference and air quality, and toxic cleaning products.4 Toxic Process dust and mold, are coded separately. Source: worksheets on a variety of cleaning cleaning chemicals contribute to poor indoor Inadequate ventilation Massachusetts SENSOR, 1993-2001, n=430* processes and materials focusing air quality and worker illnesses through a on safe and healthy work practices. Inadequate ventilation, reducing the are around, but also when ventilation is combination of the product selected and the Visit www.westp2net.org/Janitorial/ frequency and volume of air exchanges, or reduced to save energy. Additions, newer processes utilized to apply the chemicals. jp4.htm climate controls designed to save energy, hospitals or remodeled areas are often very increases the concentration of chemicals in Product tight buildings with little or no natural ven- References indoor air. Extensive and complex cleaning tilation and may have windows that do not Disinfectant chemicals projects (floor stripping, burnishing, rug 1. Fisk, William and Arthur Rosenfield. open to allow fresh air intake to dilute these “Improved Productivity and Health from Disinfectants used in hospitals such as cleaning) are often carried out on the over- chemicals. Ventilation and fresh air exchanges Better Indoor Environments,” Center quaternary ammonium compounds, phe- night shift in hospitals, when fewer people should be increased when these projects are for Building Science Newsletter (Now carried out. Environmental Energy Technologies News- letter). Lawrence Berkley Labs. Summer Mixing of chemicals 1997. p.5. Available at http://eetd.lbl.gov/ Cleaning chemicals are often purchased in Bookstore.htm concentrated solutions that require mixing 2. American Lung Association, “Occupational and/or dilution by the employee who is Hazards,” 2000, p.3. www.lungusa.org/air/ air00_occupation.html responsible for application. It has been noted 3. MA DPH SENSOR Occupational Lung Dis- that when adverse health effects are suffered ease Bulletin. November, 2000. by workers, the concentration (or mixtures) 4. MA DPH SENSOR Occupational Lung Dis- of these products is often incorrect. This may ease Bulletin. January, 2000. indicate a problem with training, language 5. Bernstein, J A Combined Respiratory and skills or worker supervision. Cutaneous Hypersensitivity Syndrome to When certain cleaning chemicals are mixed Quat Amines. Jnl Allergy Clin Immunol together synergistic effects may occur. This 1994; Vol.94, No.2, pp 257-259. means that the interaction of two or more 6. Personal Communication: Amy Smoker, MS. of these chemicals produces a health effect Benzlkonium Chloride Fact Sheet. National Antimicrobial Information Network, Oregon greater than that of the individual chemical Applying OSHA to Healthcare Settings. Newly trained MNA worksite representatives, train- State University. http://nain.orst.edu 1-800 alone. For example, if a quaternary ammo- 447-6349, ers and MNA staff members during the program on Jan. 15. For additional dates of trainings nium compound is use in combination with check the listing in this issue under MNA continuing education courses. Seated, from left, 7. Drs. Rosalind C. Anderson and Julius a bleach cleaner, a toxic gas called chloramine H Anderson, “Acute Toxic Effects of Sandy LeBlanc, Newton Wellesley Hospital; Eugene Pelland, Quincy Medical Center; Janice forms and is released into the air. Fragranced Products”. Archives of Envi- Homer, trainer, New England Medical Center; Margaret O’Connell, Cape Cod Hospital; Carol ronmental Health 53(2): 138-146 (1998). Mallia, MNA staff; Kathyrn Borenstein, Newton Wellesley. Standing, from left, Kathy Sper- Application methods 8. California Office of Environmental Health razza, trainer, member MNA Congress on Health and Safety; B. Elaine Mauger, MNA staff; The use of spray bottles, aerosol cans, and Hazard Assessment Fact Sheet. Health Evie Bain, MNA staff; Katie Roycroft, Cape Cod Hospital; Janine Hickey, Merrimack Valley mechanized equipment, such as floor burnish- Effects of Diesel Exhaust. August, 2000. Hospital; Sharon Bouyer-Ferrullo, Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Julie Skelton, Newton ers, buffers, and carpet washers, increase the www.oehha.ca.gov/air/diesel_exhaust/ Wellesley; Eileen Boyle, Newton Wellesley. factsheet.html n airborne concentration of cleaning chemicals Page 14 Massachusetts Nurse March 2003 March 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 15

Celebrate nursing excellence Honor your peers with a nomination for 2003 MNA awards

One of the greatest honors one can achieve is the recogni- Judith Shindul Rothschild Leadership Award: Recog- progressive ideas which serve to improve and enhance clini- tion of one’s peers. In this fast-changing health care system nizes a member and nurse leader who speaks with a strong cal nursing practice, including precepting students or new in which nurses daily strive to carry out their duties to their voice for the nursing community. staff nurses. patients, there is very little time for them to acknowledge MNA Advocate for Nursing Award: Recognizes the con- MNA Research Award: Recognizes a member or group their own professional accomplishments and those of their tributions of an individual — who is not a nurse — to nurses of members who has conducted research in their practice or peers. and the nursing profession. who have provided exemplary leadership to assist others in The MNA awards, established by the membership with the MNA Human Needs Service Award: Recognizes a nursing research. approval of the MNA Board of Directors, offer all members member who has performed services based on human Kathryn McGinn Cutler Advocate for Health & Safety an opportunity to recognize nurses who by their commit- needs with respect for dignity, unrestricted by consideration Award: This MNA award recognizes an individual or group ment and outstanding achievements have honored us all. of nationality, race, creed, color or status. that has performed outstanding service for the betterment These are often ordinary nurses accomplishing extraordinary MNA Image of the Professional Nurse Award: Recog- of health and safety for the protection of nurses and other things. They are the nurses who challenge us all to achieve nizes a member who demonstrates outstanding leadership health care workers. excellence. in enhancing the image of the professional nurse in the com- Frank M. Hynes Award: This award recognizes a deserv- For detailed information on selection criteria and to receive munity. ing freshman state legislator or municipal official who has a nomination packet, call Susan Clish, MNA Department of MNA Nursing Education Award: Recognizes a nurse clearly demonstrated exceptional contributions to nursing Nursing, 781-830-5723 or toll free, 800-882-2056, x723. educator who has made significant contributions to pro- and health care. Elaine Cooney Labor Relations Award: Recognizes a fessional nursing education, continuing education or staff MNA Legislator of the Year Award: This award recog- Labor Relations Program member who has made a signifi- development. nizes a senior state legislator who has clearly demonstrated cant contribution to the professional, economic and general MNA Excellence in Nursing Practice Award: Recognizes exceptional contributions to nursing and health care. welfare of nursing. a member who is a role model by contributing innovative, The nomination deadline is May 16, 2003. n

Senior Nursing Students The Real Nursing World: Transition from Student to RN Don’t miss one of these unique programs offering you an opportunity to address questions or concerns to a panel comprised of recent graduates from various schools of nursing and experienced nurses with knowledge in nursing education, nursing administration, labor relations and career counseling. Area hospitals and other health care facilities will be available before and after the program to discuss employment opportunities. April 3, 2003 – 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. April 8, 2003 – 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Holiday Inn, Worcester Lombardo’s Function Facility, Randolph April 9, 2003 – 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Springfield Marriott, Springfield This program is free to all senior nursing students and space will fill fast! You must pre-register for the program. For more information, contact Theresa Yannetty at the MNA, 800-882-2056, x727.

THE REAL NURSING WORLD – TRANSITION FROM STUDENT TO RN r April 3, 2003 – Holiday Inn, Worcester r April 8, 2003 – Lombardo’s Function Facility, Randolph r April 9, 2003 – Springfield Marriott Hotel, Springfield Name ______Permanent Home Address ______City ______State ______Zip______Home Telephone: ( ) ______Email ______I am a senior nursing student at ______My graduation date will be: ______My degree will be: ______Return completed registration form by April 1 to: Massachusetts Nurses Association, Attn: Nursing Department, 340 Turnpike Street, Canton, MA 02021 To email your registration, include the information requested above and send to: [email protected] Page 14 Massachusetts Nurse March 2003 March 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 15

MNA Member Benefits Save You Money

MNA’s premier group benefits programs from affordable insurance to convenient credit DIGITAL PAGERS help you get more out of your membership & your hard-earned money! Take advantage of INTERNET PAGING...... (800) 977-1997 these special benefits specifically designed for MNA members. Savings are just a telephone Discount digital pager program. call away. LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE SERVICE Personal & Financial Services ALLIANCE SERVICES ...... (888) 922-SAVE 4.9 cents/minute for long distance calls & 5% discount (vs. Verizon) on local service – 7 PORTABLE HEALTH INSURANCE days a week, 24 hours a day! Prepaid discount international calling cards also available. LLEN APLAN ROUP EALTH PECIALISTS OR E K , G H S ...... (800) 604-3303 (508) 875-3288 CELLULAR TELEPHONE SERVICE Managed care & comprehensive indemnity plans through Blue Cross/Blue Shield as well CINGULAR WIRELESS...... (800) 894-5500 as other carriers. Lowest rate possible $8.95/month plus $.37/minute off peak with free nights (7:00 PM to PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE 6:59 AM – an MNA exclusive) & free weekends. URSES ERVICE RGANIZATION TO N S O ...... (800) 247-1500 (8:00 AM 6:00 PM) JIFFY LUBE DISCOUNT Leading provider of professional liability insurance for nursing professionals with over MNA MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT ...... (800) 882-2056, X726 650,000 health care professionals insured. Obtain an MNA Discount card to receive 15% discount on automobile products & CREDIT CARD PROGRAM services. MERICA MBNA A ...... (800) 847-7378 CONSUMER REFERRAL SERVICE Exceptional credit card at a competitive rate includes $300,000 worth of HIV insurance MASS BUYING POWER...... (781) 829-4900 protection. A consumer referral service offering super savings on products & services. Visit TERM LIFE INSURANCE their web site at www.massbuy.com (Password MBP) LEAD BROKERAGE GROUP ...... (800) 842-0804 DISCOUNT ELECTRONICS & APPLIANCES Term life insurance offered at special cost discounts. HOME ENTERTAINMENT DISTRIBUTORS...... (800) 232-0872 OR (781) 828-4555 LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE Home electronics & appliances available at discount prices for MNA members. WILLIAM CLIFFORD ...... 800-878-9921, EXT. 110 OIL NETWORK DISCOUNT Flexible and comprehensive long-term care insurance at discount rates. COMFORT CRAFTED OIL BUYING NETWORK ...... (800) 649-7473 SHORT TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE Lower your home heating oil costs by 10 – 15%. LESTER L. BURDICK, INC ...... (800) 959-9955 OR (978) 683-3400 DISCOUNT TAX PREPARATION SERVICE Six-month disability protection program for non-occupational illnesses & accidents. TAXMAN INC...... (800) 7TAXMAN LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE 20% discount on tax preparation services. LEAD BROKERAGE GROUP ...... (800) 842-0804 Provides income when you are unable to work due to an illness or injury. Travel & Leisure HERTZ CAR RENTAL DISCOUNT RETIREMENT PROGRAM HERTZ ...... (800) 654-2200 AMERICAN GENERAL FINANCIAL GROUP/VALIC...... (800) 448-2542 Specializing in providing retirement programs including 403(b), 401(k), IRA, NQDA, MNA members discounts range from 5 – 20% mention MNA discount CDP#1281147. Mutual Funds, etc. DISCOUNT MOVIE PASSES MNA MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT ...... (800) 882-2056, X726 Products & Services Purchase discount movie passes for Showcase/National Amusements, Hoyts & AMC Theaters. Call to order over the telephone with Mastercard or Visa. UTO OMEOWNERS NSURANCE A /H I DISCOUNT HOTEL & TRAVEL PRIVILEGES ANSFIELD M CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL (SOS PROGRAM)...... (800) 258-2847 COLONIAL INSURANCE SERVICES ...... (800) 571-7773 OR (508) 339-3047 20% discount on participating Comfort, Quality, Clarion, Sleep, Econo Lodge, Rodeway WEST SPRINGFIELD & MainStay Suites, Inns & Hotels. Advanced reservations required mention SOS BATES FULLAM INSURANCE AGENCY ...... (413) 737-3539 Program #00801502. Membership in Guest Privileges Frequent Traveler Program. BOSTON DISCOUNT TRAVEL PROGRAM TO FLORIDA, BAHAMAS & LAS VEGAS ROBERT S. CLARK INSURANCE AGENCY...... (800) 660-0168 EXECUTIVE TOUR & TRAVEL SERVICE...... (800) 272-4707 (RESERVATIONS) LOWELL (877) 406-4836 (ATTRACTION TICKETS) JAMES L. CONNEY INSURANCE AGENCY ...... (978) 459-0505 4 day/3 night discount on “Getaway Vacations” to Florida, Bahamas & Las Vegas. Visit WOBURN web site at www.exectourtravel.com. Mention MNA group number 15187. LENNON INSURANCE AGENCY...... (781) 937-0050 FALMOUTH & POCASSET UNIVERSAL STUDIOS THEME PARK FAN CLUB MURRAY & MACDONALD INSURANCE SERVICES...... (800) 800-8990 MNA MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT ...... (800) 882-2056, X726 TURNERS FALLS Fan Club membership entitles you to discounts at Universal Studios Theme Parks, PARTRIDGE ZCHAU INSURANCE AGENCY...... (413) 863-4331 discounts on merchandise and on-site hotels Save up to 18% for all household members. For a no obligation quote visit www.nursesinsurance.com Your participation in these programs increases the Association’s purchasing power DISCOUNT DENTAL & EYEWEAR PROGRAM allowing the MNA to add and improve benefit programs offered. For information KENNETH FRANSSON OR DAVE FRASER ...... (800) 697-4371 regarding any of our discount programs, please contact the specific representative 45% to 50% on dental services when utilizing network dentists. 10% to 60% discount listed. or call Chris Stetkiewicz in the MNA membership department, (800) 882- on eyewear through nationwide vision providers. Only $7.95/month individual or $8.95 2056, x726. family for MNA members.

For more information, call the Massachusetts Nurses Association at 1-800-882-2056, x726. Page 16 Massachusetts Nurse March 2003 March 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 17 MNA nominations & election policies & procedures 1. Nomination process and All policies, procedures and campaign preference over another. c. Write your address & zip notification of nominees practices related to the MNA elections shall 5. Individual members may make volun- If this information is not on the mail- be distributed to candidates upon receipt of tary contributions of money, goods or ing envelope, the secret ballot inside A. All candidates for office, submitting their nomination papers. Notice to all mem- services to a candidate. is invalid. papers to the Nominations & Elections bers of availability shall be published in the 6. The amount that a candidate may F. The ballot must be received no later Committee, shall be notified in writing Massachusetts Nurse annually. expend in campaigning is not limited than ______AM/PM on ______, upon receipt of materials by the MNA by MNA. ______in order to be counted. staff person assigned to the Nomina- 4. Campaign Practices 7. MNA elected and appointed officials G. The ballots must be mailed to : ____ tions & Elections committee. The letter A. All candidates shall have access to the may endorse candidates. In the event ______MNA Secretary. of acknowledgement will identify the following: membership lists/labels; that the endorsement is to appear in Contracted Election Administrator office sought. All notifications will be structural unit rosters; bargaining unit the Massachusetts Nurse, then and (Address) sent by MNA no later than June 5 of rosters; and MNA on site mailboxes. only then, the endorsements must [See Page 9 for this year’s election deadlines} each year. If no acknowledgment has Candidates may also have access to be verified on the official MNA Cam- been received by that date, it is the campaign space in the Massachusetts paign Endorsement Form and must 6. Observation nominees’ responsibility to contact Nurse and may request time on struc- accompany ad copy. However, no A. Each candidate or their designee who is MNA regarding the status of their tural unit and bargaining unit agendas. endorsements may carry identifica- a current MNA and/or Labor Relations nomination. The following conditions must be met tion as to the MNA office held by the Program member is to be permitted to B. All candidates must be an MNA 1. Request for labels/lists/rosters* must endorser (see attachment A). be present on the day(s) of the mailing, member or Labor Program member in be in writing and signed by the can- 8. MNA staff shall not wear promotional receipt, opening and counting of the good standing at the time of nomination didates. All requests will be honored materials of any candidate or in any ballots. Notification of intent to have and election. provided they comply with the MNA manner promote the candidacy of any an observer present must be received C. A statement from each candidate, if information/label request policies. individual. in writing or electronic message, from provided, will be printed in the Massa- 2. Requests from the candidate for 9. Candidates shall not use the MNA cor- the candidate, five working days prior chusetts Nurse. Such statements should time on structural unit or bargaining porate logo on campaign materials. to the ballot counting date. be limited to no more than 250 words unit agendas must be in writing and 10. Campaigning or campaign materials B. Each observer must contact the MNA for the office of president and vice directed to the appropriate chair. The are not allowed on MNA premises staff person assigned to the Nomina- president and 150 words for all other staff person for the group must also be with the following exceptions: tions & Elections Committee 5 working positions. notified of the request. All candidates • When invited to a MNA struc- days prior to the day in question for 2. Publication of ballot for a specific office must be provided tural unit or bargaining unit space allocation purposes only. with equal access and time. meeting. C. The observer must provide current A. Preliminary Ballot: All candidates who 3. Structural units and bargaining units • Meeting attendees may wear MNA membership identification to are members in good standing shall may invite candidates to speak at a promotional material. election officials and authorization have their names printed on the ballot meeting. All requests must be in writ- • Access to MNA structural unit from the candidate. provided the nomination papers have ing with a cc to staff. All candidates and bargaining unit on site D. No observer shall be allowed to touch or been received by the Nominations & for a specific office must be provided mailboxes is unrestricted. handle any ballot or ballot envelope. Elections Committee or designee by with equal access and time. E. During all phases of the election process, the deadline date established by the 4. All costs for labels/space in the Mas- 5. Ballot/voting instructions the single copy of the voter eligibility committee and communicated in the sachusetts Nurse, and mailing shall be A. Ballot will be mailed at least 15 days list will be present for inspection. Massachusetts Nurse. The order names the responsibility of the candidates. prior to the date which it must be F. All observers and candidates will keep are listed on the ballot is determined Labels will be provided at cost. Ad mailed back (postmarked). election results confidential for 72 hours by random selection. space in the Massachusetts Nurse will B. Complete area (as per instructions on after the ballot procedure is completed B. Final Ballot: All candidates who are be at a specific advertising rate. form) next to the name of the candidate and certified. members in good standing. Shall 5. Records of requests received, the date of your choice. You may vote for any have their names printed on the ballot of the request, as well as distribution of candidate from any district. 7. Candidate notification provided the nomination papers have materials shall be kept by the Member- C. Do not mark the ballot outside of the A. Results of the MNA Election will be been received by the Nominations & ship Department. identified area. made available to candidates (or their Elections Committee by the deadline 6. All campaign mailings utilizing D. Write-in votes shall not be considered designee) within 72 hours after comple- date established by the committee and MNA membership labels shall be valid and will not be counted. tion of the ballot counting. Only the communicated in the Massachusetts sent through a mailing house desig- E. Enclose the correct and completed names of those elected will be posted Nurse. nated by the MNA. Mailing utilizing voting ballot in an envelope (marked on the MNA web site when all candi- The order names are listed on the ballot rosters may be done directly by the Ballot Return Envelope), which does not dates have been notified after the ballot is determined by random selection by candidates. identify the voter in anyway, in order to procedure is completed and certified. the Nominations & Elections Commit- 7. The membership list shall be available assure secret ballot voting. ONLY ONE Hard copies of the election results shall tee or their designee. for review/inspection, by appointment BALLOT MAY BE PLACED IN THE be sent to each candidate. All candidates will receive a draft copy with the Membership Department. ENVELOPE. B. Results of the MNA election will be of the Final Ballot prior to the Election Lists or records must remain on the All mailing envelopes will be separated kept confidential until all candidates are Mailing for verification purposes. premises. from the inner envelope containing the notified. Notification of all candidates Confirmation/request for corrections to B. All candidates must follow acceptable ballot before the ballots are removed, will occur within 72 hours of certifica- the ballot should be made in writing to practices in the acceptance of goods, ser- to assure that a ballot can in no way tion of the election. the Nominations & Elections Commit- vices and contributions. This includes be identified with an individual voter. C. Results will include the following: tee or their designee postmarked within 1. Employers shall not provide money, (At the discretion of the Nominations • Number of total ballots cast for the 7 days of receipt of the draft ballot. supplies, refreshments or publication & Elections Committee, mailing enve- office in question For uncontested positions the Nomina- of and “endorsement” on behalf of a lopes containing the voter’s name and • Number of ballots cast for the candi- tions & Elections Committee may solicit candidate. address may be checked off on a master date. candidates, accept late applications, and 2. Candidates may not use MNA, Dis- membership list. This process may be of • The election status of the candidate add to the ballot after the final ballot trict or employer stationary to promote the total membership list, or randomly (elected/not elected) deadline with approval of the majority their candidacy. selected envelopes.) D. Any MNA member may access these of members of the Nominations & Elec- 3. Candidates may not use postage paid If the mailing envelope has been numbers by written request. tions Committee present and voting. for by MNA, District or an employer misplaced, another envelope can be E. Election results will be posted at the C. Ballot information: All inquiries related to mail literature to promote their substituted. This envelope must be annual meeting. to deadlines, status, policies, eligibility candidacy. addressed to: MNA Secretary, c/o to vote and receipt of ballots are to be 4. Neither MNA, its structural units or Contracted Election Administrator 8. Storage of election materials addressed to the staff person to the bargaining units may use dues money (address) A. Pre Election: All nomination forms and Nominations & Elections Committee for a function to promote the candi- In the upper left-hand corner of this all correspondence related to nomina- or a designee. dacy of a particular candidate. MNA envelope you must: tions shall be stored in a locked cabinet 3. Publication of policies/ may sponsor a function at which all a. Block print your name at MNA headquarters. The Nomina- candidates for a particular office are b. Sign your name (Signature tions & Elections Committee and staff procedures/campaign practice invited and no candidate is shown required) See Election policies, Next Page Page 16 Massachusetts Nurse March 2003 March 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 17

…Election policies MNA membership dues deductibility 2002 From Page16 Below is a table showing the amount and percentage of MNA dues that may not be to the committee shall have sole access *Member List — a computer listing of the deducted from federal income taxes. Federal law disallows the portion of membership to the cabinet and its contents. total MNA membership eligible to vote, dues used for lobbying expenses. B. Post Election: All election materials including name, address, billing informa- District Amount Percent including ballots (used, unused and tion etc. challenged), envelopes used to return *Membership Labels — computer generated District 1 $15.33 4.5% marked ballots, and voter eligibility labels of the total MNA membership eli- District 2/3 $15.33 4.7% lists shall be stored in a locked cabinet gible to vote, provided in keeping with District 4 $15.33 4.5% at MNA headquarters for one year. The MNA Label Sales Policies. Nominations & Elections Committee *Rosters — computer generated list of the District 5 $15.33 4.4% Chairperson and staff to the commit- Board of Directors of MNA and all MNA State Chapter $18.01 4.8% tee shall have sole access to the cabinet structural units. List includes names and and its contents. addresses. *On-Site Mailboxes — areas at the MNA pro- 9. Post Election Press Release vided for communicating with structural The Department of Public Communications units and bargaining units. shall check the information on file/CV data Approved by Board of Directors: 5/16/02 for accuracy/currency with the elected can- Revised by Board Policy Committee 11/21/02 didate prior to issuing a press release. Approved by Board of Directors 12/19/02 n

Benefits Corner 2003 MNF Golf Tournament brought to you by… To Benefit Nursing Scholarships & Research MNA members save 20% at Tax Man Join us for a festive time Members take 20 percent off the cost needed to file your tax return accurately, of professional tax preparation services so you’ll never pay more than what your Brookmeadow Country Club, Canton provided by Tax Man Inc. at any of their unique tax situation calls for. Thursday, June 26 23 offices statewide (call 800-7-TAXMAN Tax Man also offers 100 percent satisfac- or visit their website www.taxman.com tion guarantee on all tax services. To receive 8 a.m. Shotgun Start for a complete list of office locations and your 20 percent discount, present a valid telephone numbers). MNA membership card at the time of ser- Low Gross Prizes! Tax preparation fees are based on the vice and enjoy stress-free tax preparation complexity of your tax return and the forms this year! n Hole-in-One Contest! Putting Event! Raffle & Prizes! Reserve early – Space is limited to 48 people per trip! Tournament Schedule: Continental Breakfast 7 a.m. MNA is sponsoring Shotgun Start 8 a.m. Lunch & Raffle Noon 2 exciting group trips Putting Event 3 p.m. Yes, I want to join the fun at the MNF Golf Tournament! to Europe in 2003 Please reserve: May 26 - June 4 – Germany and Austria $1,569*  Tickets at $99 each (greens fee, golf cart, breakfast & lunch) This 10 day/ 8 night grand tour of the Tyrolean  Tickets at $35 each (lunch only) region will feature 6 nights in Austria and 2 nights in Germany. Trip includes tours of Innsbruck, Salzburg,  I cannot attend, but please accept by donation of $______Rothenberg, Munich, Rattenberg, Wattens and Vipitino. Name______Air, transfers, hotel, breakfast and dinner daily as well as full sightseeing tours are included. Don’t miss this Daytime Phone ______grand tour of the picturesque Tyrolean Region. Address______October 21 - 29 – Montecatini Spa located in Tuscany Province, Italy $1469* City ______State ______Zip ______This all-inclusive trip to the Tuscany region of Italy includes tours to Florence, Venice, Pisa, Siena, San  I am not in a foursome, please select partners for me. Gimignano while staying in the world famous spa city  Here are the names of the other members of my foursome: of Montecatini. Air, transfers, hotel, all meals as well as 2. ______full sightseeing tours are included. Offered as an all- inclusive trip, this package is a great value. 3. ______*Prices listed are per person, double occupancy based on check or cash purchase. Applicable departure taxes are not included in the listed prices above. 4. ______

To receive more information and a flyer on these European vacations, Return this completed form with payment. Please make checks payable to MNF. please contact Carol Mallia, RN, MSN, 781-830-5755 or Send to Massachusetts Nurses Foundation, 340 Turnpike St., Canton, MA 02021 email at [email protected] 800.882.2056, x745 Page 18 Massachusetts Nurse March 2003 March 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 19 MNA Continuing Education Courses Your source for career training and advancement Oncology Series for Nurses The Real Nursing World: Transition from Student to RN

Description A three-part series designed for nurses to increase their knowledge in Description Don’t miss one of these unique programs offering you an opportunity to oncology nursing. The content of Session 1 of the series will include an address questions or concerns to a panel comprised of recent graduates overview of cancer management, tumor physiology and staging, relevant from various schools of nursing and experienced nurses with knowledge laboratory testing, treatment strategies and safe handling of neoplastic in nursing education, nursing administration, labor relations and career agents. Session 2 will discuss chemotherapy administration, classification counseling. Area hospitals and other healthcare facilities will be available of chemotherapeutic agents, management of toxicities and adverse effects before and after the program to discuss employment opportunities. of treatments and oncological emergencies. Session 3 will include pain Speaker Carol Mallia RN, MSN, facilitator and symptom management, palliative care and an overview of Hospice Date Thursday, April 3 care. Time 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. Speaker Marylou Gregory-Lee MSN. RNCS, OCN, Adult Nurse Practitioner Place Holiday Inn, Worcester Dates Thursday, March 6, 13 & 20 (Snow date: March 27) Date Tuesday, April 8 Time 5:30- 9:00 p.m. Time 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. Place MNA Headquarters, Canton Place Lombardo’s Function Facility, Randolph Fee Series: MNA members, $175; all others, $255 Date Wednesday, April 9 Each session: MNA members, $65; all others, $95 Time 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. Contact hours* 3.6 per program. Total for series: 10.8 Place Springfield Marriott Hotel, Springfield MNA contact Theresa Yannetty, 781-830-5727 or 800-882-2056, x727 Fee Free to senior nursing students and faculty MNA contact Theresa Yannetty, 781-830-5727 or 800-882-2056, x727 Applying OSHA to Healthcare Settings Diabetes 2003: What Nurses Need to Know Description Provided by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents, this program teaches OSHA standards and the protections Description Session 1: This session will discuss the pathophysiology and classifica- that they provide for the health and safety of workers in “general industry,” tion of Diabetes Type 1 and 2. The nursing implications of blood glucose which also apply to protect workers, including nurses, in healthcare set- monitoring will be discussed. Non-pharmacological interventions such as tings. The goal of the grant is to train one or more members from each exercise and meal planning will be explained. The program will conclude MNA local bargaining unit as a “Worksite Health and Safety Representa- with a discussion of oral pharmacological agents. tive.” Session 2: This session is designed to provide the nurse with a compre- Speakers MNA staff members Evie Bain and B. Elaine Mauger. Trainers Catherine hensive update on insulin therapy. The nursing management of the newly Dicker, Joanne Whynot-Butler, Rosemary Connors, Patty Healey, Marcia diagnosed diabetic patient, both complicated and not, will be explored. Robertson, Janice Homer, Kathleen Opanasets, Rosemary O’Brien, Nursing management of the diabetic patient in the pre/post operative, Nancy Mucciaccio, Elizabeth O’Connor, Nancy Adrian and Kathleen ambulatory care, home care and school setting will be discussed. Sperrazza. Speaker Ann Miller, MS, RN, CS, CDE, Time 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Dates Session 1: Thursday, April 3 Dates & Places March 12, District 3, Best Western Hotel of Cape Cod, Bourne. Session 2: Thursday, April 10 April 9, Unit 7, following State Council meeting at Indian Meadows, Marl- Time 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. boro Place MNA Headquarters, Canton May 14, District 2, Best Western Hotel (Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center), Fee MNA members, $65 all others, $95 (Each session) Marlboro Contact hours* 3.6 each session May 21, MNA Headquarters, Canton MNA contact Theresa Yannetty, 781-830-5727 or 800-882-2056, x727 June 18, District 1, District 1 Office, Northampton Fee Free to MNA members Verbal Self Defense for Nurses MNA contact Susan Clish, 781-830-5723 or 800-882-2056, x723 Description This program is designed to provide the nurse with the basic skills for Mechanical Ventilation managing conflict in the workplace environment. Conflict resolution strategies are discussed. The program will conclude with an interactive Description This course will provide an overview of mechanical ventilation types, discussion of case scenarios related to conflict management. modes and therapies. Course will also discuss the nursing management Speaker Joe-Ann Fergus RN, BSN of a patient on mechanical ventilation. Date Tuesday, April 15 Speaker Carol Mallia,RN, MSN Time 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Date Tuesday, March 25 Place MNA Headquarters, Canton Time 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Fee MNA members, $45; all others, $65 Place MNA Headquarters, Canton Contact hours* 3.3 Fee MNA members, $45; all others, $65 MNA contact Theresa Yannetty, 781-830-5727 or 800-882-2056, x727 Contact hours* 4.5 MNA contact Susan Clish, 781-830-5723 or 800-882-2056, x723 Nursing Management of Central Lines The District 1 Education Committee Presents Description This program describes the multiple venous access devices used in Interpreting Lab Values central line therapy. Indications for tunneled vs. non-tunneled lines and Description A program to enhance the nurse’s ability to evaluate and determine potential complications will be discussed. The nursing management and the clinical significance of laboratory values. Clinical case studies will legal aspects in managing the care of these devices will be described in be used to illustrate the relationship of laboratory values to patient detail. conditions. Clinical management of abnormal laboratory values will Speakers Mary Walsh RN, BS, CRNI, Infusion Therapy Specialist be discussed. Marilyn Bernard RN, CRNI, Infusion Therapy Specialist Speaker Carol Mallia,RN, MSN Date Thursday, April 24 Date Thursday, May 8 Time 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Place Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield Place MNA Headquarters, Canton Time 4:00 -9:00 p.m. Fee MNA members, $65 all others, $95 Fee Student/Retiree $10, Member $15, Non-Member $20 Contact hours* 3.0 Contact hours* 4.1 Special notes Program limited to 20 participants. Registration deadline: April 24, (no refunds after that date) MNA contact Theresa Yannetty, 781-830-5727 or 800-882-2056, x727 Make check payable to: District One, MNA, 243 King St., Northampton, MA 01060 Page 18 Massachusetts Nurse March 2003 March 2003 Massachusetts Nurse Page 19

Advanced Cardiac Life Support Wound Care — Dressing for Success

Description This American Heart Association course will provide information on the Description This program will provide a comprehensive overview of the factors clinical management of cardiac and respiratory emergencies through affecting wound care and strategies for managing complex wounds. A case study approach. Course content includes assessment, arrhythmia thorough review of wound products will enable the attendee to select the recognition, intubation, defibrillation and pharmacological interventions. optimal dressing based on clinical findings. New dimensions of wound This is a two-day certification and one day re-certification course. Recer- care, such as growth factors, hyperbaric oxygen, electrical stimulation, tification candidates must present a copy of their current ACLS card at cultured skin replacements and vacuum-assisted closure devices will the time of registration. also be discussed. Speakers Carol Mallia, RN, MSN, and other instructors for the clinical sessions Speaker Carol Mallia RN, MSN, CWOCN Dates Tuesday, April 29 & May 6 (certification); May 6 (recertification) Date Thursday, June 5 Time 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Time 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Place MNA Headquarters, Canton Place MNA Headquarters, Canton Fee Certification: MNA members, $155; all others, $195 Fee MNA members, $45; all others, $65 Recertification: MNA members, $125; all others, $165 Contact hours* 4.5 Contact hours* 16 for certification program. None for recertification . MNA contact Susan Clish, 781-830-5723 or 800-882-2056, x723 Special notes Light lunch provided. Enrollment limited to 48 participants. MNA contact Susan Clish, 781-830-5723 or 800-882-2056, x723 Managing Cardiac & Respiratory Emergencies

Emergency Medical Response Description This course is designed for registered nurses in acute, sub-acute and long-term care settings to learn the clinical management of cardiac and to Hazardous Materials and Acts of Terrorism respiratory emergencies. Clinical management of chest pain, brief EKG Description The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is sponsor- interpretation, ABG interpretation and clinical management of respiratory ing this program on emergency medical services in response to hazardous distress will also be discussed. materials and acts of terrorism. The program is specifically designed for Speaker Carol Mallia RN, MSN physicians, nurses, EMTs, and hospital support staff to provide educa- Date Tuesday, June 10 tion in the treatment of individuals exposed to chemical and biological Time 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. agents. The program will include identification of hazardous materials, Place MNA Headquarters, Canton toxicological and biological effects of chemicals and biological acts of Fee MNA members, $45; all others, $65 terrorism. The chemical profile of common agents, the decontamination Contact hours* 4.0 procedures and personal protective equipment will be discussed. CDC MNA contact Theresa Yannetty, 781-830-5727 or 800-882-2056, x727 guidelines for surveillance of exposed nurses and other health care work- ers and nursing interventions for patient care will be identified. Interpreting Laboratory Values Speakers Anthony Fucaloro, EMT Capt. Lawrence P. Ferazani Description This program will enhance the nurse’s ability to evaluate and determine Evie Bain, RN, MEd, COHN-S the clinical significance of laboratory values. Clinical case studies will be Dates Two separate sessions: Wednesday, May 7 or Tuesday, June 3 used to illustrate the relationship of laboratory values to patient conditions. Time 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Clinical management of abnormal laboratory values will be discussed. Place MNA Headquarters, Canton Speaker Carol Mallia RN, MSN Fee MNA members, $45; all others, $65 Date Monday, June 16 Contact hours* 6.9 Time 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Special notes Lunch provided. Class limited to 25. Place MNA Headquarters, Canton MNA contact Theresa Yannetty, 781-830-5727 or 800-882-2056, x727 Fee MNA members, $45; all others, $65 Contact hours* 4.1 Advanced Dysrhythmia Interpretation MNA contact Theresa Yannetty, 781-830-5727 or 800-882-2056, x727

Description This course is designed for nurses who have had a basic course in moni- Acute Care Nursing: 3-Program Series: The three offerings of Wound Care — Dressing for toring patients for cardiac rhythm disturbances and wish to enhance that Success, Managing Cardiac & Respiratory Emergencies and Interpreting Laboratory Values knowledge base with more complex monitoring of advance dysrhythmias. have been grouped for a reduced package price. Register for all three and save $20. The course will describe the EKG changes related to ischemia, injury, and infarct. The EKG abnormalities associated with toxic drug levels and electrolyte imbalances will also be described. The course will conclude with an overview of pacemakers and common pacemaker rhythm distur- Important Information for all courses bances. Registration Registration will be processed on a space available basis. Enroll- Speaker Carol Mallia RN, MSN ment is limited for all courses. Dates Tuesday, May 13 Time 5:00- 9:00 p.m. Payment Payment may be made with MasterCard or Visa by calling MNA or Place MNA Headquarters, Canton by mailing a check to MNA, 340 Turnpike St., Canton, MA 02021 Fee MNA members, $45; all others, $65 Refunds Refunds are issued up to two weeks before the program date Special notes Enrollment limited to 40 participants. minus a 25% processing fee. No refunds are made less than 14 Contact hours* 3.2 days before the program's first session or for subsequent ses- MNA contact Susan Clish, 781-830-5723 or 800-882-2056, x723 sions of a multi-day program. Program MNA reserves the right to cancel programs when registration Peripheral I.V. Therapy Program Cancellation is insufficient. *Contact Continuing Education Contact Hours are provided for all programs Description This program introduces the RN to the theory of peripheral venipuncture. Hours except Advanced Cardiac Life Support by the Massachusetts It includes anatomy and physiology of the peripheral circulatory system, Nurses Association, which is accredited as a provider of continu- fluid and electrolyte imbalance, infection control and legal issues of the ing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing practice of venipuncture. Classroom instruction will include procedural Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Contact hours for demonstration and return demonstration on I.V. arms. Clinical experi- Advanced Cardiac Life Support is provided by the Rhode Island ence will not be provided. State Nurses Association, which is accredited as a provider of Speakers Mary Walsh RN, BSN, CRNI, Infusion Therapy Specialist continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credential- Marilyn Bernard RN, CRNI, Infusion Therapy Specialist ing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Date Thursday, May 15 To successfully complete a program and receive contact Time 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. hours, you must: 1. Sign in. 2. Be present for the entire time Place MNA Headquarters, Canton period of the session. 3. Complete the evaluation. Fee MNA members, $65; all others, $95 Special notes Certificate of attendance will be awarded Chemical Scents may trigger responses in those with chemical sensitivity. MNA contact Susan Clish, 781-830-5723 or 800-882-2056, x723 Sensitivity Please avoid wearing scented personal products and refrain from smoking when you attend MNA continuing education programs. Page 20 Massachusetts Nurse March 2003 Smallpox vaccination plan status report Last month’s Massachusetts Nurse featured the program. an initial outbreak and open mass vac- program. a special section concerning MNA’s analysis In February, DPH-employed physicians, cination clinics. and position statement concerning the state nurses and staff were the first in the state • More than 108,000 military personnel MNA smallpox conference draws 100 Department of Public Health’s Pre-event to receive the vaccine. As the Massachusetts have been inoculated in the past six In an effort to increase education among Smallpox Vaccination Plan for health care Nurse went to press, very few additional weeks, with six serious complications nurses and other health care workers about workers. To view this information, visit the health care workers had been vaccinated. reported, according to the most recent smallpox, the MNA hosted a conference, MNA web site at www.massnurses.org. The Washington Post ran a major feature data available from the Pentagon. They Smallpox 2003: What Nurses and Others Must The MNA has taken the position that it story that pointed out that the program had included two cases of encephalitis, two Know, at the Best Western Hotel and Confer- cannot encourage its members to participate stalled nationally as a result of the concerns serious rashes, one case of myocarditis ence Center in Marlboro on Feb. 25. More than in the program until a variety of issues are raised by organizations like the MNA and by (inflammation of the heart) and an eye 100 nurses and allied professionals attended addressed in the plan. Specifically, the MNA reluctant health care workers concerned about infection. the event, where they learned to distinguish believes there should be furloughing of the issues left unresolved. the signs and symptoms of smallpox from employees who are vaccinated to prevent National legislation filed many other infectious diseases, particularly exposure of the live vaccine virus to patients Initial complications reported In response to the broad based outcry of chicken pox, impetigo and disseminated susceptible to severe complications; compen- As of early March, the Centers for Desease concerns about the smallpox plan, and as herpes zoster as well as other types of other sation for workers who suffer side effects from Control had reported that two dozen people the program continues to stall, Congress has skin lesions. Participants received a packet of the vaccine, liability protections for workers have reported complications associated with acted to try and pass legislation to address information from the DPH that included the who may expose a patient or co-worker, and a the vaccine, though none has been life-threat- these concerns. Rep. Henry Waxman (D- most recent publications on smallpox from comprehensive education program to ensure ening: Calif.) recently introduced H.R.865 (http: the CDC in Atlanta. the health care workforce and the public • A 39-year-old Florida nurse, after //thomas.loc.gov). It is a bill to protect and Those who could not attend the conference understand the plan, smallpox in general, complaining of headaches and mal- compensate workers and others injured by can obtain much of the same information and and the risks of the plan. aise, developed a severe rash called the smallpox vaccination. It has been sent to materials online at www.cdc.gov/smallpox. Part Before releasing its position statement, the "generalized vaccinia" that is a known the Health Subcommittees of the Energy & of this web information site, entitled, Most MNA called the DPH to discuss the issues. The side effect of the inoculation. Although Commerce and the Education & Workforce Frequently Asked Questions, is particularly MNA Smallpox Task Force continues to track additional testing is being done, health Committees. Massachusetts Congressman Ed helpful. this issue and as events change and issues officials expressed confidence that the Markey has signed onto the bill as a sponsor. Susan Lett, MD, Massachusetts DPH direc- are addressed, the MNA will re-evaluate its pustules on her chest and back were Highlights of the legislation include: tor of immunization, presented on the history, position and issue additional information for caused by the live virus vaccine. She • Establishes a no-fault compensation epidemiology and treatment of the disease. MNA members. Check the MNA web site for was treated with antihistamines, and program for those injured by the small- During the entire day, Dr. Lett answered ques- updates on these issues. doctors do not expect her to have pox vaccine modeled on the program tions from a very interested and inquisitive Since releasing its position, the MNA has permanent scarring, said Eric Mast, an for children injured by routine immu- audience. garnered significant media attention for its immunization specialist at the CDC. nizations; Donna Lazorik RN, MS, coordinator of stance, resulting in numerous print, radio • Two other Florida cases involved • Provides grants to states to pay for adult immunization at the DPH, described and television interviews with MNA leaders symptoms not typically associated their vaccination programs, including the Massachusetts Pre-event (before a case and staff. The Boston Globe has published two with smallpox vaccination — angina, education and testing for medical con- of smallpox appears) Vaccination Plan. Ms. editorials that support the MNA’s position or severe chest pain, and gallbladder ditions that are risk factors for severe Lazorik noted that the volunteer vaccination on the issue, specifically endorsing the need inflammation. Both patients were reactions; program has been developed with a com- to furlough nurses to prevent unnecessary treated at local hospitals and are in • Provides states full funding to pay ponent to screen out those who should not exposure to vulnerable patient populations. good condition, officials said. for the immediate medical care of any participate due to personal or family risk In a debate between MNA President Karen • Health officials have expected a small health care worker or first responder factors. Higgins and Alfred DeMaria, director of the number of complications associated injured by the vaccine, or anyone A panel consisting of Karen Higgins, presi- DPH smallpox vaccination effort on New with the inoculations. In the past, injured by coming into contact with dent of MNA, Evie Bain, MNA coordinator of England Cable News, DeMaria praised the between 14 and 52 of every 1 million someone who has been recently vac- health and safety, Mike Aires, of the Interna- MNA for “doing exactly what it should be people immunized suffered life-threat- cinated; tional Association of Firefighters and Nancy doing to inform its members on this issue. ening side effects such as encephalitis. • Prohibits discrimination against any Lessin, coordinator of health and safety for Their concerns deserve to be addressed.” More common reactions include fever, worker who refuses to be vaccinated; the Massachusetts AFL/CIO, addressed con- itching, lethargy and headache. • Permits up to four days of paid leave cerns that adverse effects of the vaccine and MNA is not alone in raising concerns • As of Feb. 21, 7,354 people had been for health care workers who experience the risks to volunteers and patients have not The MNA has not been alone in its oppo- immunized in the voluntary program, transient but significant local reactions. been adequately addressed by either the CDC sition to the plan. Shortly after the MNA designed to vaccinate 500,000 health Employers can obtain reimbursement or the federal government. n announced its position, similar positions care workers who would respond to for this expense from the compensation were announced by the Maine State Nurses Association, Rhode Island State Nurses Association, California Nurses Association, Texas Nurses Association and the American Want Safe Staffing? Then come to a legislative briefing Nurses Association. More than 350 hospitals The MNA Department of Legislation & share your story! If you live in the towns Tuesday, April 8 nationwide have decided to opt out of the Government Affairs, the Congress on Health represented by the legislators and want to 5 p.m. plan because of safety, compensation and Policy and Legislation and MNA members participate, Please RSVP to 781-830-5725 or District Office, 369 Washington St., liability concerns and hundreds more are from across the state are working together [email protected] Dedham undecided. to set up legislative briefings across the A panel of experts created by the pres- state. These briefings, entitled “A Public April Rep. tigious Institute of Medicine (IOM) called (Dracut and Tyngsborough) Health Crisis: Recruitment and Retention Rep. Kathleen Teahan for better screening, a system for covering Thursday, April 10 in Nursing — Its Impact on Patient Care,” (Abington, East Bridgewater and Whit- lost wages and medical expenses for people are designed as a forum for MNA members 11 a.m. man) who have adverse effects from the vaccine and our supporters to meet with local legis- District Office, 1105 Lakeview Ave, and an independent, non-political voice for lators and inform them of the critical staffing Friday, April 4 Dracut the program. The American Public Health 9 a.m. issues that nurses face in health care facilities Rep. Thomas Golden Association has recommended additional Emmy’s Deli, Rt. 123 everyday and to help us win their support (Chelmsford and Lowell) protections to assure safe and effective for our safe staffing bill. Rep. Friday, April 11 implementation of the vaccine. Below is a listing of briefings that have (Dighton, Somerset, Swansea and Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northamp- 9 a.m. been organized with the legislators who sit Taunton) ton has refused to participate in the program on the Health Care Committee. These are Location: TBD because of the danger it may present to Friday, April 4 To RSVP or for more information, the very legislators who will determine the 9:30 a.m. patient populations, and three other Boston future of the MNA sponsored Safe Staff- call 781-830-5725. If you would like to Somerset Town Hall area hospitals – Massachusetts General Hos- ing Legislation. They need to hear from host a briefing in your area, please call pital, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital and their RN constituents what is happening Rep. Robert Coughlin 781-830-5713. n Children’s Hospital – were reported in The on the frontlines of health care — come (Dedham, Walpole and Westwood) Boston Globe to have serous reservations about