City edition | july/august 2016 New York the official publicationnurse of the new york state nurses association

NYNSA endorses Marisol Alcantara — a safe staffing champion — for NYS Senate, SD 31, p. 11 Nurses for Marisol Alcantara at Dominican Day Parade, p. 11

New Presbyterian Hospital NYSNA members at the August 14 parade in . From left: RNs Minerva Concepción, Clara Paris, Julia Symborski, and Florangel Benitez-Charles.

Members at 3 Upstate hospitals deliver 10-day strike notice, p. 5 2 New York Nurse July/august 2016 Putting the pieces together

orging unity is a critical goal; the Catholic Workers Movement in ist, took in and cared for refugees it can only happen when the last century talked about hope: from El Salvador, teaching her people see their common “What we would like to do is young children the value of stand- interests, instead of focusing change the world — make it a ing up for disenfranchised people. Fon anger, fear and alienation. little simpler for people to feed, Berta followed in her mother’s As nurses, what are our common clothe, and shelter themselves as footsteps, organizing communities, interests? Obvious answers: enough God intended them to do. And, taking on huge corporations who staff to care for our patients, a by fighting for better conditions, had free reign in her country after By Judy Sheridan- functional healthcare system, ben- by crying out unceasingly for the the 2009 Military Coup threat- Gonzalez, RN efits that sustain our families and rights of the workers, the poor, of ened the livelihoods of indigenous NYSNA President livelihoods, a dignified retirement, the destitute…we can, to a certain peoples with environmentally a violence- and intimidation-free extent, change the world...” destructive construction projects, workplace, resources and support dams, mining operations and the that truly enhance our practice. It takes a village intensification of privatization of These are such reasonable needs! Lillian Wald, founder of the rivers and lands. Why must we fight so hard for such Henry Street Settlement and the Berta was brutally assassinated several months ago. The govern- ment has no interest in bringing the murderers to justice. But the Lenca people continue her work. I was privileged to hear her daugh- ter speak at the Climate March in on July 24. There are always international connections to these tragedies: multi-national cor- porations have no boundaries. Berta, in the face of numerous death threats, stated: “I’m a human rights fighter and I won’t give up.” Advocating for patients. Advancing the profession.SM

Board of Directors RN advocacy knows no bounds President sensible goals? Why, in a country Visiting Nurse Service of NY said: Every act of advocacy on behalf Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez, RN, MSN, FNP with extraordinary wealth are “Ever since I have been con- of our vulnerable patients and First Vice President Marva Wade, RN these goals so elusive? scious of my part in life, I have communities are acts of heroism Second Vice President felt consecrated to the saving of as well. These times call for us to Anthony Ciampa, RN We are not an island human life.” make it our business to understand Secretary The answers lie in understanding But Lillian recognized that acting “the bigger picture” and to see the Anne Bové, RN, MSN, BC, CCRN, ANP the links between our workplace alone had its limitations: parallels that exist beyond our tiny Treasurer Patricia Kane, RN and our world. When some people “Reform can be accomplished insulated realities. Not knowing Directors at Large say: “We should only involve our- only when attitudes are changed.” is not an excuse — it only serves to Kevin Donovan, RN Jacqueline B. Gilbert, RN selves with nursing,” or “Why are It may surprise some that Harriet imprison us in ignorance. Nancy Hagans, RN we getting involved in politics,” Tubman was a nurse. After work- Harriet Tubman knew this when Tracey Kavanagh, RN, BSN Lilia V. Marquez, RN they are pretty much missing the ing for years in the Underground she said: Sean Petty, RN, CPEN point. We’ll never achieve these Railroad, she nursed union soldiers “I freed a thousand slaves. I could Nella Pineda-Marcon, RN, BC Karine M. Raymond, RN, MSN things if we are myopic. Injustice during the Civil War. A tireless have freed a thousand more if Verginia Stewart, RN in the workplace cannot be isolated caregiver, she always set her sights only they knew they were slaves.” Mary Ellen Warden, RN from injustices in society. The qual- higher: In today’s world, it just isn’t Regional Directors Southeastern Yasmine Beausejour, RN ity of life at work and at home can- “Every great dream begins with enough to do good deeds. We need Southern Seth B. Dressekie, RN, MSN, NP not be separated from the quality a dreamer. Always remember, to generalize our acts of individual Central Ethel Mathis, RN Lower Hudson/NJ Jayne Cammisa, RN, BSN of life of our broader community. you have within you the strength, kindness to respect and embrace Western Sarah Annabelle Chmura, RN That’s not what history teaches the patience, and the passion to those around us who are fighting Eastern Martha Wilcox, RN us; that’s not what nursing ethics reach for the stars to change the for social justice in its broadest

Executive Editor teaches us. world.” sense. Some of us have chosen to Jill Furillo, RN, BSN, PHN In these times, it helps to look join with them in their battles. The Executive Director at pioneers and heroes. As a 95% Taking a stand against injustice struggle for human rights liberates Editorial offices located at: 131 W 33rd St., New York, NY 10001 female profession, we can look Berta Cáceres, a Lenca woman all of us — and it’s serious business. Phone: 212-785-0157 x 159 to nurses and other women for from Honduras, grew up during Dorothy Day’s most famous Email: [email protected] Website: www.nysna.org inspiration: the violence that swept through comment: Subscription rate: $33 per year Dorothy Day, a suffragist, jour- Central America in the 1980s. Her “Don’t call me a saint. I don’t ISSN (Print) 1934-7588/ISSN (Online) 1934-7596 ©2016, All rights reserved nalist, social activist and founder of mother, a midwife and social activ- want to be dismissed so easily.” Public Health NEW YORK NURSE 3 July/august 2016 NYS holds polluters accountable Cuomo signs bill for Hoosick Falls ew York State Governor water supply. James Donavan suf- Johns Hopkins School of Public Andrew Cuomo signed a bill fers from ulcerative colitis and other Health showed that premature N that extends the statute of illnesses resulting from exposure to births increased by 40 percent when limitations for victims to sue cor- PFOA. His illnesses are consistent mothers lived near fracking wells in porate polluters for personal dam- with findings on the effects of PFOA Pennsylvania. Premature births are ages. The bill was inspired by water exposure, and his suit accuses the the number one cause of infant mor- contamination in Hoosick Falls corporations of failing to protect the tality and disability in America. If and was supported by NYSNA city’s water supply, despite know- other states pass legislation similar nurses who weighed in on the issue ing the potential harm to public to the New York law, the extractive The legislation by holding press conferences and health caused by PFOA contamina- industry could be held accountable “is a win for the testifying at hearings. A NYSNA tion. Other lawsuits have been filed for these atrocious health outcomes. public health nurse in Onondaga by home owners, whose property Our governor, wisely, has also residents of penned an article regarding corpo- values have plummeted in Hoosick banned fracking in our state. Hoosick Falls, but rate liability for water contamina- Falls because of the pollution. Until the makeup of the U.S. tion by corporate polluters several Senate and House shift dramati- (it’s also a win) months ago in City and State. Important precedent cally, these reforms will have to for residents In Hoosick, the main wells of the The law signed by Governor happen at the state level. Both the around New city were found contaminated by Cuomo sets an important precedent Republican controlled House and perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, for victims of corporate pollution Senate have passed legislation to York state who a chemical used in local factories in Hoosick Falls and beyond and block updated Clean Water Act might have an unfortunate situation like Hoosick Falls.” Assembly sponsor John McDonald, D-Cohoes Doug Kerr Doug Contamination of Hoosick Falls’ water supply spurred Governor Cuomo to sign a law extending New York’s statute of limitations on lawsuits against corporate polluters.

manufacturing non-stick items could help to reign in corpora- regulations intended to allow for at levels the EPA says are danger- tions polluting our environment stricter Federal regulations on ous to human health. The factory with toxic chemicals. In the name water quality. More concerned responsible for the contaminants is of profits, the chemical industry with sound bytes than the safety of now owned by Saint-Gobain and continued to expose the public to the American people, Republicans formerly owned by Honeywell. PFOA long after it knew the risks called the Obama administration’s to human health. Their behavior attempts to safeguard our water a Holding polluters accountable is part of a dangerous pattern of “Federal power grab” and said that The State determined that both corporations putting profits before stricter water regulations would companies were responsible for the public health or environmental hurt corporate interests. pollution and Governor Cuomo safety. In their lust for ever-increas- Corporate interests should successfully pushed the EPA to ing margins, manufacturers often never be put before the health and declare the factory a Superfund introduce new chemicals to their safety of the American people. site. Hundreds of residents have products before proven safe or con- Corporations need to be held had blood tests showing high levels tinue to use contaminants known responsible for the pollution they of PFOA exposure, which has been to be harmful. Many potentially introduce into our water supplies, linked to numerous illnesses includ- dangerous contaminants used by into the air we breath, and into the ing several kinds of cancer. agricultural and mining corpora- earth we walk upon. A resident of Hoosick Falls recent- tions have not yet been evaluated NYSNA nurses applaud Governor ly filed the first personal damages for safety, let alone regulated. Cuomo and the NY State legislature lawsuit against Saint Gobain and Oil and gas companies are among for actions to hold corporate pollut- Honeywell for illnesses stemming the worst polluters in the world. ers responsible and we call on other from the contamination of the city’s A recent study conducted by the states to follow his lead. 4 New York Nurse July/august 2016 Health insurance mergers are bad for patients he Affordable Care Act was mergers because they could lead to in unprecedented numbers. But years a step in the right direction decreased access to care and higher of lack of access to care has led to a toward ensuring that all insurance premiums. population that seeks treatment for Americans have access to diseases in more acute stages, cost- Tquality healthcare. However, for- Squeezing profits out of patient care ing insurance companies much more profit insurance companies are try- Private insurers aren’t the only than preventative care. By Jill Furillo, RN, ing to use the ACA as an excuse to bad actors in the system. For-profit Further, pharmaceutical com- NYSNA Executive merge into mega-for-profit monopo- providers are also finding ways to panies have few restrictions on Director lies, consolidating corporate power funnel more money into their cof- how high their prices can go. Take to maximize profits instead of focus- fers instead of expanding access to the former Hedge Fund Manager ing on providing the best possible quality affordable care. The health- Martin Shkreli, who increased the care at the lowest cost to consumers. care industry is rife with corruption price of a key drug for treating a This power grab by insurers is mov- because of a flawed and loosely life-threatening parasitic infections ing us farther from our ultimate goal regulated reimbursement system. by 4000 percent overnight. Another as healthcare activists — a single NYSNA nurses know that for- example is the new Hepatitis C payer public healthcare system that profit dialysis companies usually drugs that cure the disease — some- guarantees quality healthcare to all, have worse outcomes for patients. thing that all hepatitis C patient regardless of income or ability to pay. That’s why we fought and won a should have access to. But the phar- campaign to stop New York City’s maceutical companies are charging Private monopoly over a public good public hospitals from outsourcing sky high rates and insurers are going Four out of the five biggest health dialysis to a for-profit company out of their way to avoid it, along insurers recently announced merg- with a history of providing subpar with other specialty medications ers that would dramati- care. And that’s why we spoke for chronic illnesses like Multiple cally reshape the healthcare out against another for-profit, Sclerosis. In fact, most of the insur- industry. Anti-trust gov- Fresenius, that shut down clinics in ance companies on New York State ernment regulators filed high-need communities and refused healthcare exchange flat out refuse lawsuits to block the two to negotiate with caregivers. coverage for specialty medications. mergers between Aetna One for-profit dialysis company and Humana and Anthem found a way to multiply profits by Increasing rates for consumers and Cigna. U.S. Attorney subsidizing insurance premiums for Health insurance rates on the General Loretta Lynch patients who signed up for private individual ACA market-place in pointed out that these payer insurance instead of relying New York State will go up by 16.6 mergers would put a multi- on government programs. American percent starting in January, the trillion-dollar health insurance Renal received less than $300 per biggest increase since the exchange industry into the hands just three dialysis session from government began. Some patients will see their mammoth insurance companies. programs but around $4,000 from insurance rates go up by as much “If these mergers were to take UnitedHealthcare. UnitedHealthcare as 80 percent in 2017. Others will place, the competition among insur- sued American Renal Associates for be shielded partially by govern- ers that has pushed them to provide referring patients to get help paying ment subsidies — which means that lower premiums, higher-quality care for private insurance. taxpayer dollars are being spent to and better benefits would be elimi- In this case, two for-profit boost profits of private insurers. nated,” Attorney General Lynch healthcare entities were fight- MetroPlus, New York City’s public told The New York Times. ing over how to make the most option, is actually being forced to The ACA was intended to money — the insurance company increase rates despite attempting to increase competition among health by avoiding coverage for high need keep them low to preserve access to insurers so that they would be patients, and the provider by trying care. With another of the most popu- pushed to offer better coverage at to multiply profits. The needs of lar plans on the exchange, Health lower rates to consumers. However, the patients were never part of the Republic, going belly up and out-of- the insurers have used their addi- equation for either corporation. pocket expenses skyrocketing across tional leverage through the law to the board, New Yorkers are running jack up rates and maximize profits. Corporate greed out of options for affordable care. In the past regulators have stepped Meanwhile, insurance companies Mergers and consolidations by in to block mergers among large continue to bemoan the ACA because for-profit insurers is a step in the hospital systems and pharmaceutical they haven’t been making the profits wrong direction. For-profit corpo- companies when evidence showed they were counting on, largely due rations have no place in healthcare. that these consolidations could to the fact that patients, who for NYSNA nurses continue to fight hurt the public. Likewise, anti-trust many years were unable to access the for a single payer healthcare system watchdogs are rightly stepping in to healthcare they desperately needed, that focuses on maximizing care stop these two mega health insurer are now heading to the doctor’s office instead of maximizing profits. upstatetk NEW YORK NURSE 5 July/august 2016 St. Elizabeth & Samaritan RNs announce 1-day strikes

St. Elizabeth RNs at bargaining on August 15 (left). NYSNA nurses carry their 10-day strike notice to Samaritan’s management (right).

Hot summer days haven’t slowed down NYSNA walked in their own 10-day notice to hospital manage- members at St. Elizabeth Medical Center and ment. Nurses at the two hospitals plan one-day strikes Samaritan Hospital in their pursuit of fair contracts on September 1. that improve staffing levels. At their August 15 con- While negotiating independent contracts, the nurses tract negotiating session, St. Elizabeth nurses delivered have coordinated community outreach in an attempt a 10-day strike notice to management. The very next to increase public awareness of the negative impact of day, NYSNA members at Samaritan Medical Center short staffing on healthcare outcomes. Back pay victory and new strike notice at NLH n a huge victory for the 130 at Nathan Littauer,” said Marion NYSNA members at Nathan Enright, RN and LBU President. Littauer, the National Labor Members cite management’s Relations Board ruled that the refusal to reach a contract that IGloversville hospital had violated addresses staffing shortages and federal law when it locked out protects affordable healthcare for nurses as they attempted to return nurses as the largest obstacle stand- to work following a one-day ing in the way of improving Nathan Unfair Labor Practice strike on Littauer’s recruitment and retention January 6. The hospital agreed to of experienced nurses and other pay NYSNA members back wages healthcare workers. outcomes — so much so that on Marion Enright, RN and LBU President for the week-long lock out. The nurses remain united in their August 16 they delivered a 10-day (center), and coworkers on their way “We applaud the Labor Board for commitment to achieving a fair notice to Nathan Littauer’s manage- to deliver a 10-day notice to Nathan standing with us and we are continu- contract that protects patient care ment, announcing the intent to hold Littauer Hospital’s management. ing to work towards a fair contract and creates the best possible health a 2-day strike beginning Sept. 1.

Reducing workplace violence at ECMC for violence. It is not a good thera- nurses at Erie Ms. Reynolds says long wait times peutic environment.” NYSNA County Medical are a leading cause of workplace ECMC’s nurses are working to Center (ECMC) are hoping a rede- violence, and “in the CPEP, if one improve conditions for psychiatric sign of the hospital’s Comprehensive person goes off, it often sets off patients. “A few years ago, we filed Psychiatric Emergency Program a domino effect that can quickly an arbitration that resulted in the (CPEP) will reduce violent incidents turn violent.” creation of a behavioral health and and keep both patients and caregiv- safety committee that meets twice ers safe. ECMC’s CPEP serves a Severe overcrowding monthly,” said Ms. Reynolds. wide geographic area and its patients By law, a CPEP accepts all CPEP is also a topic at the include inmates from county and patients in need and has no census monthly labor-management meet- state correctional facilities. cap. Moreover, many patients stay ing. And ECMC created a new Katrina Reynolds, an RN and well beyond the 72-hour mark, at title of employees, PSAs, (Public CPEP Charge Nurse, would like which point they are supposed to Safety Associates), who are spe- to see ECMC adopt a better CPEP be either admitted or released. Ms. cifically trained to work in the triage system. “As it is now, all Reynolds reports this is especially psychiatric unit to intervene and patients — those suffering from the case with patients with develop- deescalate tension. simple anxiety to the severely psy- mental disabilities who have been Ms. Reynolds and her NYSNA Katrina Reynolds, RN and chotic — are housed together in one abandoned by their families. “If we colleagues continue to generate Charge Nurse in ECMC’s big room. Sometimes a nurse may cannot find a safe discharge option, ideas for creating a safer CPEP: CPEP Unit have 15 patients.” these patients end up essentially liv- “We’re eager to share our ideas Short staffing exacerbates ing in this big, open room with no with ECMC as it moves forward the unit’s tense atmosphere. privacy and fraught with potential with the redesign.” 6 New York Nurse July/august 2016 NJ members win historic contract victory at Shore Medical Center Shore Medical Center NYSNA sought massive givebacks in health, The agreement maintains the members in Southern New Jersey pension, and pay. All told, they nurses’ pension for the duration of voted by a margin would have cost each nurse between the contract and removes the cap of more than 99 per- $15,000 and $20,000 over the life of on years of service — a consider- cent in support of the contract. We stayed united and able victory given that the hospital ratifying a historic won a concession-free agreement.” has frozen pension contributions new contract that for the rest of its employees for the delivers impressive Unity prevails next eight years. Nurses’ health economic gains and Her LBU Co-Chair Nancy benefits will be maintained with no gives the 340 nurses Burton, RN, added, “The eco- changes, as will 401(k) contribu- more collective bar- nomic gains are substantial. We tions. As an added bonus, the hos- gaining strength by won annual percentage increases, pital will offer an early retirement aligning the agree- plus we were successful in unfreez- buyout to those at least 58 years of ment’s expiration ing experience steps which will net age with 10 years of service. with those of major most members a 5 to 6 percent pay Shore nurses are glad the long New York City increase on top of the 2 percent struggle is over. “We had a very Negotiating Committee members at NYSNA hospitals and AFT HPAE across-the-board increases we’ll see tough road to navigate, but our Shore Medical Center have much to nurses in New Jersey. in 2017 and 2018.” unity prevailed in the end. This con- smile about. Clockwise from top left: Dorothy Rudert, RN and LBU “We fought very hard to protect tract keeps us at the highest levels Lisa Ruiz, RN; Nancy Burton, RN; Co-Chair, said she and her cowork- our pension and health benefits, too. of standards for New Jersey nurse Dottie Rudert, RN; Jim Casas, RN; Gina ers are ecstatic. “The hospital had And we won!” said Ms. Rudert. union contracts,” said Ms. Burton. Schlatcter, RN; Suzanne Jenkins, RN; and Jeannette Martin, RN. Westchester RNs: taking it to the streets estchester Medical Center Letzeiser, RN. “We’re working in a (WMC) RNs are speaking broken system that has little account- Wup, showing up and pop- ability, and we are not respected by ping up all over the county — on the hospital’s management.” billboards, at bus stops, on cable “The WMC NYSNA Executive television and local radio sta- Committee made the decision to tions — to raise awareness in the go public,” Ms. Letzeiser said, community about what’s happen- “because the community deserves ing inside the hospital. to know what’s happening inside “Each day, we go to work and do the hospital. WMC is a resource our best for our patients, but our job that belongs to all of us in the com- has become increasingly difficult munity. People need to understand WMC LBU President Eileen Letzeiser, RN because of WMC’s excessive out- how it’s being managed and what it WMC RNs are featured in the current sourcing,” said LBU President Eileen means for our patients.” community outreach campaign. NYSNA sponsors march against violence “Love conquers all,” was the message at the July 23 Stop the Violence march through the streets of Poughkeepsie co-sponsored by our union. NYSNA mem- bers marched alongside Dutchess County elected leaders, neighbors, and friends to raise awareness about rising gun violence and bring an end to the scourge of mass killings in America — with Orlando, Baton Rouge and Dallas the lat- est in a long line of tragedies. Innoh Ngbodi, an RN at Vassar Brothers Medical Center, joined the march. “This is my community,” he said. “As nurses, we see these incidents firsthand when the victims of gun violence come to the hospital. This violence effects the community. It effects the people we serve. The hospital gets overwhelmed with this kind of violence on a daily basis.” This was the second year that the Poughkeepsie commu- nity came together in a show of solidarity to take back the streets from gun violence. long island NEW YORK NURSE 7 July/august 2016

Fight for fairness NYSNA and 1199SEIU unite against at St. Catherine workplace violence and St. Charles nurses and tacted 1199SEIU caregivers and management to Nurses at Catholic Health Service NYSNA 1199SEIU support staff,” said Jenmarie identify ways of Long Island’s St. Catherine of caregivers banded together to Byrnes, RN and LBU President. to make the Siena Medical Center and St. Charles Hospital are taking their safe staffing stop workplace violence after two Within 24 hours, the unions facility safer and fair contract message directly to attacks against emergency room launched a joint ‘Protect Our for workers and Long Island communities. In mid- staff over a 24-month period in Staff’ campaign. NYSNA and patients. August, billboards, lawn signs, and St. Joseph Hospital’s Emergency 1199SEIU members walked the By standing together, talk has television ads featuring nurses from Department triage area. floors and visited every unit, dis- turned to action. Administration the two hospitals started running. Following an incident in 2015 tributing armbands and stickers to purchased panic alarm pendants “What we want more than anything when a nurse was seriously injured show that St. Joseph workers were for triage staff, and agreed to is for our patients to be safe and to by a violent patient, St. Joseph’s united in their commitment to a install additional security cameras, get the care they deserve. That’s why management agreed that structural safe workplace. increase hospital security staff, we’re taking our message public,” changes were needed, but never fol- “The response from management improve the access control security said Antoinette Probish, an RN at St. lowed through to implement. was remarkable. Ron Steimel, CAO, system, and conduct staff education. Catherine of Siena Medical Center. Then it happened again. This is committed to making improve- “When NYSNA and 1199SEIU The media campaign grew out of past June, when another nurse was ments, said Ms. Byrnes. Within 48 came together on this issue, we got nurses’ desire to improve staffing to pro- attacked and also suffered serious hours of the attack, a wall in the tri- rapid and effective results. We will tect patient care at the two hospitals. injuries, ED staff said, “No more!” age area that had blocked an escape continue to meet, and work togeth- Tracy Kosciuk, RN at St. Charles “We immediately mobilized the route was removed. The unions er, with Administration to make St Hospital, added, “Part of an nurse’s hospital’s NYSNA nurses and con- have since held joint meetings with Joseph safe, said Ms. Byrnes. job is to educate. We want our pa- tients to know that we want to give them the best possible care but CHS administration is not listening to our Contract victory at St. Joseph concerns on unsafe staffing.” Raising awareness he 210 NYSNA nurses at “With CHS so focused on patient sat- St. Joseph Hospital in Bethpage isfaction ratings, community opinion is Twon a resounding victory when obviously valued. We’re hopeful that they reached a new four-year agree- the media campaign will raise aware- ment with management. RNs won ness and help community members across-the-board wage increases ask the right questions if and when totaling 11.4%, additional experi- they find themselves in the hospital. If CHS hears from the community about ence steps, and increases in differen- the importance of safe staffing, maybe tials for charge and education. Most we’ll finally get the change we so des- importantly, they achieved their top perately need,” said Ms. Kosciuk. bargaining priority of maintaining While the community campaign blos- health benefits without any addi- St. Joseph Hospital NYSNA Negotiating Committee (l to r): Jenmarie L. Byrnes, RN; Dan soms, nurses continue to fight to pro- tional costs or cuts in services. Mills, RN; Margaret Perry, RN; Mary Furey, RN; Heather Gabler, RN; Linda Wells, RN; tect patient care at the bargaining table “We got a great contract with- Cynthia Rusielewicz, RN; and Gina Vista, RN. and are working toward a fair contract. out a single giveback,” said LBU “We’re fortunate to be able to speak President Jenmarie Byrnes, RN. by the Roman Catholic Diocese of contract,” Ms. Byrnes reported. out on behalf of quality care because “This is especially remarkable Rockville Centre, which does not St. Joseph nurses will continue we are part of a strong union that considering management had provide the same level of benefits. to pursue staffing improvements supports its members,” Ms. Kosciuk put 38 concessionary proposals Ms. Byrnes said, “All along, through an ongoing arbitration to concluded. on the table over the course of St. Joseph nurses told the hospital enforce existing contract language negotiations. This was the first we were open to switching plans so and redoubling efforts to pass the time St. Joseph bargained as a full long as the benefits and costs were Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act. member of Long Island’s Catholic comparable to what we already had Ms. Byrnes attributes the vic- Health Services (CHS), and we and that the CHS plan was willing to tory and near-unanimous ratifica- weren’t quite sure what to expect.” come into full compliance with the tion vote to maintaining a unified CHS had pushed the nurses to law under the Affordable Care Act.” front. “Throughout the process, agree to switch from their cur- NYSNA members at St. Joseph rent health benefits provider, the Break in silence stood together 100 percent.” She NYSNA health plan, to one run “After nearly four months of added, “Our unity extends beyond silence from management, we finally St. Joseph to St. Catherine of Siena CORRECTION heard back — they agreed to con- and St. Charles, our sister CHS Quotes in our reportage, “Southside RNs tinue to contribute to our union’s hospitals where NYSNA nurses unite for safe staffing,” June issue, p. 14, were mistakenly attributed to Debbie Noller, benefit plan. We met with the hospi- are still fighting for fair contracts. Lawn signs are one of many outlets RN, and Sue Renz-Fetter, RN. We regret tal’s team a few days later and stayed We’re all NYSNA nurses and we all NYSNA is using to build community these errors. at the table until we had settled the support each other.” awareness and support for the nurses. 8 New York Nurse July/august 2016

concerned with the welfare of women and families. It’s the silver NYSNA RNs respond to lining that came out of the whole Sandy experience.” synthetic drug abuse When Ms. Kane was asked to NYC H+H on serve as the Sisterhood’s 2016 ardly a day goes by without a University Hospital, has become a chair, she, in turn, asked that LGBTQ health new report of an overdose of leader in the fight to address drug member organizations focus this synthetic marijuana (canna- addiction on Staten Island, which year’s efforts on substance abuse. As part of its commitment to H becoming a leader in quality care binoids), cathinones like bath salts, New York City health officials have “We worked closely with TYSA to for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and or opioids, and NYSNA nurses identified as the epicenter of the put together a ‘train the trainer’ Transgender patients, New York working hospital emergency rooms city’s heroin overdose crisis. workshop specific to Staten Island. City’s public hospital system devel- from Buffalo to Long Island see the Ms. Kane became involved in In February, NYSNA with our oped two training modules that it is crisis firsthand. addressing the problem five years Sisterhood partners held a ‘Staten urging all staff members complete by On a single night in July, the ago through community outreach Island Parents: You Matter!’ work- December 1, 2016: Emergency Room staff at NYC work fighting the closure of Bayley shop to give parents and caregivers l “An Introduction to your LGBTQ Health + Hospitals’ Woodhull Seton’s detox beds. “We knew the tools they need to start the con- Patients” has new information on Medical Center treated an unprec- detox beds were already in short versation with young people on the LGBTQ best practices and NYC edented 30 patients who had supply and that we couldn’t afford dangers of drugs.” Health + Hospitals policies. overdosed on K2, one of the many to lose any more,” said Ms. Kane. Once school resumes in September, l “An Introduction to Your LGBTQ forms of synthetic marijuana. The Then Hurricane Sandy hit. Ms. Kane and her Sisterhood part- Co-Workers” describes LGBTQ professional and compassionate “Most NYSNA nurses are hospital- ners will plan another workshop workplace concerns and how response by the ED’s caregivers nurses can create and participate garnered special praise from H + H in a welcoming workplace that is President and CEO Dr. Ram Raju. comfortable for all.

For more information on these train- Unknown and unpredictable ing modules, call NYC H+H’s Mark The contents and effects of K2, Winiarski at 212.442.3895 or email Spice and other synthetic cannabi- [email protected]. noids and cathinones are unpredict- able due to a constantly changing variety of chemicals used in manu- facturing and production processes devoid of quality controls or regu- latory oversight. The potency of the NYSNA Treasurer Pat Kane, RN, is leading a substance abuse prevention initiative drugs, and their widespread avail- through her work as chair of the Staten Island Sisterhood. ability and low price — a package of K2 can be purchased for as little based, and unless you work in the for parents. The clock is ticking. as $5 — have made them increas- ED, you’re somewhat insulated The Sisterhood’s rotating leadership ingly popular among drug users. from what’s happening on the chair passes to another group in a At the same time, law enforce- streets. Our union’s work in help- few months, and the need for raising ment and healthcare providers are ing Staten Island respond and community awareness and connect- facing a large influx of fentanyl, a recover from Hurricane Sandy put ing those in need with the appropri- synthetic opioid long prescribed for us out in the community in ways ate resources is unending. severe pain that is 30 to 50 times that many of us had not been in the Through NYSNA, Ms. Kane is Remembering more powerful than heroin. On the past. It certainly opened my eyes to working with the Governor’s Opioid Irmatrude Grant, RN street, heroin is now often combined the rising street drug epidemic.” Task Force to increase the number with fentanyl to increase potency, of detox beds and other related In early August, Irmatrude Grant, Filling the Void resources and better prepare Staten an extraordinary nurse who was increasing the risk of overdose. profiled in the March/April and Here in New York, admissions Staten Island is the only city Island’s healthcare providers and December/January issues of NY for heroin and prescription opioid- borough without a public hospital. families for dealing with whatever Nurse passed away. Throughout abuse treatment increased 40 per- “There’s tremendous need and no the future may hold. She, too, has her 54-year career, Ms. Grant was cent over the past decade. In Upstate public health system to meet it,” high praise for Woodhull’s ED staff: a frontline leader in the evolution New York and on Long Island, said Ms. Kane. Organizations like “Their ability to respond to 30 of both modern nursing and New admissions for opioid and heroin Community Health Action Staten overdoses in a single night is really York City’s public health system. addiction increased 94 and 117 Island (CHASI) and Tackling remarkable. With the resource cuts She touched tens of thousands of of recent years, I’m not sure if any of lives through her nursing work, her percent respectively. Heroin admis- Youth Substance Abuse (TYSA) try teaching and mentoring, and her sions to OASAS addiction treatment to fill the void, but they can’t do it the hospitals in Staten Island could volunteer work. NYC H+H recently programs rose 35 percent between alone. “My NYSNA colleagues and have handled it quite so well.” dedicated the Pediatric Division of its 2006 and 2015. In May, Governor I couldn’t help but be drawn into Ms. Kane is committed to revers- East New York Clinic to Ms. Grant, Cuomo’s launched a statewide her- the tremendous work these commu- ing those trends. “NYSNA and our ensuring that her legacy will be re- oin task force charged with ending nity groups were doing. That’s how partners will keep advocating until membered. the state’s heroin and opioid crisis. we were introduced to the Staten our Staten Island patients have NYSNA’s Treasurer Pat Kane, a Island Sisterhood, a coalition of the access to the same level of excep- Registered Nurse at Staten Island island’s volunteer women’s groups tional response.” Nurse Leaders NEW YORK NURSE 9 July/august 2016 New Board of Directors n June, members elected seven new officers to + NYSNA’s 21-member Board of Directors. They Judy Sheridan-Gonzalez, RN** Marva Wade, RN** Anne Bové, RN President, Montefiore Medical First Vice President, Mt. Sinai Secretary, Bellevue Hospital also reelected five officers to new terms. I Center Medical Center Center/NYC H+H

Patricia Kane, RN** Anthony Ciampa, RN+ Kevin Donovan, RN+ Jacqueline Gilbert, RN* Nancy Hagans, RN* Treasurer, Staten Island Second Vice President, NY Director at Large, Erie County Director at Large, Director at Large, Maimonides University Hospital Presbyterian Hospital Medical Center Hospital Center/NYC H+H Medical Center

Tracey Kavanagh, RN+ Lilia Marquez, RN* Sean Petty, RN+ Nella Pineda-Marcon, RN+ Karine Raymond, RN+ Director at Large, Flushing Director at Large, Bellevue Director at Large, Jacobi Medical Director at Large, Mount Sinai Director at Large, Montefiore Hospital Medical Center Hospital Center/NYC H+ Center/NYC H+H Hospital Medical Center

Verginia Stewart, RN** Mary Ellen Warden, RN* Seth Dressekie, RN+ Jayne Cammisa, RN+ Ethel Mathis, RN* Director at Large, Metropolitan Director at Large, Mount Sinai Southern Regional Director, NYC Lower Hudson/NJ Regional Director, Central Regional Director, Hospital/NYC H+H West Human Resources Administration Westchester Medical Center St. Elizabeth Medical Center

*Newly Elected Officer **Reelected Officer +Incumbent Officer

Martha Wilcox, RN** Sarah Chmura, RN* Yasmine Beausejour, RN* Eastern Regional Director, Western Regional Director, Erie Southeastern Regional Director, Sullivan County Health Center County Medical Center LIJ Valley Stream nursing 10 New York Nurse practice July/august 2016 Count down to safe patient handling he deadline for compliance to collect years of data and analyze tee work to measure the return on with the final phase of New the program’s impact. Ms. Moed investment and to keep abreast of TYork State’s Safe Patient said, “Every single month the SPH necessary changes,” she said. “It’s Handling (SPH) Act is fast approach- committee reviews injuries, tallies a feedback loop that builds on each ing. The Act became law in 2014 as lost and modified work days, tracks new experience.” a result of advocacy by NYSNA and trends and makes recommenda- our union allies and patient advocacy tions for necessary changes. Each Flushing Hospital groups. Come January 1, individual manager is responsible for reporting Flushing Hospital RN and healthcare facilities will be required the results of her or his investigation NYSNA Director at Large Tracey to move beyond the establishment of of each staff injury resulting from Kavanagh is proud of her hospi- SPH planning committees and put patient handling. The committee tal: “For a community hospital, SPH programs into place. decides if the injury was preventable Flushing has taken a leadership role Safe patient handling is defined and makes recommendations for in complying with the SPH law.” under the Act as a practice that cre- how things could be done better.” In October 2015, the hospital ates a safe environment for patients Within three years of implementa- sent Ms. Kavanagh and Michelle and healthcare workers by elimi- tion, SIUH reduced lost and modi- Jones, RN, to a Safe Patient nating hazardous manual lifting tasks through technologies such as mechanical lifts. Healthcare work- ers have one of the highest occu- SPH Conference pational injury rates, particularly New York’s Zero Lift Task Force back and other musculoskeletal will hold its 8th Annual Safe injuries, leading to a considerable Patient Handling Conference in amount of lost work time. Buffalo on September 21-22. New York hospitals and other NYSNA’s Kelly Moed, MSN, RN- accredited medical facilities are at BC, CSPHP is a featured speaker various stages of compliance with the and NYSNA’s Occupational Safety upcoming deadline. Two NYSNA & Health Representative Lisa In SIUH’s Labor and Delivery unit, Nikisha Ortega, OR Tech (left), and Lea Vischio, Baum will facilitate. Conference hospitals are profiled here: Staten RN (right), demonstrate the use of an air assisted transfer device to move Christine information is available at Island University Hospital (SIUH), Williams, RN, (as patient) from a stretcher to bed. www.zeroliftforny.org. To learn a large (714-bed) facility that is part more about safe patient handling of the Northwell Health System; and fied work time by more than 60% Handling workshop at the Greater and the requirements of the NYS Flushing Hospital Medical Center, a through a combination of injury New York Hospital Association Safe Patient Handling Law, visit smaller (293-bed) community hospi- prevention and a return-to-work to learn about how to get the SPH www.nysna.org/safe-patient- tal located in Queens. program that pools jobs avail- process rolling inside their hospital. handling-and-mobility. able for those unable to return to Soon after, Flushing established SIUH full duty. “It’s win-win because it its SPH Committee. NYSNA RNs NYSNA RN Kelly Moed pio- enables staff who are able and will- Johanna Pinzon and John Hartin neered an SPH program at Staten ing to keep working — but in jobs have spent the past several months Island University Hospital in 2007 that don’t compromise their health.” working with nurses’ aides, manag- which has become a national SIUH is now at the point where ers and other frontline caregivers model. She served as a member of most staff understands the value of on a unit-by-unit assessment. the NYS Health Commissioner’s SPH for workers as well as patients. “We’ve learned that there is no statewide SPH workgroup dur- “After air assisted transfer devices ‘one-size fits all’ solution. Every ing the first phase of the Act’s were introduced in Labor and unit has unique needs, and those implementation. In that role, she Delivery, caregiver injury rates fell needs change,” said Ms. Pinzon. reviewed existing SPH programs in and patient satisfaction increased. “In cardiac, we were accustomed New York and beyond, identified And L&D became one of SPH’s to dealing with patients up to 200 sample SPH policies and best prac- biggest champions.” pounds. Once we added bariatric tices, and helped compile training “There is no question that the services we needed the appropriate materials for statewide use. equipment purchases have paid equipment for patients who weigh She attributes the success of for themselves many times over twice that amount.” SIUH’s program to the fact that through the drop in lost work The committee is now assess- frontline caregivers are fully inte- time, better patient outcomes, and ing equipment and arranging for grated into the program. “SIUH’s higher patient satisfaction — which on-site trials. “We’ve learned that administrators take workplace ultimately lead to higher reim- what works in other hospitals may safety very seriously and have a bursement,” said Ms. Moed. not work at Flushing. Size con- very clear understanding of the Her experience has taught her straints unrelated to budget will tremendous return on SPH invest- that work on SPH doesn’t end after limit the equipment we can pursue. ment,” said Ms. Moed. the hospital makes its first equip- It’s like buying a couch for your With SIUH so far ahead of the ment purchase. “Success requires apartment: you have to make sure regulatory deadline, it has been able ongoing interdisciplinary commit- it will fit through the door.” in brief NEW YORK NURSE 11 July/august 2016

Capital Inter-Regional: On July 14, members from Nurses honored Nathan Littauer Hospital, VNS, Caribbean Life Newspaper Ellis Bellevue and St. Elizabeth bestowed its 2016 Health Medical Center met for the Capital Award on three NYSNA mem- area Inter-Regional. They were bers: Verginia Stewart, RN joined by Assemblyman Angelo at Metropolitan Hospital and Santabarbara and Schenectady City NYSNA Director at Large (above, Dominican Day Parade was an opportunity for nurses to celebrate Councilwoman Marion Porterfield. Dominican heritage and support our very own Marisol Alcantara, NYSNA organizer left); Patricia James, RN, Kings and Democratic candidate for New York State Senate District 31. NYSNA nurses County Hospital (above, right), enthusiastically endorsed Ms. Alcantara at the parade on August 14 because of her and Yasmine Beausejour, RN at unrivaled commitment to fighting for safe staffing and quality care. If you live in LIJ Valley Stream and NYSNA District 31, be sure to vote for Marisol Alcantara in the Primary on September 13! Southeastern Regional Director (not pictured).

Supporting our allies

LI Fed endorses staffing bill For the first time ever, NYSNA sent a delegation to the Long Island Federation of Labor’s Constitutional Convention, and we walked away with two key On July 7, NYSNA nurses from prizes. Marie Boyle, RN (retired of Westchester Medical Center, Southside, at podium above) made St. John’s Riverside Hospital and a presentation on the Safe Staffing St. Joseph’s Medical Center came Western Inter-regional: Members from Erie County Medical for Quality Care Act, after which together to show support for Center, Brooks Memorial Hospital, Erie County Dept. of Health, and the federation unanimously passed Assemblymember Shelly Mayer, Olean General Hospital gathered at NYSNA’s Buffalo office on July 20. a resolution in support of the bill. a sponsor of the Safe Staffing for They met newly-elected Western Regional Director Sarah Chmura, RN; At the same meeting, Yasmine Quality Care Act. discussed safe staffing with State Senate candidate Amber Small; and Beausejour, RN at LIJ Valley learned about workplace safety from NYSNA’s Occupational Health and Stream and NYSNA Southeastern Speaking out on DSRIP Safety Representative Lisa Baum. Regional Director, was appointed to the federation’s executive board. Tracy Kosciuk, RN, St. Charles Hospital, also attended.

CUNY settles contract The Professional Staff Congress, which represents faculty and other employees of the City University of New York, ratified a new seven- Ethel Mathis, RN, St. Elizabeth year agreement that will bring Medical Center in Utica and retroactive raises and other gains NYSNA’s Central Regional to 25,000 members. PSC President Director, spoke at a July 12 Barbara Bowen had addressed Upstate hearing about the impor- Celebrating summer. NYSNA families gathered in Poughkeepsie on NYSNA’s June 23 Public/Private tance of involving frontline staff August 13 to enjoy a barbecue, music, games, and each other’s company. Conference. in the DSRIP process. Non-Profit NEW YORK NURSE US Postage Paid july/august 2016 NYSNA

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Demanding corporate responsibility for environmental cleanups, p. 3

For more information, visit www.nysna.org/2016biennial or contact your NYSNA Delegate or Rep. Count down to safe patient handling, p. 10