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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Ann Converso, RN, United American Nurses, 8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 400, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 301/924-8284, ann.converso@med.va.gov

This presentation will address the messages that resonate with nurses, and the public, regarding a change in nurse supervisory status that could deem millions of nurses supervisors, thereby disenfranchising them from their union and shaking the foundation of union organizing in the private healthcare arena.

Messages that resonate include:

* An NLRB decision to limit charge nurses' union rights would serve no one well – not patients, not nurses, and not hospitals. Such a ruling reflects a lack of understanding about health care delivery today and the critical role of nurses in patient care.

* There are some very big problems in hospitals today – like a critical shortage of nurses, unsafe staffing ratios, nurses forced to work overtime after shifts that are already too long, and patients who suffer complications and even death that could and should have been prevented. Redefining nurses as supervisors does nothing to address any of those problems. Supporting nurses as union members and patient advocates does.

* Every day, nurses make decisions about a patient's care. That's not only nurses' job, it's required by our code of ethics and our standards of professional practice.

* Some of the decisions nurses make involve directing other staff, including other nurses. Those decisions and directions are critically important to patients, but that doesn't mean nurses are suddenly transformed into hospital supervisors. We know the difference, our nursing supervisors know the difference and hospitals know the difference. It's unfortunate that the NLRB doesn't – for patients, for nurses, and for hospitals.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this presentation, participates will be able to
• Identify and discuss the messages that best resonate with nurses and the public regarding the outcome of decisions denying charge nurses the right to organize and bargain collectively
• Discuss the possible solutions to the problems confronting nurses, including staffing, health and safety and other key issues.

Keywords: Nurses,

Related Web page: www.uannurse.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No