For Next Time
For next time, and there will be a next time, I would like to see nurses in the leadership role of the preparation and response. For every patient that has a physician at the bedside, there are more nurses to carry out the orders, monitor the vitals, give the meds, notify the physician of changes in condition. We know this. Our knowledge of the art and science of caring is specialized and distinct. Why are we underrepresented in the planning and preparation for the response, both at a national level and on our state and local levels too? I see physicians and physicians only speaking in an advisory role representing direct care whenever the WH task force or the Governor of California or the Governor of New York speak.
How can we find our way into these conversations ?
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Comments (6)
Thank you for sharing. In my opinion, from what I have experienced, having been a “union nurse,” I respect those who are members, I will never be employed under their “protection” again. As a staff nurse, I paid dues, and made significantly less than my non-union peers. The union provided “benefits” that were given to me for free when I transitioned as a staff RN to a non-union facility. The union facility confirmed I could opt out of my membership and even keep my job. However, I would pay the dues regardless with none of the false sense of protection any longer. The union or the those who control them and yes, it’s unfortunate, but those who profit from their RNs are actually not so mad or angry with the Execs and policy makers. At least they don’t appear to be when they are socializing and attending events together. When they all bump into each other at the fundraisers financed by their nurse’s dues they aren’t angry or fighting for their nurses period. They all actually know each other, worked together, and then it mixed well when they get to use their RN’s money to attend political events with their “enemy” on your behalf. The candidate, often an incumbent with job security knows them all very well and is happy to see them and appreciates the nurse’s money. However, those funds don’t always necessarily buy the vote it should have. Just wanted to share where I believe the unions are right now. The ground troops are getting slaughtered in NYC, they don’t run or lead the union, they pay dues, remain the least protected, despite making the news everyday. With their union signs strapped to their chest, for weeks now. Union signs, not PPE covering them and protecting them. Again, I may be biased, but the question stands, what is the union doing. In NYC, NYSNA filed a lawsuit vs. 3 Entities... each suit is separate from the other, and they are not worded in a way that all those dues should be able to afford.
To update, 1 of the 3 cases has been dismissed, despite the advisories and guidance from federal and state court systems that I believe stated they were not processing or hearing cases:
https://www.nysna.org/blog/2020/05/03/statement-regarding-decision-nysna-v-montefiore-medical-center#.XrAfu_cpDDs
I've been thinking it's time to learn more about unions and what that could do for the voice of nursing.
I have had the same reaction... Where are all the nurses representing and running the response? After multiple "town halls" at my organization with only non medical CEO and CMO presenting I reached out to our top nurse executive pleading the case for nurse representation in all hospital communication re clinical covid response. We will see, but definitely something that needs to change. If we aren't visible/ vocal at the grown up table we will always be relegated to the background. My advice to nurse leadership stop asking permission or waiting for an invite. Nurses are the biggest part of the healthcare team and as our representative in the board room and government you should overwhelm them with our voice!
I agree yet we must really push it.
Historically they never asked the nurse their input, they just lay it on us and we work with it. Perhaps it is time to ask nurses, what and how to be the best at the bedside
Meg,
I agree. I also think changing the language from asking the nurse to listening. We as nurses need to change our mantra as well, I really don't care if you ask, I am going to tell you, and tell you and tell you again until it becomes easier for decision makers to listen then to try and silence us with corporate heirachy, misuse of HIPPA and systemic patriarchy.