Welcome to the February 2020 edition of the Michigan Nurse! We look forward to sharing news and highlighting stories and important events from MNA nurses across the state.

If you have a tip or story you would like to share, send an email to minurses@minurses.org

Justice for Jane and Charlie

Jane Southwell is a charge nurse at the Ingham County Health Department and president of the MNA RN staff council there.   

"I spent months trying to get my Certified Service Dog, Charlie, approved to be my gait and balance assistance dog with my employer," Jane said. "I filled out the appropriate Americans with Disabilities Act paperwork and had to return to my doctor for a discussion before he recommended Charlie, once again, as my choice for accommodation for my obvious disability. Still my employer wouldn’t fully approve him."

Fighting for your rights takes a lot of courage, but Jane  never gave up. We all know how difficult it can be when HR puts new obstacles in your path as you try to advocate for your rights. Jane kept going and remained union strong. Through MNA, she reached out to two Ingham County Commissioners.  

The pressure worked. Jane finally received confirmation she could have a reasonable accommodation as mandated by federal law.   

This shows the power of a union and the importance of fighting for your rights! When we fight, we win.  

If you want to learn more about building power in your union, consider signing up for MNA’s Spring Leadership Action Conference in May. Registration is open now.

Free coronavirus CE for MNA members

With the coronavirus (COVID-19) continuing to dominate the news, MNA has developed an online continuing education module to give healthcare professionals basic information based on what’s currently known.  

This online CE course is FREE for MNA members and is worth 1.0 contact hour.

“Coronavirus (COVID-19): Nursing Knowledge and Protection in a Global Health Emergency” provides an opportunity to understand this crisis as it grows and evolves.  

Michigan Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Support the Pistons and fellow nurses

The Detroit Pistons are holding a Nurse Appreciation Night on March 20, with proceeds going to the Michigan Nurses Foundation.  

The foundation’s mission is to promote a healthy, educated, and professional nurse workforce through the advancement of nursing research, support for nursing education, and assistance for the recovering nurse. 

Discounted tickets range from $30 to $85 for the game against Golden State at 7 p.m. on March 20.

MNA seeks nursing education leader 

The Michigan Nurses Association is seeking an Associate Executive Director of Nursing Education to plan and implement a nursing practice program that mentors nurses to be strong leaders and advocates for their patients while promoting the practice and education standards of the nursing profession and the accomplishments of the Michigan Nurses Association (MNA).