MNA fights for safe staffing at the Capitol

This week, a bipartisan group of state legislators will re-introduce MNA’s Safe Patient Care Act, which would establish safe RN-to-patient ratios and limit forced overtime. MNA is the only organization in the state advocating for a safe staffing law. There are many ways -- including attending the Spring Leadership Action Conference, participating in the Advocacy Academy, and emailing your elected officials -- you can get involved in pushing our legislators in Lansing to enact protections that nurses and our patients need. Now that the pandemic has shone a spotlight on the importance of RNs, it is the time to raise our voices loudly.  

You can help by sending an email to your legislator today.

 

Two more healthcare facilities win unions with MNA

Let’s welcome MNA’s newest members at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital and the Public Division of the Chippewa County Health Department. Nurses and healthcare professionals at both facilities united with their colleagues to form a union with the Michigan Nurses Association by an overwhelming majority. In fact, at Chippewa County Health Department, the vote was unanimous! Nurses at Aspirus Keweenaw had to face down harsh anti-union tactics. Rather than give into the coercive tactics of management who withheld COVID-19 incentive pay, nurses stayed MNA strong. First, they voted for their union by an over 2-1 margin. Then, they confronted the Aspirus administration on their actions and won over $7000 in backpay.  

 

Advocating for racial justice in health care

Michigan Nurses of Color! We want to help amplify your voices in health care. Below is the link to a survey where you can share your experience as a nurse of color in Michigan. The survey will be open through March 31. 

 

Michigan Medicine RNs are protecting their MNA contract

MNA members at Michigan Medicine are standing up in growing numbers to hold the employer accountable. Nurses have been challenging the administration and advocating to keep patients and RNs safe. Recent wins include: protecting nurses’ right to holiday pay, protecting nurses’ right to not repeat probationary periods, bringing the employer back to the table to discuss parking safety issues due to recent events with our union parking committee, getting the employer to do an assessment of lighting issues around parking, and protecting nurses’ right to have a safe working environment.  

If you are a nurse at Michigan Medicine and are worried your contractual rights are being violated, do not hesitate to reach out. You can call 734-369-0260 or visit https://www.mna-umpnc.org/contact to get involved. 

 

COMING SOON! Two New Continuing Education (CE) modules on the MNA Website! 

A total of 2.5 new contact hours are now available on timely topics including an update on COVID-19 vaccines, COVID variants and proper PPE available starting March 2nd!  Look for our NEW human trafficking CE which includes state-required information about how to spot a patient who has been human trafficked. By taking these CEs you can find out the latest information, increase your knowledge AND gain contact hours. Check out MNA’s other CEs while you’re in the neighborhood! 

 

MNA's Advocacy Academy starts March 15

The MNA Advocacy Academy is a free, structured 6-month professional development program that gives nurses the tools to be effective legislative advocates for the Safe Patient Care Act and other pro-nurse policies. This program is open to any MNA member or nursing student who wants to build their knowledge and skills. We will complete our work primarily through webinars and online assignments. The total time commitment is about one to two hours a month. 

New this year: RNs who finish the entire program will receive 6.0 contact hours.  

Our first webinar is March 15th – sign up today.

 

Promoting Proper PPE 

The Michigan Nurses Association was at the forefront of advocating for personal protective equipment (PPE) when the pandemic hit. Thanks to the work of MNA nurses, Michigan now has one of the strongest PPE protection programs in the country.  

In addition to fighting for these policies, MNA also conducts research into the best practices around PPE. MNA’s Council on Nursing Practice is interested in hearing more about your experiences with PPE including your PPE training, favorite brands, and what is currently available to you. Please take our quick 5-question survey here!

 

Take the Michigan Nursing Licensure Survey  

The Michigan Nursing Licensure Survey is in process. The survey is being administered to all licensed nurses, not just those completing licensure renewal in 2021.    

The Michigan Nursing Licensure Survey is necessary to inform important aspects of nursing workforce policy and planning efforts. The identity of individual respondents will remain confidential.  

If you have not done so already, you can complete the Michigan nursing licensure survey by clicking here.

Michigan Nurses Association
2310 Jolly Oak Road | Okemos, MI  48864
(517) 349-5640 | minurses@minurses.org

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