Welcome to the January 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

MNA’s violence workplace prevention plan gets attention

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 75% of workplace assaults occur in health care and social work settings. Despite that, no laws exist to protect nurses and health care professionals from violence in the workplace. MNA members are coming together to say it’s time for legislators to stop overlooking the violence that occurs nearly every day in our hospitals and health departments. And the public is starting to take notice.  

MNA has recently worked with 10 different media outlets to cover this important issue, including the Detroit Free Press, TV-3 based in Kalamazoo, TV-10 based in Lansing, TV-5 based in Saginaw, and Michigan’s NPR affiliate Michigan Radio. We need to turn this momentum into action by contacting our legislators. Let’s tell them to pass MNA’s preventative legislation that stops workplace violence before it happens.

It only takes a minute to send an email.

Gratiot nurses gain big with new contract

MNA nurses at MidMichigan Medical Center-Gratiot in Alma ratified a new contract this month that includes improved staffing language as well as raises to achieve parity within the MidMichigan Health system.

The ratification comes after nearly 200 nurses and community supporters held an informational picket outside the hospital in December. 

“We have shown the corporate executives of the MidMichigan Health system that Gratiot nurses are union strong and that we’re not afraid to fight for what is right,” said Shenan Shinaberger, RN, president of the local union.

Read the press release here.

Nurses are No. 1 – again

For the 18th year in a row, nurses placed first in a survey of Americans asking them to rate professions’   ethics and honesty; 85% of Americans say nurses' honesty and ethical standards are "very high" or "high.” This is just more proof that patients and families know they can count on nurses to be their advocates, day in and day out. Check out this chart to see where other professions ranked.

Sign up today for our big spring event

As you plan your year, plan to participate in MNA’s Spring Leadership Action Conference in Lansing on May 5th and 6th.

The Spring Leadership Action Conference is a new two-day event that combines the best of MNALC and Capitol Action Day. All members are welcome and it’s free, so spread the word. 

MNA members will learn how to build power in our workplaces, in our communities and at the Capitol. We’ll share successes, talk with legislators, and hone our advocacy skills. There will be plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow MNA nurses and health professionals and learn from each other.   

Registration is now open, so sign up today and save your spot.