Dear Friend,

Victory at Catholic Health/St. Joseph’s Hospital!

On Wednesday, July 29, NYSNA nurses at Catholic Health/St. Joseph’s Hospital voted unanimously to ratify a new three-year contract! Highlights of the contract include improvements to staffing, including the addition of 15 full-time nurses in a new float pool; new incentives to increase nurse retention; and a 15% wage increase over the life of the contract. With this successful ratification vote, St. Joseph’s nurses join their fellow Catholic Health nurses at St. Charles Hospital, who voted to ratify a new contract earlier this month. With this victory, St. Catherine’s of Siena Hospital is the only Catholic Health facility left bargaining on Long Island. Congratulations, St. Joseph’s nurses!

Adirondack Medical Center Nurses Speak Out for a Fair Contract

After months of bargaining with little movement from hospital administrators, NYSNA nurses at Adirondack Medical Center took action this week to advance their fight for a fair contract. On Wednesday, July 29, nurses held a speak-out, calling on management to settle a fair contract that protects nurse and patient safety that includes a real plan to recruit and retain experienced nurses. Nurses’ top priority during this contract campaign is securing entrance to the NYSNA Benefit Fund, which would deliver affordable healthcare benefits to nurses and their families; currently, Adirondack employees are forced onto an expensive employer-provided plan. The speak-out was covered by WAMC the Press Republican and the Adirondack Daily Enterprise. Keep up the great work, Adirondack nurses, and don’t stop fighting until you win the affordable health benefits frontline nurses deserve!

North Country Nurses Rally and Advocate to Save Maternal Health Services at North Star/Claxton-Hepburn

This week, NYSNA nurses in the North Country continued their fight to save maternal health services at North Star/Claxton-Hepburn Medical Campus by holding a speak-out and attending a public hearing to make their voices heard! On July 29, nurses from North Star/Claxton-Hepburn, North Star/Carthage Area Hospital, Samaritan Medical Center and Canton-Potsdam Hospital gathered outside the Ogdensburg Free Academy to speak out about the devastating impact the proposed closure would have on their communities and patients across the North Country. Nurses were joined at the speak-out by members of the Ogdensburg Education Association and the International Association of Firefighters Local 1799 as well as State Senator Mark Walczyk, New York State Assembly Member Scott Gray, Deputy Mayor of Ogdensburg Jennifer Stevenson, County Legislator Rita Curran and St. Lawrence County Central Labor Council President Sam Burns.

After the speak-out, nurses attended North Star Health Alliance’s public hearing on the closure, where they spoke again about the impact on patients and the dangers of closing the only birthing center between Potsdam and Watertown. Nurses’ actions at the speak-out and public hearing received coverage in NNY360, North Country Now, WWNY 7 News and North Country Public Radio.

With the decision to close the maternal health unit still pending and under review by the New York State Department of Health, NYSNA nurses will continue to push back to ensure that all birthing people, women, children and families have access to the maternal health services they need. Don't give up the fight, North Country nurses!

UVM-CVPH Members Ramp Up Fight for a Fair Contract

Since delivering signs to dozens of local businesses last week and this week, NYSNA nurses and healthcare professionals at University of Vermont Health (UVMH)-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) have continued to ramp up their fight for a fair contract! Last weekend, Chris Sweisz, RN, an emergency room nurse at CVPH, spoke at a town hall alongside members of UVM Staff United and Vermont Federation of Nurses & Health Professionals, two unions that represent UVMH workers in Vermont. Those workers are also fighting for safe staff and services while bargaining for a fair contract. Keep up the great work, CVPH members!

NYP-Brooklyn Methodist Nurses Turn Up the Heat

On Tuesday, July 28, NewYork-Presbyterian-Brooklyn Methodist Hospital nurses turned up the heat in bargaining by marching on the boss! Dozens of nurses marched to the office of Hospital President Juan Mejia, who has yet to attend a bargaining session. Nurses expressed concerns about safe staffing and workplace violence and encouraged Mejia to walk the hospital floors to see what frontline nurses experience every day. NYSNA members also continued reaching out to their community, leafletting outside of the hospital to build public support for their contract fight. Brooklyn Methodist nurses have been bargaining for months but are hopeful that their actions will bring Mejia to the table, ready to settle a fair contract! Great work, Methodist nurses!

Montefiore Nyack Members Win First Staffing Arbitration

On Thursday, July 30, NYSNA nurses at Montefiore Nyack Hospital won their first staffing arbitration! Nurses have been consistently tracking staffing at the hospital, and the arbitrator found that the evidence they collected — POAs, assignment sheets, and testimony — was enough to establish a pattern of staffing guideline violations. In total, the arbitrator ordered that the hospital pay monetary relief for 90 staffing violations to the nurses who worked short.

This staffing arbitration decision is the first issued since Nyack nurses made enforceable safe staffing a centerpiece of their 2024 contract fight. “When staffing falls below the contractual guideline, the resulting burden is borne by the whole unit,” the arbitrator wrote. Nyack nurses’ hard work to include enforceable safe staffing language in their contract is paying off! Congratulations, Nyack nurses!

NYSNA Members in Western New York Come Together for Education-Packed Interregional

Earlier this month, NYSNA members from across Western New York gathered in Buffalo for their summer interregional. This quarter’s interregional meeting was packed with education for members: NYSNA Healthcare Staffing Coordinator Margaret Franks, MSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC, presented on staffing law initiatives, and Western Regional Director John Batson, RN, gave an update on the importance of the fight for universal, single-payer healthcare. Members also heard a presentation from SPAN Western Regional Coordinator Amy Vitkus.

NYSNA Leaders Celebrate 61 Years of Medicare and Medicaid by Advocating for Medicare for All

On Thursday, July 30, NYSNA leaders attended events across New York to celebrate 61 years of Medicare and Medicaid — and to advocate for universal, single-payer healthcare! In New York City, Southern Regional Director Alizia McMyers, MSN, MHA, BSN, RN, spoke at a rally at NYC Health+Hospitals/Bellevue Hospital; Central Regional Director Catherine Dawson, MSN, RN, CNOR, spoke at our state capital; and Western Regional Director John Batson, RN, spoke in Buffalo alongside our community allies at Citizen Action. All three spoke on the critical need for our government to implement a universal, single-payer system to ensure that everyone has access to the care they need!

Register for the 2026 NYSNA Convention

Online registration is now open for the 2026 NYSNA Convention! This year, NYSNA members will gather for Convention on Oct. 26 and 27 at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City. You can register and save your spot today. After you register, you’ll receive information to reserve your room if you’re staying on-site. Download and share the registration flyer that has the schedule and course listings. Check out the NYSNA website for our newly added workshop descriptions, hotel information, Convention Delegate reimbursement policy, guidelines for submitting resolutions (including the link to the resolutions submission form) and more.

Save the Date: NYC Dominican Day Parade

Join NYSNA nurses on Sunday, Aug. 9, for a celebration of Dominican heritage and culture at the NYC Dominican Day Parade! RSVP today, and download and share the flyer.

Save the Date: West Indian American Day Carnival

Celebrate the Caribbean diaspora on Labor Day Weekend in Brooklyn with NYSNA nurses! We will be marching and dancing in the parade along Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn to send the message that nurses care for our communities. RSVP today and download and share the flyer.

Summer 2026 Labor Education Trainings Open for Registration

NYSNA’s Labor Education Department offers workshops to members on how to become more engaged in the union’s work. For more information, please visit the NYSNA Labor Education webpage.

The Summer 2026 Labor Education program is well underway! On Tuesday, August 4, join members from across the union to learn about protests of assignment (POAs) as important organizing tools in the fight to win safe staffing. POA forms are used to track patterns and provide a record that will help nurses build their case and organize action plans for better staffing on their unit, at labor-management meetings, staffing committees and during contract negotiations, among others. Please register here.

Finally, please email [email protected] directly if you have questions or to schedule a workshop in your facility.

Protesting Your Assignment Self-Guided Course

NYSNA’s Nursing Education and Practice department has a new “Protesting Your Assignment” self-guided course. Read more about the course and how you can use protests of assignment to improve safe, quality healthcare. To access the course, go directly to the E-LearRN website.

Celebrating Black Nurses Week

Happy Black Nurses Week! NYSNA celebrates the contributions of all the hardworking and dedicated Black nurses who have been serving our communities for decades! Black Nurses Week is recognized from July 26-Aug. 1 in honor of Mary Eliza Mahoney, the first African American nurse to graduate with her professional nursing diploma.

Upcoming Webinar on Resources for TPS Holders

On Tuesday, Aug.4, CUNY Citizenship Now! is hosting a webinar on resources for TPS holders. All TPS holders impacted by the recent Supreme Court decision are invited to attend. The presentation will be offered in both English and Haitian Creole. Join the webinar here. The passcode to attend the webinar is 406902.

NYSNA Support With Immigration Issues

Your union is here to help with immigration issues, including concerns about Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, Temporary Protected Status, residency for you and your household, or Visa and work authorization issues. Fill out the confidential form for more information and consultation. For more immigration resources, visit the New York Immigration Coalition’s website.

Your Rights to Advocate for Patients When Encountering ICE

Nurses’ first duty is to care for and advocate for our patients. NYSNA nurses care for all New Yorkers regardless of immigration status, income or insurance status, race, religion, ability or disability, sexuality, or gender identity or expression — simply regardless. Read our statement regarding the federal policy change on immigration enforcement in “sensitive locations,” including hospitals and schools.

Our allies at the New York Immigration Coalition developed this toolkit to provide a comprehensive list of resources for community members, partners and allies who work with immigrants. The toolkit covers health, community safety, family resources, financial empowerment and more.

Learn your rights and get answers to frequently asked questions here to know what to do if you encounter ICE officers in your facility.

NYSNA has also prepared this list of legal resources related to immigration. Please review and share widely.

Wildfire Resources

With smoke from Canada’s wildfires darkening and polluting many of the skies across New York state, it’s an important reminder to take precautions — outdoors and inside. Check your local air quality with this online tool from the Environmental Protection Agency, and download NYSNA’s fact sheet, “How Healthcare Facilities Can Prepare for Wildfire Smoke Conditions,” to learn more about the health impacts of wildfire smoke and how your facility can prepare.

Infectious Disease Update: Ebola

The new Bundibugyo strain of Ebola is making headlines around the world. While the risk of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease reaching American hospitals is low at this time, it’s best to know the symptoms and ensure your hospital has a readiness plan. Check out this updated resource for the latest Ebola strain.

Sign Up for New NNU Courses Free for NYSNA Members

National Nurses United (NNU) is offering FREE virtual courses for NYSNA members. New Summer 2026 courses have been added. View the full calendar and register here, or click on the links below to learn more and register for the courses you’re interested in. When registering for NNU courses, be sure to check the first box, “Yes, I am a CNA/NNOC/NNU member.”

Summer offerings:

• “Nursing Practice in Our Current Moment & Some Cuts Don’t Heal”

• “Immigrant Justice, Global Migration, and Public Health & Increasing Danger of Workplace Violence in Health Care”

• “Hospital Staffing and Bearing Witness, Building Power”

• “Housing and Health-and-Health Care and Big Tech”

• “Some Cuts Don’t Heal: Protecting the Right to Care”

• “Immigrant Justice, Global Migration, and Public Health”

NYSNA/Post University Partnership

Great News! NYSNA’s partnership with Post University was officially launched via two webinars on July 13, 2026. Thanks to those members who attended and have since signed up to begin this exciting academic journey.

Through the partnership, NYSNA members can access the following:

• 100% online nursing degree programs

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing

  • Master of Science in Nursing

  • Doctor of Nursing Practice

• 20% tuition discount

• Deferred payments

NOTE: Post University cannot enroll New York students in their online nurse practitioner programs.

Learn more about the partnership and how NYSNA members can take advantage of this benefit here.

2027 Seminar at Sea — Registration Now Open

Registration for the 2027 Seminar at Sea is now open! Join NYSNA members for an exclusive program that combines professional development with an unforgettable Mediterranean cruise experience. Enjoy expert-led sessions, meaningful networking and premium accommodations while exploring stunning destinations. Learn more about the course here.

Class attendance is open to the following only:

• NYSNA members

• NNU affiliate members

The cruise is open to public attendance; the restriction applies to the class/seminar.

Spots are limited — register early.

Call for Submissions! The Journal of the New York State Nurses Association

The Journal of the New York Nurses Association is calling for submissions. Authors are invited to submit scholarly papers, research studies, brief reports on clinical or educational innovations, and articles of opinion on subjects important to registered nurses. Of particular interest are papers addressing direct care issues. New authors and student authors are encouraged to submit manuscripts for publication. Read the latest flyer outlining submission categories here. Read the guidelines for submission here.

The latest volume of The Journal of the New York State Nurses Association is out now! You can read it here.

Med-Ed Continuing Education Discount

NYSNA has partnered with Med-Ed Continuing Nursing Education to provide NYSNA members with full access to the complete Med-Ed catalog at a 50% reduced rate. These are all self-study programs that members can access and complete at their leisure. You can access these course offerings by going to NYSNA’s members-only website here, then clicking on the Med-Ed website link, and entering the Promo Code NYSNAMEMBER at checkout, where the discount will apply.

Please do not share this information with any nonmembers.

2026 Nurse Education and Practice Workshops

Sign up for Nurse Education and Practice Workshops in 2026! NYSNA members can take advantage of FREE E-LeaRN courses, including state-mandated offerings, standard of practice and certification review courses, as well as nursing practice workshops. Take a look at the 2026 complete course offering, and register for the courses directly here. You must create an account and be signed in to search the full catalog of classes and register for them at no cost!

Calling All Nurse Practitioners

The NYSNA Nursing Education and Practice Department has added required and important educational offerings specifically for nurse practitioners (NPs). The courses include new, updated and mandated courses. Learn more and register for these classes for NYSNA NPs.

Nurses’ Rights to Be Whistleblowers and Protest Your Assignments

NYSNA members should be empowered with the knowledge of laws that have been passed with NYSNA’s input to protect them and empower them to speak up when patient safety is compromised, either due to unsafe staffing or other factors, such as a lack of personal protective equipment, as was the case throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Take a moment to learn about your rights in this flyer.

Discounted Online Degree Programs for NYSNA Members!

NYSNA members and their family members will soon be eligible for a 20% discount on online degree programs from Post University. Nursing programs offered include:

• Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with five specializations

• RN to BSN/MSN

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with four leadership specializations

• Graduate Certificate in Infection Prevention and Control

• Master of Business Administration-Healthcare (MBA-Healthcare)

• MSN/MBA-Healthcare

Download and share the flyer for more information about the partnership.

NYSNA Life Insurance — It’s Time to Designate Your Beneficiary!

To ensure your loved ones receive your Basic MetLife insurance benefit, you must designate them as a beneficiary! To enroll and receive instructions on designating a beneficiary for your new Basic Personal AD&D Insurance, go to nysnawinstonbenefits.com or call 1-866-483-1124.

Sign up with your NYSNA Member ID to set up and access your account and benefits. If you need your Member ID, please contact the NYSNA Membership department at [email protected]. Download the flyer for additional details.

NYSNA Will-Writing Benefits From MetLife

The NYSNA Benefits Fund gives NYSNA members who are covered by the NYSNA Benefits Fund access to personal will preparation services that MetLife Legal Plans offer — at no additional cost.

Having a will prevents unnecessary stress and ensures final wishes are clear. The Benefits Fund offers valuable legal resources through MetLife Legal Plans to assist with creating or updating a will with a member’s Basic Life coverage. As part of this benefit, members get legal guidance and unlimited consultations with network attorneys. Learn more here.

NYSNA Members Are Eligible for AFL-CIO’s Union Plus Benefits!

The benefits of being a NYSNA member extend beyond your NYSNA benefits. As an affiliate of the AFL-CIO, NYSNA members are also eligible for Union Plus benefits to help current and retired labor union members and their families save money and support them through major milestones, celebrations and hardships. These benefits include discounts on wireless plans, credit card deals, mortgage deals, insurance plans and more! Find out more on the AFL-CIO Union Plus website.

The Talkspace Go App Is Mental Health on the Go!

The Talkspace Go app is a great resource that provides daily mental health support on the go! Talkspace Go is a clinician-created, self-guided app so you can address mental health challenges and build mental fitness on your own schedule. It empowers couples, individuals and parents to take progress into their own hands in as little as five minutes a day. Access 400-plus self-guided classes and live weekly therapist-led, anonymous classes. Enjoy assessments, meditation exercises, journaling, reminders and more.

Talkspace Go app is available at no cost to members and their eligible household members! Click here for the instructions and passcode to access the app.

Free Benefits for NYSNA Members: Union Assistance Program and SPAN

The Union Assistance Program (UAP) is a confidential self-help program, independent from NYSNA, that is available to NYSNA members and their families as a membership benefit. When an employee or family member (18 or older) faces a significant personal problem, they can call UAP’s experienced counselors at 800-252-4555 for assistance at any time. Read more information on phone counseling services here.

Statewide Peer Assistance for Nurses (SPAN) is a confidential education, support and advocacy program for all nurses licensed in New York state who are dealing with substance use issues. Visit the SPAN website for more information or to sign up for one of its upcoming classes. Check out SPAN’s Compassion Project.

In solidarity,
Pat Kane, RN
Executive Director, NYSNA