Dear Friend,

NYSNA Nurses March in the 44th Annual Dominican Day Parade

On Sunday, Aug. 9, NYSNA nurses marched in the 44th Annual Dominican Day Parade to celebrate the accomplishments, contributions and culture of Dominican New Yorkers! This year’s theme was “Identidad y Cultura,” or identity and culture, and NYSNA members celebrate the cultures of all the nurses and patients who shape New York. Check out photos from the parade here.

UVMH-CVPH Nurses and Healthcare Professionals Join UVM Medical Center Union Members on the Picket Line

On Friday, Aug. 14, NYSNA members from University of Vermont Health-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (UVMH-CVPH) traveled to Burlington, Vermont, to show solidarity with union members picketing at the UVM Medical Center! Like NYSNA nurses and healthcare professionals at CVPH, members of the Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals and UVM Medical Center Support Staff United (UVMMC SSU) are bargaining for fair contracts and fighting UVMH’s corporate greed. In Burlington, union members are facing many of the same issues as NYSNA members face in Plattsburgh: chronic understaffing and cuts to frontline workers and services. Recognizing how similar their contract fights are and the power of solidarity, NYSNA members made the trip to show their support for our union siblings and to show UVMH management that union members, across state lines, are united in the fight for fair contracts. Keep up the great work, CVPH members!

Ellis Hospital Nurses Secure Safe Staffing Ratios in Arbitration Victory

In May 2024, NYSNA nurses at Ellis Hospital won a staffing arbitration that included make-whole relief for 11 different units at the hospital. Management has refused to pay in the two years since the initial victory, but this week, an arbitrator clarified the award, standing by the original make-whole remedy. In addition to the financial award, nurses were also able to secure binding staffing language and have already seen improvements in staffing at the hospital. Great work, Ellis nurses!

Capital Region Members Gather for Summer Interregional Meeting

On Tuesday, Aug. 11, NYSNA members from across the capital region gathered in Glenville for their summer interregional meeting! At the interregional, NYSNA Board Member Mary Lynn Boyts, RN, discussed the upcoming 2026 NYSNA Convention, explained the changes to the Convention resolution process, and spoke about the many courses available to members through NYSNA Nursing Education and Practice. Members also heard presentations from NYSNA staff members, including Healthcare Staffing Coordinator Margaret Franks, MSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC, on the importance of completing protests of assignment, how staffing can be enforced through contracts and the New York State Department of Health, and the NYSNA Benefit Fund. Overall, members had a wonderful time connecting with union siblings from across the capital region!

NYSNA President Nancy Hagans Appears on CNN to Discuss Haitian TPS

After last week’s candlelight vigil, NYSNA President Nancy Hagans, BSN, RN, CCRN, appeared on CNN on Saturday, Aug. 8, to advocate for Haitian temporary protected status (TPS) holders. The termination of Haitian’s TPS has impacted more than 50,000 Haitian healthcare workers, and some have been terminated or put on leave from their jobs in hospitals, nursing homes and home care. Already, healthcare facilities in and around New York are reporting understaffing, and the decision has had a chilling effect on immigrant communities across the country. Hagans continued NYSNA members’ advocacy over the weekend, demanding that our government redesignate Haiti for TPS to alleviate the crisis. Watch the full clip here.

NYSNA Members Join Amazon Teamsters in Support of the Delivery Protection Act

On Thursday, Aug. 13, NYSNA nurses joined Teamsters Local 804 at the gates of New York City Hall to take action in support of the Delivery Protection Act! The bill, which New York City Council Member Tiffany Cabán introduced and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani backed, would ban third-party delivery service subcontractors and force corporations like Amazon to directly employ delivery workers. NYSNA members joined the action because no corporation should be allowed to profit off the labor of working people while avoiding responsibility for worker and community safety!

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.

The deadline to submit resolutions is Thursday, Aug. 27.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to high demand and possible space limitations for this event, preregistration is required to guarantee Convention attendance. Please be sure to register by Monday, Oct. 12. On-site registration may not be available.

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.

Save the Date: Labor Day Celebrations in New York City and Westchester County

Celebrate Labor Day with NYSNA and our allies in the labor movement across New York state!

On Sept. 8, NYSNA members will march and rally with the New York Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. Learn more and register here.

In Westchester County, NYSNA members will attend a family day on Sunday, Aug. 30, organized by the Westchester-Putnam County Labor Body. Download the flyer to learn more.

Stay tuned for information on Labor Day celebrations in your area.

Summer 2026 Labor Education: Two More Summer Workshops Left

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.

The last of our Summer 2026 Labor Education workshops is this coming Monday, Aug. 17. We will offer an overview of NYSNA and cover what roles we have as rank-and-file members in building union power to improve our working conditions and our patient outcomes. Please register here, and keep an eye out for the fall 2026 schedule coming soon!

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.

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.

Maine Nurses Successfully Advocate to Free Colleague From ICE Detention

Last week, members of the Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee (MSNA/NNOC) jumped into action after finding out that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained one of their union siblings, a medical surgical nurse at Maine Medical Center. Within 24 hours, they organized a rally and were able to successfully advocate to stop her from being transferred out of New England and for her release from ICE custody. MSNA/NNOC members are showing the power that nurses have and how we can advocate for our immigrant community members, friends and colleagues, because this administration unfairly targets them for deportation. Read more about the story here.

Sign Up for New NNU Courses Free for NYSNA Members

National Nurses United (NNU) is offering FREE virtual courses for NYSNA members. View the full calendar and register here. 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”

Complete the 2026-2027 NEP Learning Needs Assessment

The learning needs assessment survey helps NYSNA Nursing Education and Practice (NEP) understand nurses’ learning and professional development needs to improve patient care, workplace safety, job satisfaction and union strength. Please take a moment to complete the survey to help inform future programs and offerings. Participation is voluntary, and responses are confidential.

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 and apply here.

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