Dear Friend,

Sept. 11 Memorial

Today, on the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, we remember those who lost their lives in the attacks and in the years since. We will never forget the sacrifices of the union workers, first responders and service members who risked their own health to rescue others that day and rebuild our city in the months that followed. And we will always advocate for the resources and staff to care for those who put everything on the line to care for us!

NYSNA Nurses March and Rally to Honor Workers and Remember Sept. 11

On Tuesday, Sept. 8, NYSNA nurses, including NYSNA directors at large Sonia Lawrence, BSN, RN and Pauline Wallace, BSN, RN, joined a New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO Labor Day rally and march alongside our union siblings, elected officials and community members to celebrate the workers who run New York City, to recognize the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, and to honor the union workers who responded to the attacks and helped rebuild our city afterward. NYSNA Southern Regional Director Alizia McMyers, MSN, RN, MHA — a care management nurse at NYC Health+Hospitals/Harlem — spoke powerfully at the rally, saying: “As a nurse who worked through 9/11, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ebola crisis and natural disasters, I know that union workers are the people who keep this city going in difficult times.”

Union workers built New York, and we must continue to fight for a city that cares for all New Yorkers! Check out photos from the event here.

And in Albany, Buffalo and Massena, NYSNA nurses marched in Labor Day parades and joined Labor Family Days to celebrate workers’ contributions.

Montefiore Weiler Nurses Pack the Room at Labor Management

For months, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses at Montefiore Weiler have faced dire understaffing; lack of crucial supplies; and lack of a dedicated transport/resource nurse, which was a staffing improvement they won in the 2026 contract campaign and strike. To address these issues, NICU nurses met several times to gather the facts and prepare member-leaders to present their concerns to management.

At last week’s labor management meeting, NICU nurses made their case as dozens of their colleagues joined them at the meeting. Immediately, NICU nurses won an improvement by getting management to implement a staffing incentive program, which gives NICU nurses an extra $500 for each shift they work overtime. Management also agreed to fill vacancies and address shortfalls in supplies. Nurses kept up the pressure later that day, showing up to a Department of Health meeting, alongside 1199SEIU members, to speak about staffing complaints at the facility.

Despite these victories, there’s still more work to do. Management did not commit to following its contractual agreement to staff the NICU with a dedicated transport/resource nurse, so NYSNA nurses will continue to organize to hold management accountable! Keep up the great work, Montefiore Weiler nurses!

NYSNA Members Gather Online to Discuss Staffing Issues Across New York State

On Thursday, Sept. 10, NYSNA members from across the state gathered on Zoom for a meeting of the Statewide Staffing Committee. Nurses from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Buffalo and the Hudson Valley spoke about the staffing issues they are seeing on their units and in clinical staffing committees. Members also heard from Shawn Baker, a nurse at University of Vermont Health (UVMH)-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH), who spoke about the Department of Health’s (DOH) recent visit to her hospital. Shawn reported back on the questions CVPH members were asked by the DOH and how CVPH members were able to raise the issue of no break coverage. Melissa Balogh-Perez, a nurse from NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley and one of the co-writers of the resolution that led to the formation of the Statewide Staffing Committee, also joined the call to speak about the importance of a forum for nurses to discuss staffing issues statewide.

To learn more about the committee, visit the My Membership section of the NYSNA website or reach out to Healthcare Staffing Coordinator Margaret Franks, MSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC, directly. The committee will meet next on Dec. 10 at 8 p.m.

Advocate for the New York Health Act With the NYSNA Single-Payer Committee

The Trump administration’s cuts to federal healthcare funding are putting New Yorkers at risk. New Yorkers are already losing their healthcare coverage, and over the next year, we will continue to see skyrocketing premium costs, cuts to essential healthcare services and even more of our neighbors losing healthcare services altogether. In one way or another, these cuts will impact all of us.

To combat the effects of these cuts, we must continue to organize to pass the New York Health Act, which will create a universal, single-payer healthcare system and guarantee healthcare coverage for all New Yorkers.

To learn more about how to get involved in the fight for single-payer healthcare, join the next Single-Payer Committee meeting on Zoom on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. RSVP here.

NYSNA Nurses March in the West Indian American Day Parade

On Monday, Sept. 7, NYSNA nurses marched in the West Indian American Day parade! Dozens of NYSNA members and their families turned out to dance along Eastern Parkway in celebration of Caribbean culture and community. Earlier in the day, NYSNA members attended a pre-parade breakfast, where they met with Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Tish James and Democratic Congressional nominee Brad Lander, among others. Check out photos from the parade on the NYSNA Facebook page.

NYSNA Celebrates Neonatal Nurses Week, Vascular Nurses Week

Happy Vascular Nurses Week! This week, we recognize the nurses who provide specialized care, patient education and disease management information to help keep our circulatory systems healthy. Thank you for the work you do!

Starting tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 12, we’ll be celebrating Neonatal Nurses Week, in honor of the nurses who work tirelessly to care for newborns, infants and their families during difficult times. Thank you for taking care of our smallest patients!

NYSNA Wishes You a Happy Rosh Hashanah

Shana Tova! Happy Rosh Hashanah to those who celebrate, from the 45,000 members of the New York State Nurses Association!

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 workshop descriptions, hotel information, Convention Delegate reimbursement policy, and more.

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.

Join NYSNA Nurses at the 57th Annual African American Day Parade

On Sunday, Sept. 20, NYSNA nurses are marching in the 57th Annual African American Day Parade to celebrate African American culture, heritage and legacy in the heart of Harlem. RSVP here, and share this flyer with your fellow NYSNA members.

Fall 2026 Labor Education Trainings Open for Registration — Anyone Can Become a Member Leader!

NYSNA’s Labor Education Department offers workshops to members on how to be more engaged in the union’s work. Our fall 2026 virtual trainings include learning about NYSNA and the labor movement, how to increase turnout at union meetings and events, how to take control of meetings with management, understanding how AI is being used in our hospitals, how to fill out a protest of assignment and more. View Labor Education’s complete fall schedule.

Registration is also open for our four-part Leadership Training taking place on four consecutive Wednesdays: Sept. 23, Sept. 30, Oct. 7 and Oct. 14. The Member Leader Training has long been a resource for nurses who want to build union power by advocating for their patients and themselves. Members can do all four parts or choose whichever parts are most relevant to your needs or schedule. This is an accredited training; each part is 3.0 CHs/0.3 CEUs.

Please share the flyer of upcoming workshops with your coworkers and 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.

New Emergency Preparedness Resources From NYSNA Health and Safety

Most healthcare services are considered essential, and healthcare providers must plan carefully to maintain services in the event of an emergency. NYSNA Occupational Health and Safety recently launched a new resource hub to help guide facilities and individuals on the best practices for emergency response. Check it out here for access to resources on inclement weather, wildfire smoke conditions and more.

Protecting Correctional Staff From Hazardous Exposures Fact Sheet

Healthcare workers in correctional settings are contending with new on-the-job health risks from an old hazard: recreational drugs brought into facilities. New synthetic drugs are being developed more frequently and too quickly for testing protocols and technology to keep up. To prepare and protect NYSNA members working in correctional and forensic settings, NYSNA’s Occupational Health and Safety Team has created a new fact sheet, which includes safety measures employers can take to protect healthcare workers. Check it out here.

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. 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.”

Fall 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”

• “Housing and Health”

• “Health Care and Big Tech”

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

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. 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!

As an affiliate of the AFL-CIO, NYSNA members are also eligible for Union Plus benefits. 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 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. Learn more.

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.

September is Recovery Month, and SPAN has partnered with Wellable to offer free wellness activities for NYSNA members! Sign up for Wellable for access to a variety of resources to support you on your wellness journey, including:

• Events: Participate in monthly live, interactive events, including educational presentations and experiential wellness activities, ranging from physical fitness to meditation to trivia.

  • Oct. 6 — Improving Productivity

  • Nov. 3 — Social Wellness

  • Dec. 1 — Healthy Aging

• On-Demand Videos: Access a variety of videos, including stretching, high-intensity impact training classes, meditation, a mindfulness series, a recipe library and sleep stories.

• Guided Breaks: Catch a break to rest, recharge and feel better in just a few minutes.

In solidarity,
Pat Kane, RN
Executive Director, NYSNA