Dear Friend,

NYSNA Nurses Hold Emergency Rally at NYC Health+Hospitals/Kings County

On Thursday, Oct. 22, NYSNA nurses from New York City (NYC) Health+Hospitals (H+H)/Kings County held an emergency rally to demand the reinstatement of a suspended nurse leader! On Friday, Oct. 9, the NYC H+H/Kings County local bargaining unit vice president was suspended for advocating for patient safety and discussing documented and long-standing staffing concerns that bedside nurses raised. In response, nurses organized a community petition — which has already received over 1,000 signatures — and a rally and press conference to show management that they will not tolerate management targeting outspoken union activists.

New York State Senator Jabari Brisport; President of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO Brendan Griffith; and representatives from the offices of Assembly Member Brian Cunningham, Assembly Member Phara Souffrant Forrest, New York City Council Member Mercedes Narcisse and Council Member Rita Joseph; as well as CIR-SEIU and Citizen Action of New York joined nurses at the rally. Crain's, Brooklyn Paper and PIX11 covered the rally.

Advocating for patient safety and discussing staffing concerns constitute protected union activities, and hospital administrators’ decision to suspend a nurse leader for those actions is union busting. NYSNA nurses will not stand for this and will continue to demand that H+H reinstate the suspended nurse leader and address nurses’ concerns about staffing ratios. Keep up the great work, Kings County nurses!

NYSNA Members at UVMH-CVPH Ratify New Contract!

On Thursday, Oct. 22, NYSNA nurses and healthcare professionals at University of Vermont Health-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new four-year contract! Highlights of the contract include improvements to enforceable safe staffing language, strong protections against workplace violence and artificial intelligence, and 3% annual wage increases across the life of the contract. On top of the strong contract language that members secured, they also won retroactive pay for the first time in decades! Congratulations on your hard-fought victory, CVPH nurses and healthcare professionals!

Northwell Health/Putnam Hospital Nurses Hold Virtual Town Hall to Defend Patient Care

On Monday, Oct. 19, NYSNA nurses from Northwell Health/Putnam Hospital held a virtual town hall to spotlight staffing issues nurses are facing and how those issues impact patient care in Putnam County. Nearly 100 nurses, elected officials, labor allies and community members attended the town hall, including New York State Senator Pete Harckham and Marty Sommer, vice president of the Westchester-Putnam Labor Body. Mid Hudson News covered the town hall.

For nearly a year, nurses have been bargaining for a new contract, but Northwell has repeatedly ignored nurses’ input in establishing and maintaining staffing guidelines that ensure safe staffing and better patient outcomes. They also refuse to include any meaningful enforcement mechanisms in the contract, preventing nurses from holding hospital administrators accountable when units are understaffed. Despite Northwell’s unwillingness to negotiate, Putnam nurses will not be deterred and held the town hall to make sure their community knows that Northwell is prioritizing profits over safe, quality patient care. Keep up the good work, Putnam nurses, and stay tuned for more ways to support our members at Putnam!

ECMC Nurses Win Reinstatement Arbitration and Continue Community Engagement

This week, nurses at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) celebrated a huge victory: the reinstatement of a wrongfully terminated intensive care unit (ICU) nurse. An arbitrator found that the seven-year ICU nurse was wrongfully terminated, because the hospital failed to prove any of the three charges filed against her. The arbitrator also ordered that the wrongfully terminated nurse receive no discipline, be reinstated, and be made whole with full back pay and benefits from the date she was terminated. Congratulations!

Nurses also continued their community engagement this week by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. Great work, ECMC nurses, showing that you care for your community inside and outside of the hospital!

Union Community Health Center Nurses Secure Fair Contract

On Thursday, NYSNA members at Union Community Health Center voted unanimously to ratify a new three-year contract! The new contract establishes their first-ever preceptor program, including preceptor pay, and includes strong workplace violence and immigrant protections, improvements to certification and education differentials, and 4% annual wage increases over the life of the contract. Congratulations, union nurses!

NYSNA President Nancy Hagans Honored at Alliance of South Asian American Labor Gala

On Saturday, Oct. 17, NYSNA President Nancy Hagans, BSN, RN, CCRN, was honored as Labor Leader of the Year at the Alliance of South Asian American Labor’s (ASAAL) annual convention! The ASAAL convention celebrates South Asian workers’ work and political power, and the award recognized Hagans’ work on behalf of workers, especially immigrant workers. Congratulations, Nancy!

NYSNA Nurses Join Rally to Advance the NY Health Act

On Saturday, Oct. 17, NYSNA Director at Large Sonia Lawrence, BSN, RN, spoke at the NY Health Act Rally in the Bronx, alongside New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, physicians, medical students and community members. The NY Health Act would establish a universal, single-payer healthcare system in our state, guaranteeing healthcare for every New Yorker. As patient advocates, nurses have a responsibility to increase access to care and ensure that every New Yorker has access to the healthcare services they need — passing the NY Health Act would do exactly that.

NYSNA Nurses Support Legislation to Increase Accountability in Healthcare Mergers

NYSNA Director at Large Christina Evans, RN, spoke at a rally on Wednesday afternoon supporting legislation to increase accountability in healthcare mergers, emphasizing, "For the Hudson Valley to thrive, we need more quality, affordable healthcare for all, not profit-driven consolidation." Elected officials also emphasized the need to enforce the safe staffing law. This is a great reminder of why nurses need to get out and vote for healthcare champions who will put the needs of patients, nurses and working people ahead of healthcare corporation profits!

Early Voting Starts Saturday, October 24 — Let's Get Out the Vote!

Early voting for the 2026 general election begins TOMORROW, Oct.24, and it’s time to get out the vote (GOTV)! From now until the election, Team NYSNA will continue to hit the phones and knock on doors to help elect nurse champions who will stand with us in the fight for safe staffing, fair union contracts and healthcare justice.

With so much at stake in this coming election, be sure to sign up for a GOTV canvass or phone bank near you!

Fight for Our Democracy!

As we get closer to the general election, the efforts to stop our votes from counting and to undermine our free and fair elections are becoming increasingly serious by the day. To counteract these efforts and protect the coming election, NYSNA is joining with our labor and community allies to make sure that every voter is able to cast a vote without fear of intimidation and to ensure that every vote is counted.

Save the date for the following action to defend our democracy:

• Democracy Protection March
  Saturday, Nov. 7 — Save the Date!
  Join NYSNA and our allies for a mass march in defense of our democracy should there be any attempts to go against the will of the people in this election. Stay tuned for more information on the timing and location of actions as we get closer to this date!

Our 2026 NYSNA Convention Is Just DAYS Away!

Our 2026 NYSNA Convention, where members from across the state will gather to build nurse power and determine our union’s direction, begins this coming Monday, Oct. 26! Check out our newly released convention materials, including the two-day agenda, the proposed 2026 Convention Resolutions and our report on the Approved Resolutions from the 2025 NYSNA Convention. Please note that you must be logged into the My Membership section of the website to view the proposed resolutions.

Registration is now closed and on-site registration will not be available. If you need to change your existing registration, please contact NYSNA’s Meeting and Convention Planning team at [email protected].

Please be sure to download the Convention app, which you can use the app to set your badge picture, choose your schedule and review important convention documents. If you need any assistance with the app, email [email protected]

Join the NY Health Act Town Hall at Elmhurst Hospital!

On Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., join New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera and New York State Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas for a town hall on the NY Health Act at H+H/Elmhurst. The town hall will feature a panel discussion with healthcare experts and community organizations, including Melanie D’Arrigo, director of the Campaign for NY Health.

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.

Health & Safety Update: Measles Outbreaks Expand Throughout United States

Measles outbreaks are expanding throughout the country, including in New York state. Outbreaks typically start in communities with low vaccination rates. Most at risk are infants under the age of 6 months, the elderly, those with compromised immune systems, those who are pregnant and the unvaccinated. In a current large outbreak in Pennsylvania, five people have died of measles-related complications so far. Check out this resource from NYSNA’s Occupational Health and Safety Team to learn more about measures to control measles transmission in healthcare facilities.

For more information, contact your local department of health, the New York State Department of Health or NYSNA’s Occupational Health and Safety Representatives at [email protected].

How Prepared Is Your Facility for Weather Emergencies?

Weather emergencies have become more frequent and more extreme in the last few years. Preplanning is a must to make sure healthcare facilities are ready under extreme conditions to meet the needs of patients, staff and the community. This list of questions, which NYSNA's Emergency Preparedness Committee developed, is a helpful tool to use when assessing facility preparedness with management. To join the committee, contact NYSNA's Occupational Health and Safety Representatives at [email protected].

For more resources on emergency preparedness, check out NYSNA’s new resource hub for information about wildfire smoke conditions, inclement weather 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.

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.

NEW ISSUE! The Journal of the New York State Nurses Association

A new volume of The Journal of the New York Nurses Association is out now! This issue includes articles on infection prevention for visiting nurses, how health promotion outcomes for college students have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic, contemporary challenges in nursing, and more. You can read it here.

Read the latest flyer outlining submission categories here. Read the guidelines for submission 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.

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.

  • 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