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St. Charles Nurses Win, Other Catholic Health Nurses Build Momentum

NYSNA nurses at Catholic Health/St. Charles Hospital overwhelmingly ratified a new contract on July 10. They negotiated for months, demanding enforceable safe staffing standards, and won! Read more contract highlights here and press coverage from Newsday, News 12 Long Island and Patch.

Rob Barone, RN, president of NYSNA’s local bargaining unit at St. Charles and an intensive care nurse, said: “I want to congratulate all the NYSNA nurses at St. Charles for the countless hours you spent fighting for a fair contract that will deliver the safe staffing our nurses and patients need. This vote shows that nurses are excited about what we were able to achieve and committed to move forward to make St. Charles an incredible resource for this community—now and into the future.”

Now NYSNA nurses at Catholic Health/ St. Joseph Hospital and St. Catherine of Siena are building momentum to be the next nurses to win great new contracts. Earlier today, St. Joseph nurses marched on the boss, demanding that management settle a fair contract now. Led by LBU Chair Heather Gabler and the rest of the executive committee, they turned out in force with a petition to demand quick agreement on a fair contract. After 15 bargaining sessions stretched over several months, management refuses to agree to reasonable terms that would provide St. Joseph nurses parity with other NYSNA-represented hospitals in the Catholic Health System. The message from NYSNA RNs at St. Joe's today was loud and clear: Fair contract now! The next negotiation is Tuesday, July 21. Stay tuned.

Northstar/Claxton-Hepburn Nurses Fight Back Against Proposed Unit Closure

Earlier this week, our members learned that Northstar/Claxton-Hepburn submitted a plan to close its maternal health unit. As one of only two hospitals in St. Lawrence County that still has maternal health services, members spoke out about the devastating impact this closure would have on patient care and their community hospital. They are mounting a fight-back to save essential healthcare services and good jobs in the North Country. Sign their community petition today, and stay tuned for more updates about upcoming actions and community forums to support the fight. Read NYSNA’s statement condemning the cuts and coverage of the issue in North Country Now and WWNY.

Montefiore Nurses Launch Email Action to Push Back on Layoffs

NYSNA nurses at Montefiore kept up the pressure on management this week by launching a new digital action, demanding that hospital administrators post vacancies that have been open for months. Already, the Montefiore system is feeling the effects of laying off utilization nurses and replacing them with artificial intelligence-powered software. Management laid off three CTCC nurses from Montefiore Moses, despite several unposted CTCC vacancies in the same department at Montefiore Weiler and in the new SICU at Moses. Nurses felt strongly that Montefiore should post these jobs so that the Moses CTCC nurses could apply, relieving any disruption or financial burdens from the initial layoffs; so, nurses launched an email action demanding that administrators post the openings. Keep up the great work, Montefiore nurses!

Montefiore nurses who haven’t yet participated in the digital action can do so here.

Appellate Court Upholds Arbitration Ruling for NYP CTICU Nurses

In 2024, an arbitrator ordered NewYork-Presbyterian (NYP) to recruit and retain critical care nurses and pay financial remedies to the cardiothoracic intensive care unit (CTICU) nurses who worked understaffed. Instead of adhering to the arbitrator's order to make nurses whole, NYP spent an untold amount of money to take NYSNA nurses to court and tie up safe staffing in litigation. Last week, though, an appellate court ruled that the hospital must be accountable for its failure to abide by the staffing provisions in nurses’ contract and must make nurses whole! We are hopeful that this victory — for nurses, patients, safe staffing and hospital accountability — will send a strong message to NYP and other hospital systems to invest in safe staffing, not meritless lawsuits!

Adirondack Medical Center Nurses Escalate Campaign for a Fair Contract

Nurses at Adirondack Medical Center have been fighting for a fair contract that allows them to recruit and retain nurses. They are pushing for safe staffing and fair wages and benefits to stay competitive in the region. They delivered a letter to the hospital board chair, and now they are getting creative with a community visibility campaign to email the hospital president. Soon they will hold a speak-out at the hospital to make sure hospital executives finally listen to the nurses!

Manhattan Members Join Together at Interregional

NYSNA members in private and public sector facilities throughout Manhattan, including board members Denash Forbes, MSN, RN, Simone Way, BSN, RN, Sonia Lawrence, RN, BSN, and Alizia McMyers, MSN, MHA, BSN, RN, attended an interregional meeting at the NYSNA office on Wednesday, July 15. Nurses discussed how many of the issues facing nurses at each facility were similar, and they shared information and strategies. Margaret Franks, RN, BSN, lead a conversation about recent staffing wins using the contractual and New York State Department of Health processes. Members also discussed the upcoming Convention and the new resolution process.

NYSNA Celebrates in Solidarity With Long Island Jobs With Justice

On Wednesday, July 15, NYSNA Secretary Michelle Jones, MSN, RN, ANPC, and Director at Large Marie Boyle, BSN, RN, along with Syosset nurses Maria Policastro, RN, and Ann Tahaney, RN, were proud to attend Long Island Jobs with Justice’s (LIJWJ) 23rd Anniversary Awards Dinner. Pictured with them is Ani Halasz, LIJWJ’s executive director. LIJWJ is a long-time NYSNA ally that has supported our campaigns all over Long Island. It works in coalition with labor unions and worker centers, community organizations, faith-based organizations and individual social justice activists who are committed to protecting the rights of working people on Long Island and supporting community struggles to build a more just society.

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 Convention Delegate reimbursement policy, guidelines for submitting resolutions 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.

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 Thursday, July 30, join us for a workshop about winning an issue on your unit through a campaign of escalating actions. In August, join members from across the union to learn about NYSNA and the labor movement, how to fill out a protest of assignment form and use it as an effective organizing tool, how take control of meetings with management and more! 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.

NEW: 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”

Upcoming July Workshops—Register Today!

We are excited to invite you to join our upcoming continuing education workshops, designed to support your professional growth and certification preparation.

These workshops are free of cost for all NYSNA members. They are held online via NYSNA E-LeaRN (with Zoom sessions occurring 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day).

Upcoming July Workshops:

• July 22-23: Trauma Care Certification Review

Space is limited — please register as soon as possible on NYSNA E-LeaRN.

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.

NEW 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