Dear Friend,

Victory: Catholic Health/St. Joseph’s Hospital Nurses Reach Tentative Agreement

This week, NYSNA nurses at Catholic Health/St. Joseph’s Hospital reached a tentative agreement for a new contract! The agreement comes after months of bargaining with hospital management and just week after NYSNA members at Catholic Health/St. Charles Hospital voted to overwhelmingly ratify a new contract. Highlights of the agreements include the addition of new FTE float pool positions, safeguards against artificial intelligence and wage increases every year of the new contract. Nurses at St. Joseph’s will vote to ratify the contract this coming week. Now, St. Catherine of Siena is the only Catholic Health hospital where administrators have yet to settle a fair contract. With that contract expiring at the end of the month, NYSNA nurses are ready to fight and win what they deserve!

NYSNA Nurses at St. Vincent’s Hospital Ratify New Contract

This week, after months of bargaining, NYSNA nurses at St. Vincent’s Hospital voted to ratify a new four-year contract! Highlights of the contract include maintaining nurses’ health insurance, improvements to staffing enforcement language and 4% increases across the life of the contract. Congratulations, St. Vincent’s nurses!

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

Last week, NYSNA nurses learned that North Star Health Alliance submitted a plan to close the maternal health unit at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center. After decades of service cuts, closures and disinvestment in the North Country, Claxton-Hepburn is just one of two hospitals left in St. Lawrence County that still offers maternal health services. Recognizing the potential impact of the proposed closure on birthing people in St. Lawrence County and patients across the North Country, NYSNA nurses are continuing to push back on the proposed closure. Check out coverage of the closure and nurses’ fight to keep the maternal health unit open in North Country Now, NNY 360, and WWNY 7 — and if you haven’t already, sign the petition to save these critical services.

Yesterday, we learned that North Star entered into an affiliation agreement with Rochester Regional Health but still plans to move ahead with the closure of maternal health at Claxton-Hepburn. NYSNA responded, demanding the health system reconsider the closure of essential services. Next week, NYSNA nurses from several North Country hospitals will also hold a speak-out before North Star’s community forum to demand North Star and Rochester Regional stop the cuts. When patient care is under attack, we stand up and fight back!

Adirondack Medical Center Nurses Launch Email Campaign Ahead of Speak-Out

For months, NYSNA nurses at Adirondack Medical Center have been fighting for a fair contract that would help their hospital recruit and retain enough nurses for safe patient care. Over the course of their contract campaign, nurses have garnered community support, delivered a letter to the chair of the hospital board and launched ads on social media explaining why frontline nurses need affordable health benefits, but management continues to refuse to settle the fair contract nurses and patients deserve. This week, nurses ramped up the fight once again, launching a digital action targeting hospital CEO Aaron Kramer. Show your support for Adirondack nurses by sending an email to the CEO to demand a fair contract now!

Next week, nurses will continue to escalate their fight for a fair contract by holding a speak-out on Wednesday, July 29. Keep up the fight, Adirondack nurses!

NYP/Brooklyn Methodist Hospital Nurses Launch Community Petition for a Fair Contract

For months, NYSNA nurses at NewYork-Presbyterian/Brooklyn Methodist Hospital have been fighting for a fair contract that protects nurse and patient safety and guarantees quality patient care for their community. After holding an informational picket and candlelight vigil earlier this summer, nurses launched a community petition this week, calling on community members to show their solidarity with nurses in the fight for a fair contract. They leafleted along with Assembly Member Robert Carroll at the local farmers’ market, making sure their community knows about and supports their fight for safety. Show your support for Brooklyn Methodist nurses by signing their petition here.

UVMH-CVPH Members Continue Fight for a Fair Contract

NYSNA nurses and healthcare professionals at University of Vermont Health (UVMH)-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) are continuing to ramp up their fight for a fair contract! On Wednesday, July 22, members delivered signs to dozens of local businesses in Plattsburgh that are in solidarity with NYSNA members. The signs carry a clear message: UVMH needs to keep care and good union jobs in New York. With the strength of their community behind them, nurses and healthcare workers are hopeful about settling the fair contract that North Country residents deserve. They are also connecting with our union siblings at American Federation of Teachers, who represent the registered nurses and other staff at UVM Medical Center in Burlington, Vermont. These workers are also fighting layoffs, and some are bargaining for a fair contract. Keep up the great work, CVPH members!

Northwell/Putnam Hospital Center Nurses Deliver Petition Demanding Respect

For months, NYSNA nurses at Northwell/Putnam Hospital Center have been fighting for a fair contract that ensures safe, quality patient care for their community. Northwell Health, which acquired the community hospital last year, has a history of adding unrealistic and unsafe staffing ratios to contracts. Nurses have been fighting back during their contract campaign, refusing to settle a contract that does not include safe staffing ratios and improved staffing enforcement language. On Friday, July 24, nurses delivered a 10-day notice to their chief nursing officer (CNO), informing her that nurses would not be participating in nursing council meetings until management settles a fair contract. Nurses also delivered a petition to their CNO in support of the notice, signed by more than 100 members of the bargaining unit. Don’t settle for anything less than the fair contract your community deserves, Putnam nurses!

NYSNA President Nancy Hagans Joins NNU Members to Advocate for Medicare for All

On Wednesday, July 15, NYSNA President Nancy Hagans, BSN, RN, CCRN; Second Vice President Judith Cutchin, DNP, RN; and Secretary Michelle Jones, MSN, RN, ANPC, joined National Nurses United (NNU) members — including nurses from the DC Nurses Association and the Michigan Nurses Association — in Washington, D.C., to lobby for universal, single-payer healthcare. Over the course of the day, nurses met with legislators to express the critical need for universal healthcare, especially as the Trump administration is kicking millions of Americans off Medicaid and stripping billions in funding from our healthcare facilities.

NYSNA Nurses Join Allies at Montefiore Moses to Demand New York Tax the Rich to Fund Healthcare

This week, NYSNA nurses joined elected officials, labor allies and healthcare advocates outside of Montefiore–Moses Campus to demand that New York state tax the rich to fund healthcare! With over 1 million people being stripped of their healthcare because of federal funding cuts, it’s time for our state government to take action to save our staff and services and ensure that all New Yorkers have access to quality care. #InvestInOurNY

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, 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.

NYSNA President Nancy Hagans Advocates for Haitian TPS Holders

On Friday, July 24, NYSNA President Nancy Hagans, BSN, RN, CCRN, joined labor allies, community organizations, and elected officials, including U.S. Congressman Gregory Meeks, New York State Attorney General Letitia James, State Senator Leroy Comrie, Assembly Member Clyde Vanel, and New York City Council Member Natasha Williams, for a press conference to advocate for temporary protected status (TPS) holders. Advocates called for the passage of Senate Bill 4814, which would re-designate Haiti for TPS, after that status was stripped by the Trump administration earlier this month. At the press conference, Pres. Hagans said, "I see firsthand how Haitian immigrants help hold up our healthcare system in New York and around the country. From hospitals, nursing homes, home care and throughout the healthcare system, Haitian Americans care for our communities. The loss of these workers, combined with drastic federal healthcare cuts, will decimate our healthcare system."

Many Haitian TPS holders have been living and working in the United States for years and have started families and careers here. Senate Bill 4814 would allow them to maintain the lives and careers they’ve built, and in some cases, remain with their families and American-born children. The Trump administration must reverse course and stop their attacks on Haitian immigrants, many of whom are the frontline workers that hold up our healthcare system.

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.

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