Dear Friend,

NYSNA Nurses Hold Vigil in Solidarity With Haitian TPS Holders

On Wednesday, Aug. 5, NYSNA nurses held a candlelight vigil at Maimonides Medical Center to protest the healthcare shortages after the Trump administration terminated Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This termination leaves more than 300,000 Haitians in the United States vulnerable to increased enforcement activity and subject to deportation. Frontline nurses recognize the critical role that Haitian TPS holders — as nurses, medical assistants, techs, environmental workers and more — play in holding up our healthcare system.

New York Attorney General Leticia James; New York State Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn; New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams; New York City Council Members Mercedes Narcisse, Shahana Hanif, Farah N. Louis and Alexa Aviles; and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso joined the vigil in solidarity with Haitian TPS holders. ABC 7, BK Reader, the Brooklyn Paper, Crain’s, PIX11, Spectrum NY1 and 1010 WINS covered the vigil.

This termination has had a chilling effect on immigrant communities and Haitian workers across the country and has created massive shortages in healthcare facilities, disrupting care in and around New York City. At the vigil, NYSNA President Nancy Hagans, RN, BSN, CCRN, said, “When healthcare workers live in fear of going to work, patient care suffers. This is more than an immigration issue; it’s an issue of public health.”

NYSNA nurses will continue to push back on this attack on Haitian immigrants and our healthcare system and will advocate for a reversal of this decision and a pathway to legal status for Haitian TPS holders. NYSNA is also providing support for union members concerned about their immigration status. Fill out this confidential form for more information and consultation, and share this flyer with your fellow NYSNA members. For more immigration resources, visit the New York Immigration Coalition’s website.

Sullivan County Nurses Vote to Ratify New Contract

On Monday, Aug. 3, NYSNA nurses voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new four-year contract with Sullivan County! Highlights of the contract include a 25% increase in wages over the life of the contract and retention of the NYSNA benefit plan. Congratulations on your hard-fought victory, Sullivan County nurses!

NYP-Brooklyn Methodist Nurses Gain Community and Ally Support in Their Fight for a Fair Contract

For months, NYSNA nurses at NewYork-Presbyterian (NYP)/Brooklyn Methodist Hospital have been fighting for a fair contract that improves nurse and patient safety and ensures safe, quality care for their community. This week, nurses continued to ramp up their campaign by canvassing at the New York Liberty game on Aug. 3. Alongside New York State Senator Jabari Brisport, Assembly Member Joanne Simon, New York City Council Member Tiffany Caban, former City Comptroller Brad Lander and the Central Labor Council, nurses spoke to community members about their campaign and collected signatures for a petition demanding that hospital President Juan Mejia and Liberty co-owner, billionaire philanthropist and NYP Board Member Clara Wu Tsai settle a fair contract for nurses and patients. So far, more than 2,000 community members have signed nurses’ petition!

Nurses also saw support from elected officials beyond the community canvass. On Thursday, Aug. 6, Lander and New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif sent a letter to Methodist leadership, calling on it to bargain with nurses in good faith. Nurses are hopeful that the strong support they received this week from community members and allies will bring hospital leadership back to the table, ready to meet nurses’ demands and settle a fair contract! Keep up the great work, Methodist nurses!

UVMH-CVPH Members Deliver Letters to Hospital Board Members

This week, NYSNA members at University of Vermont Health-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (UVMH-CVPH) continued their fight to protect patient care for North Country residents. On Monday, Aug. 3, members visited CVPH board members’ businesses and delivered letters calling on the board members to help settle a fair contract. For months, NYSNA members at CVPH have been bargaining with management but refuse to settle a contract without the strong staffing language they need to hold hospital administrators accountable for chronic understaffing. Members have already received strong support from their community and are hopeful that the positive conversations they had with board members will help settle the fair contract that North Country nurses and patients deserve. Frontline healthcare workers know that safe staffing saves lives, so CVPH members will not back down when hospital administrators put patient care at risk!

August Workers’ Compensation Webinars

It shouldn't hurt to be a nurse — but it often does. Nurses experience extremely high work-related injury and illness rates. The workers’ compensation system is designed to cover any medical costs related to these injuries and illnesses as well as cover missed paychecks. But it’s a complicated system that often leaves injured workers confused and frustrated. Join NYSNA’s Occupational Health and Safety Representatives for a one-hour webinar on how workers’ compensation works, how to access benefits and how to avoid common pitfalls. NYSNA will offer the webinar twice this month: Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 8 to 9 p.m. and Thursday, Aug. 20, from 10 to 11 a.m. Register here.

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.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to high demand and possible space limitations for this event, pre-registration 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: 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.

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.

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.

There are TWO more Summer 2026 Labor Education workshops left in August! On Wednesday, Aug. 12, join members from across the union to learn how to take and keep control of our meetings with management to ensure their success. On 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 Nurses Show Solidarity With Striking Hotel Workers

On Thursday, Aug. 6, NYSNA nurses joined Hotel and Gaming Trades Council (HTC) members on the picket line to demand a fair contract! In June, HTC members began an unfair labor practice strike after months of management failing to bargain in good faith and discriminating against workers who support the union. Nurses joined the picket line to show solidarity and to support HTC members at the Fairfield by Marriott New York Manhattan Times Square and the Four Points by Sheraton Midtown who are fighting for a living wage, affordable healthcare and reasonable workloads. NYSNA members stand with hotel workers!

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. 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.

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