MNA Blog (Page 28)

Recent news and updates from the Minnesota Nurses Association.

On:
In: Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Contact:  Rick Fuentes
(o) 651-414-2863
(c) 612-741-0662
rick.fuentes@mnnurses.org

Amber Smigiel
(o) 651-414-2849
(c) 651-202-0845
amber.smigiel@mnnurses.org
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(St. Paul) – February 4, 2021 – Nurse members of the Minnesota Nurses Association have alerted Allina Health of the intent to hold an informational picket in Faribault near District One Hospital on Friday, February 12.

MNA nurses have been negotiating a new contract with Allina for months, but productive talks have deteriorated over safety and staffing issues. While Allina has agreed to match wages with a nearby hospital, management has refused to improve staffing measures, add health and safety protections, or match compensation for calling nurses in during short-staffing crises. 
… Read more about: MNA Nurses File Notice to Picket Allina District One Hospital  »

On:
In: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

​

Contact: Rick Fuentes
(o) 651-414-2863
(c) 612-741-0662
rick.fuentes@mnnurses.org

Amber Smigiel
(o) 651-414-2849
(c) 651-202-0845
amber.smigiel@mnnurses.org

January 26, 2021 (St. Paul) – Minnesota nurses explained to legislators that, like other essential workers, they’ve lost thousands of dollars in pay and benefits due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and they’re asking lawmakers to support HF41, the Essential Workers Emergency Leave Act, which will make it right.

Many essential workers, including nurses, were either exempted from receiving federal COVID leave covered by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) or their employers were not subject to FFCRA due to their size.
… Read more about: MNA Nurses Testify in Support of Essential Workers Emergency Leave Act  »

On:
In: Coronavirus, COVID-19

By Susan Kreitz, RN, MNA Board of Directors, CARn Chair

This question is being asked by many people. People from all walks of life, race, young and old. The truth is everyone who can, should be vaccinated. The virus doesn’t know who we are, where we live, or how old we are.

We need to look at the science of this medication. mRNA technology was discovered over 30 years ago and the vaccine has been studied for nearly 2 decades. The benefit of mRNA vaccines, like all vaccines, those who are vaccinated gain protection without ever having to risk serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19.
… Read more about: Should you get the COVID-19 vaccine?  »

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In: Coronavirus, COVID-19

Note: the content below is the opinion of the creator or signed authors.

By Linda Hamilton, RN, BSN

Nurses always respond during disasters, war, and now a pandemic. Unfortunately, while this pandemic has become a political football, as nurses, we know this virus is no game. Our most vulnerable and even those with no risk factors are losing their lives every day. Our hospitals are at capacity, and nurse staffing makes it impossible to provide care in many areas of our state. Many patients are told they have to get care hundreds of miles from their homes.

Now that the election is over and the virus is still raging, we must educate and enforce proven strategies we use in our workplaces and in our communities to stop the spread of this virus.
… Read more about: Our First Line of Defense  »

On:
In: Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

​
Contact: Rick Fuentes
(o) 651-414-2863
(c) 612-741-0662
rick.fuentes@mnnurses.org

Amber Smigiel
(o) 651-414-2849
(c) 651-202-0845
amber.smigiel@mnnurses.org

January 11, 2021 (St. Paul) – Minnesota nurses are excited to support a Minnesota House bill that would provide emergency paid leave for essential workers that they currently don’t receive. The Essential Workers Emergency Leave Act, or HF41, chief authored by Rep. Cedrick Frazier (DFL-New Hope), would ensure that the frontline and essential workers during this pandemic are able to quarantine, care for a loved one with COVID, or care for a child who is distance learning without financial burden.
… Read more about: MNA Nurses Urge Lawmakers to Pass Emergency Leave Bill  »

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In: Education

MNA’s special month of online classes continues with some exciting guest instructors and new classes. Sign up for a class today!

Wednesday, October 21, 2:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m.

Labor Education Specialist Kathy McQuillan will present STEWARD TRAINING: INVESTIGATORY MEETINGS, designed to prepare MNA stewards with the skills to represent their fellow members in disciplinary and investigatory meetings.

Wednesday, October 21, 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Labor Education Specialist Kathy McQuillan will present STEWARD TRAINING: STEP-ONE GRIEVANCES to prepare stewards with the skills to manage the Step-One grievances at their facilities.

Thursday, October 22 and Friday, October 23, 9:00 a.m.
… Read more about: Back to School with MNA: October Online Education  »

On:
In: Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
​
Contact:  Rick Fuentes
(o) 651-414-2863
(c) 612-741-0662
rick.fuentes@mnnurses.org

Amber Smigiel
(o) 651-414-2849
(c) 651-202-0845
amber.smigiel@mnnurses.org

(St. Paul) – October 17, 2020 – MNA nurses will be delivering demands to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners regarding MHealth Fairview’s plans to lease Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul to the county on Monday, October 19, at 4 p.m.

The proposal is part of the plans MHealth Fairview recently announced to close Bethesda hospital, the only COVID-19 specialty hospital in the area, as well as critically necessary community clinics and other services at St.
… Read more about: MNA Nurses Will Deliver Demands to Ramsey County Board of Commissioners Regarding MHealth Fairview’s Plans for Bethesda Hospital  »

On:
In: Elections

Note: the content below is the opinion of the creator or signed authors.

By Sarah Simons, RN

Why in the world would I spend time phone banking? This is an honest question and one that I will try to answer from my perspective.

First, as a Union nurse, I am paid pretty well at my job, so I no longer have to work two or three jobs or find other ways to pinch pennies that are time-consuming. So, I actually have a little more discretionary time to do the things that I could literally not afford to do before.
… Read more about: Why in the World Would I Spend Time Phone Banking?  »