Activism (Page 31)

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In: Activism, Healthcare, Labor Unions, Nurses, Nursing, Politics

What is this? The MNA Daily NewsScan is a round up the day’s biggest nursing, health care and organized labor stories.  As news unfolds in real-time, we update the NewsScan with new links and info, so check back often!

Stories we’re scanning:

Health Care

U.S. Health Care Spending “Dwarfs” That of Other Countries   The U.S. spent nearly $8,000 per person for health care services in 2009, the  study found, confirming that “health care spending in the U.S. dwarfs that found  in any other industrialized country.”

Notes on Nursing

Debate on Who Administers Anesthesia Moves to Courts   The debate pits nurse anesthetists, who specialize in administering anesthesia and maintain that they are well equipped to treat patients on their own, against anesthesiologists, who are physicians and say nurses lack the necessary training.
… Read more about: MNA Daily NewsScan, May 3, 2012 – Who Administers Anesthesia; U.S. HC Spending “Dwarfs” Others  »

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In: Activism, Healthcare, Labor Unions, Nurses, Nursing, Politics

ALERT:  Rally for Jobs

The clock is ticking on the 2012 Legislative session. Despite being in session for months, the Legislature has failed to act on real job creation projects like a large infrastructure bill and a Vikings stadium.  These projects would create thousands of family sustaining, union jobs to help Minnesota’s economy recover.  Let’s tell Legislators to act now and create jobs!      RSVP Here

WHERE: State Capitol Steps (75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, St. Paul)
WHEN: Thursday, May 3, 11:00 AM

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Health Care

“The System Really is Not Failing – Failure IS the System”   At a recent Association of Health Care Journalists meeting, Dr.
… Read more about: MNA NewsScan, May 2, 2012 – Rally for Jobs!, “Permanent Patients,” Increased Retirement Age  »

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In: Activism, Healthcare, Hospitals, Labor Unions, Nurses, Nursing, Politics

Policy

CALL TODAY.   The Minnesota House passed the National  Nurse Licensure Compact by a 75-56 vote.    Govenor Dayton is our last line of defense on this highly flawed legislation that may jeopardize patient care. Don’t delay.  651-201-3400.  Learn more.

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Health Care

Minnesota Hit Hard After Medicaid Missteps   It was painful to watch Minnesota’s stellar health care reputation and its Human Services commissioner, Lucinda Jesson, get pummeled on Wednesday at a congressional hearing on Medicaid oversight.

Sen. Franken to Investigate Fairview’s Medical Debt Collector’s Tactics   Sen.
… Read more about: MNA Daily NewsScan 4-27-12 Call NOW to Halt Natl Nurse Licensure  »

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In: Activism, Labor Unions, Nurses, Organizing

[youtube=http://youtu.be/CnP0LOypaK0]

 

Albert Lea’s MNA RNs took to the streets yesterday to talk about negotiating a fair contract that keeps community nurses in the community.

Great job Albert Lea RNs! Nearly 1/3 of the bargaining unit participated in yesterday’s action, which was also picked up by local media outlets as well. Way to stand up, nurses, for your patients and your profession!

TV News Coverage

[youtube=http://youtu.be/ak-SNtu29o0]
… Read more about: Albert Lea RNs “Walk and Talk” in the community to advocate for safe patients, fair contracts  »

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In: Activism, Labor Unions

Workers Memorial Day
Every year on April 28, the unions of the AFL-CIO observe Workers Memorial Day to remember those who have suffered and died on the job and to renew our efforts for safe workplaces.  This year we the struggle continues to create good jobs in this country that are safe and healthy and to ensure the freedom of workers to form unions and, through their unions, to speak out and bargain for respect and a better future.  It’s time for our country to fulfill the promise of safe jobs for all.

Attend an event near you:

Superior, WI – April 25, 7:30 AM

Free breakfast at 7:30 AM

Peter Ridge Community Center, 1201 N.
… Read more about: Never Forget: Workers’ Memorial Day April 28 Events Schedule  »

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In: Activism, Politics

Concerned about whether billions in Minnesota taxpayer funds were actually being used for direct patient care, MNA RN leaders including President Linda Hamilton began pushing in early 2011 for what has now become a federal investigation of the state’s financial dealings with non-profit HMOs. With the story continuing to evolve, we’ve compiled this post to help chronicle the history of the issue and MNA’s role in it.

Background: In late 2010, KSTP-TV Investigative Reporter Jay Kolls broke a story featuring former Minnesota Hospital Association Attorney Dave Feinwachs. Dave was fired by the MHA after insinuating that Department of Human Services officials under Governor Tim Pawlenty’s administration had been looking the other way while non-profit HMO Executives raked in nearly $4 billion in taxpayer dollars per budget cycle for services they could not prove they provided.
… Read more about: MNA RNs and the (nearly) $4 Billion Question  »

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Update May 10, 2012:  The House adjourned for the session in the wee hours of this morning, WITHOUT taking a final vote on the National Nurse Licensure Compact. That means it’s dead for this year. It will most likely come back next session, so stay tuned, but for now, be proud of all the calls, emails, letters and visits that nurses made to stop this dangerous bill!

This troubling story (published by Pro Publica and USA Today) provides yet another reminder why we need your help in opposing the National Nurse Licensure Compact bill moving through the state legislature.
… Read more about: Nurse Licensure Compact Legislation  »

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In: Activism, Bargaining, Labor Unions

The AFL-CIO is presenting a 3 day Organizing Institute in Minnesota on June 8, 9, 10, 2012. The purpose of this training is to equip union member activists and union member organizers with basic organizing skills. AFL-CIO Organizing Department staff will be leading the training.

Here are the details.

Please note the sponsorship forms are due by May 12!
In addition, the MN AFL-CIO will be hosting an Organizers Roundtable on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 10 AM at the Minnesota AFL-CIO (175 Aurora Ave., St. Paul 55103).

… Read more about: Mark Your Calendar! AFL-CIO Organizing Institute Coming Up  »

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In: Activism, Politics

Some nice recognition in MinnPost this week of the key work MNA RNs and other health care workers did behind the scenes to help this important legislation pass!

Here’s the item: 

Intentional abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult can be charged as a felony in Minnesota, now that Gov. Mark Dayton signed a bill passed with bipartisan support.

Previously, such crimes often perpetrated against elderly victims were treated at most as gross misdemeanors with no prison time.

With all the highly charged partisan activity abounding in this year’s session, the governor made a big point of stressing that both Republicans and DFLers voted for the bill, and he appeared with a bipartisan group at the official signing.
… Read more about: MinnPost Gives Nod to MNA Nurses’ Efforts  »