Nurses look to work with interim Hennepin Healthcare CEO, and to hold leadership to account. (Page 3)

Contact: Laurie Laker 
(c) 612-741-0662 
laurie.laker@mnnurses.org    

(St. Paul) – April 4, 2025 – With the appointment of Dr. Thomas Klemond as interim CEO of Hennepin Healthcare, the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) is reiterating the need for leadership that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and the safety and well-being of workers and patients alike. 

The resignation of former CEO Jennifer DeCubellis followed a resounding vote of “No Confidence” by nurses in November 2023, driven by decisions that increased healthcare costs for workers, undermined labor rights, and eroded essential services. While her departure was a necessary step, the need for leadership that upholds the values of public service and respect for frontline workers remains urgent. 

MNA remains committed to working toward a positive, transparent working relationship with HHS leadership. We are eager to engage in a productive dialogue, but it is imperative that the leadership of HHS demonstrate the following: 

  • A true commitment to worker safety and protections against workplace violence 
  • Transparency around decision-making, finances, and processes 
  • Prioritizing worker retention and recruitment to meet patient demand 
  • Oversight of HHS to be provided directly by the Hennepin County Commissioners 
  • Respect for the contributions of the nurses and staff who are essential to the success of the hospital. 

We urge Hennepin Healthcare’s Board of Directors to prioritize these principles in their search for a permanent CEO. Now is the time to rebuild trust and create a system that values both its workers and its patients. Nurses are ready to collaborate with leadership to ensure Hennepin Healthcare remains a pillar of community health, but that can only happen if the leadership is willing to prioritize the needs of workers and patients over corporate-driven goals. 

HHS Tri-Chairs
Janell Johnson Thiele, RN
Jeremy Olson-Ehlert, RN
Mariah Tunkara, RN 

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In: HCMC, Hennepin Healthcare, Home, Press Releases

Contact: Laurie Laker 
(c) 612-741-0662 
laurie.laker@mnnurses.org    

(St. Paul) – April 4, 2025 – With the appointment of Dr. Thomas Klemond as interim CEO of Hennepin Healthcare, the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) is reiterating the need for leadership that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and the safety and well-being of workers and patients alike. 

The resignation of former CEO Jennifer DeCubellis followed a resounding vote of “No Confidence” by nurses in November 2023, driven by decisions that increased healthcare costs for workers, undermined labor rights, and eroded essential services. While her departure was a necessary step, the need for leadership that upholds the values of public service and respect for frontline workers remains urgent. 
… Read more about: Nurses look to work with interim Hennepin Healthcare CEO, and to hold leadership to account.  »

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In: Governor, Home, Minnesota Department of Health, Nurses, Press Releases, Public Health, Unions

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Contact: Laurie Laker
 (c) 612-741-0662
laurie.laker@mnnurses.org 

(St. Paul) – March 28, 2025 – A recent announcement by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz rolling back the state telework policy has left Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) members working for the state of Minnesota shocked and frustrated. Governor Walz’s mandate would give state employees just over 9 weeks to make this adjustment, requiring them to work onsite at least 50% of their working days each month. Nurses expect this policy reversal to have a chilling effect on the state’s progress in hiring nurses for much needed roles in state agencies 

Nursing roles within the state of Minnesota have been historically difficult to fill due to the significantly lower salaries offered by the state.
… Read more about: Minnesota nurses rebuke Governor’s directive to return to office  »

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In: Healthcare, Home, Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Nurses Association, Nurses, Patient Safety, Patient Safety Standards, Press Releases

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Contact: Laurie Laker
(c) 612-741-0662
laurie.laker@mnnurses.org 

(St. Paul) – March 27, 2025 – The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) is raising the alarm about devastating impacts that will come because of the $226 million federal funding cut to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). This funding loss threatens to create an immediate and significant public health crisis across our state.  

As a leading voice of public health and patient advocacy in the state, the duty of nurse extends far beyond the bedside. Nurses are advocates for public health and committed to protecting our patients and the communities we serve.
… Read more about: Minnesota nurses stand against devastating cuts to public health funding     »

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In: HCMC, Hennepin Healthcare, Home, Nurses, Press Releases, Unions

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Contact: Laurie Laker 
(c) 612-741-0662 
laurie.laker@mnnurses.org   

(St. Paul) – March 27, 2025 – With the resignation of Jennifer DeCubellis as CEO of Hennepin Healthcare, nurses represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) are calling for a new direction in leadership—one that prioritizes public service, patient care, and worker respect. 

Hennepin Healthcare nurses overwhelmingly cast a vote of “No Confidence” in DeCubellis in November 2023, citing harmful decisions that increased healthcare costs for workers, undermined labor rights, and reduced essential services. While her departure is long overdue, the need for strong, collaborative leadership has never been greater. 
… Read more about: MNA HHS Tri-Chairs welcome DeCubellis’ departure from Hennepin Healthcare   »

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Contact: Laurie Laker
(c) 612-741-0662
laurie.laker@mnnurses.org

(St. Paul) – January 24, 2025 – Nurses of the Minnesota Nurses Association today announced their endorsement of Doron Clark for the Senate District 60 special election of the Minnesota Senate.

Endorsed candidates are recognized for their leadership and collaboration with nurses to address critical issues affecting both nurses and patients. To earn nurses’ endorsement, candidates must show dedication to MNA priorities, including resolving the nurse retention and patient care crisis, opposing the growing corporatization and consolidation in healthcare, and advocating for workers’ rights to a collective voice that upholds dignity and respect in the workplace.
… Read more about: Nurses announce endorsement for Minnesota State Senate District 60 special election  »

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In: Events, Home, North Memorial, Nurses, Organizing, Press Releases

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Contact: Laurie Laker
(c) 612-741-0662
laurie.laker@mnnurses.org

(St. Paul) – December 27, 2024 – This afternoon, a supermajority of Registered Nurses (RNs) from the North Memorial Health’s Maple Grove Hospital announced that they have organized and filed for an election vote to be represented by the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA).  

Nurses’ decision to organize and seek union representation highlights their shared commitment to improving their workplace, supporting fellow nursing staff, and prioritizing patient wellbeing and care at Maple Grove. Nurses at Maple Grove have a long and demonstrated history of providing excellent care for their patients, often providing such excellent care in spite of high demands on their time, capacity, and limited access to support resources.
… Read more about: North Memorial’s Maple Grove Hospital nurses organize and file for MNA representation  »

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In: Allina, Bargaining, Home, Press Releases

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Contact: Laurie Laker
(c) 612-741-0662
laurie.laker@mnnurses.org

 

(St. Paul) – December 19, 2024 – Registered Nurses (RNs) in the Cath-Lab Department at Allina’s United Hospital have voted overwhelmingly to join the existing Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) bargaining unit at United Hospital in St. Paul.

The nurses’ decision to organize and seek union representation highlights their shared commitment to improving their workplace and patient care. Nurses in the Cath-Lab have had longstanding issues with hospital management, including no language around mandatory low needs, as well as having lost numerous shifts due to situations beyond their control.
… Read more about: Cath Lab nurses at Allina’s United Hospital overwhelmingly vote to join union  »

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In: Allina, Home, Press Releases, Workplace violence prevention

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Contact: Laurie Laker
(c) 612-741-0662
laurie.laker@mnnurses.org

(St. Paul) – December 3, 2024 – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has validated what nurses have been saying for years by citing Abbott Northwestern Hospital with over a dozen “serious” violations of workplace violence.

While nurses have been raising the alarm about the lack of workplace violence protections for some time, the recent OSHA violations span over a 6-month period from December of 2023 to May of 2024. According to OSHA, “a serious violation exists when the workplace hazard could cause an accident or illness that would most likely result in death or serious physical harm, unless the employer did not know or could not have known of the violation.” OSHA has levied a penalty of $83,600 after their investigation revealed alarming levels of workplace violence at the hospital, which has put nurses and other healthcare workers at significant risk.
… Read more about: Following OSHA fines, MNA calls for Allina Health to take action to address workplace safety  »

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Contact: Lauren Bloomquist
(c) 651-376-9709
lauren.bloomquist@mnnurses.org

(St. Paul) – September 27, 2024 – The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) Board of Directors has named Elaina Hane the new Executive Director.

Elaina Hane brings over five years of experience in the labor industry, previously serving as an MNA Labor Relations Specialist, MNA’s Manager of Governance and Policy, MNA’s Manager of Field Operations, and most recently the Interim Executive Director position to which she was appointed in January of this year.

Hane also brings to the position over 17 years of experience as a registered bedside nurse, during which she was an active member of the Minnesota Nurses Association, serving on her bargaining unit’s negotiating team, as an elected delegate to MNA’s House of Delegates, and as a member of MNA’s Board of Directors, among other roles.
… Read more about: MNA announces appointment of new Executive Director     »

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In: Allina, Home, Nursing, Patient Safety, Press Releases

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Contact:  Lauren Bloomquist

(c) 651-376-9709 

lauren.bloomquist@mnnurses.org

 

New study from MNA includes review of Allina Health’s surrender to for-profit companies impacting workers, patients, and Allina’s business.

(St. Paul) – September 26, 2024 – The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) today released a new report on the how Allina Health’s ties to financial parties have comprised the healthcare giant’s mission, business, and patient care. The 23-page report includes a review of the two interconnected players influencing patient care, Allina Health System and Piper Sandler; studies the growing corporate influence in local healthcare at Allina; and analyzes how the profit-driven approach of executives has failed in large part.  
… Read more about: New report highlights consequences of Allina Health’s financial ties compromising its mission, business, and patient care       »