Nurses kick off Nurses Week with landmarks lit red as nurses call for safe staffing to prioritize patient care. (Page 5)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

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

(St. Paul) – May 6, 2025 – Minnesota nurses are kicking off National Nurses Week 2025 this evening by lighting the state red and calling on the public to support their fight for safe hospital staffing through their ongoing contract campaign

Landmarks across the state will be lit red to recognize nurses starting on Tuesday, May 6 with Capella Tower in Minneapolis and Sperry Tower in Eagan. On May 9, both the I-35W Bridge and Lowry Avenue Bridge in Minneapolis will be lit red as well. These displays mark the beginning of National Nurses Week, observed annually from May 6 through May 12, the birthdate of Florence Nightingale.

“This Nurses Week, we are calling on Minnesotans to stand with nurses and demand that hospital executives put patient care before corporate profits and commit to staffing safely across our facilities” said Chris Rubesch, RN, President of the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA). “We are committed to protecting our patients, our profession, and our communities.”

As contract negotiations continue, 15,000 nurses in the Twin Cities and Twin Ports are fighting for new agreements that prioritize safe staffing ratios — proven to improve patient outcomes, retain skilled nurses, create safer hospital environments, and drive down healthcare costs. Nurses at the table are demanding that employers meet them with real, enforceable solutions to the ongoing staffing crisis that continues to threaten care quality at the bedside.

Throughout the week, nurses are encouraged to wear red and engage with patients and community members to raise awareness about the ongoing staffing crisis in Minnesota hospitals.

Since its establishment in the early 1990s, National Nurses Week has served as a time to recognize the vital role nurses play across every corner of the healthcare system. In 2025, Minnesota nurses will not only provide expert care at the bedside — they’re leading a growing movement to transform a system too often shaped by profit margins, demanding one that truly serves patients, families, and communities first.

LANDMARKS LIT RED FOR NURSES WEEK 
WHEN: Tuesday May 6, 2025 — Saturday, May 10, 2025
WHERE: I-35W Bridge, Lowry Avenue Bridge, Capella Tower (Minneapolis); Sperry Tower (Eagan)
WHAT: Local landmarks lit red
WHY: To honor Minnesota nurses and launch National Nurses Week with a call to support their fight for safe hospital staffing through their ongoing contract campaign

On:
In: Home, Nurses Week, Nursing, Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

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

(St. Paul) – May 6, 2025 – Minnesota nurses are kicking off National Nurses Week 2025 this evening by lighting the state red and calling on the public to support their fight for safe hospital staffing through their ongoing contract campaign

Landmarks across the state will be lit red to recognize nurses starting on Tuesday, May 6 with Capella Tower in Minneapolis and Sperry Tower in Eagan. On May 9, both the I-35W Bridge and Lowry Avenue Bridge in Minneapolis will be lit red as well.
… Read more about: Nurses kick off Nurses Week with landmarks lit red as nurses call for safe staffing to prioritize patient care.  »

On:
In: Bargaining, Duluth Bargaining, Home, Metro Bargaining, Nurse Staffing, Patient Safety, Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

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

(St. Paul) – May 1, 2025 – Over 15,000 nurses in the Twin Cities and Duluth recently launched contract negotiations with one clear priority: improving staffing levels to ensure better care and safer hospitals.

Nurses are demanding action as hospitals continue to operate with unsafe staffing, compromising care and driving experienced nurses out of the profession. While hospital executives blame a “nurse shortage,” nurses know the truth: we have more licensed nurses than ever, but too many are unwilling to work in conditions created by corporate hospital leadership.
… Read more about: As bargaining continues, nurses share stories of ongoing crisis in Minnesota facilities.  »

On:
In: Issues, Metro Bargaining, Nurse Staffing, Patient Safety, Unsafe Staffing

Lives are at risk when nurses are required to care for too many patients at one time. That’s not just what nurses say—it’s what the data proves.

Two studies involving over 600,000 patients in New York and Illinois examined how nurse workloads affect patient outcomes and hospital finances. The results were staggering:

On:
In: Bargaining, Duluth, Duluth Bargaining, Home, Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

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

(Duluth) – April 23, 2025 – MNA nurses at Aspirus St. Luke’s launched contract bargaining today with the hospital, and are eager to address longstanding concerns around staffing levels and unsafe work conditions at the facility.

“MNA nurses appreciate the vision of Aspirus St. Luke’s which commits to patients, people and the community. Like Aspirus, MNA nurses have a guiding vision that is deeply rooted in patient care. Currently, the state of nursing in Minnesota is dire. The average number of adverse events is up in Minnesota hospitals, the cost of healthcare continues to rise, the number of nurses facing violence and injury is at an all-time high and nurses continue to flee the bedside due to unsafe conditions and staffing levels.
… Read more about: Aspirus St. Luke’s nurses launch bargaining, advocate for increased staffing to boost patient care and nurse safety  »

On:
In: Home, Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

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

(St. Paul) – April 16, 2025 – In response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents entering and arresting a hospital employee at the MNA-represented Avera hospital in Marshall, Minnesota, the MNA Board of Directors reaffirms their position that nurses should not and will not serve any role in immigration enforcement and hopes that all hospital employees will also reject a role in assisting ICE.

A full statement regarding MNA’s position on safeguarding and protecting those who we serve and care for as nurses reads as follows:

As nurses and healthcare professionals, our primary responsibility is to provide compassionate, ethical, and high-quality care to all patients, regardless of their background, status, or circumstance.
… Read more about: MNA condemns ICE arrest of hospital employee at MNA-represented facility  »

On:
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.  »

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

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  »

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

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     »

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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   »

On:
In: Bargaining, Education, Labor Unions, Member Blog, Metro Bargaining, Nursing, Pension, Unions

As a nurse at a Twin Cities hospital, you undoubtedly recognize the importance of the MNA Twin City Pension Plan. But how well do you really understand it? What does it offer you? How can you tap into this powerful benefit? Let’s uncover the details that make this pension plan a cornerstone of your financial future! 

What Makes the MNA Pension Plan Stand Out? 

Established in 1962, the MNA Twin City Pension Plan is not just any retirement plan; it’s the nation’s pioneering multi-employer defined benefit pension plan. This groundbreaking initiative is the result of dedicated negotiations between the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) and leading local hospitals such as Allina, Children’s, Fairview-HealthEast, Methodist, and North Memorial. 
… Read more about: Unlocking the Power of Your MNA Twin City Pension Plan   »