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Minnesota Nurses Negotiate Landmark Emergency Staffing |
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When disaster strikes, nurses and other first responders go far beyond the call of duty in rescuing and treating victims. Minnesota nurses answered that call in 2007, when the I-35 bridge collapsed into the Mississippi River.
Yet as Elizabeth Shogren, Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) an affiliate of United American Nurses (UAN), health and safety specialist, points out:
“What is not seen, however, are the heart-wrenching tensions and potential danger facing these heroes behind the scenes.”
She was referring to dangers like short staffing that make it difficult or impossible for nurses to provide the quality care patients deserve all the time, including during emergency situations. Now, a landmark agreement between MNA and Allina Hospitals & Clinics establishes emergency response working conditions.
The agreement ensures adequate registered nurse (RN) staffing, the health and safety of nurses and other issues in the event of a natural disaster, catastrophic event, pandemic illness or response to terrorism. Some 5,000 RNs are employed at Allina facilities.
For example, the agreement calls for creation of a group of RNs who would supplement existing staff. Nurses can participate through a voluntary process that removes barriers to involvement and fosters worker safety, says Allina RN Marie Stuewe.
An overwhelming number of employers plan to rely on mandatory overtime or involuntary schedule changes for emergency response, leading to untenable options for nurses whose own family might be subject to the same jeopardy as others. In contrast, the agreement with Allina recognizes employees’ legitimate concerns about safety, liability and conflicting obligations.
The agreement sets standards for adequate personal protective equipment, like respirators, and addresses issues such as worker fatigue and specialized training for RNs who volunteer for the emergency response team.
Says RN Robert Pandiscio:
Nursing skills are essential to the lives exposed to unexpected tragedy. This plan frees us to do our best work under the worst possible circumstances and recognizes the unique needs of individual nurses.
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