News & Events

The Cranberry Scoop

Inside this issue:

Region Three 2009 Council Meeting Schedule
(2nd Thursday each month except July & August —subject to change)

  • September 10, 2009
  • October 8, 2009
  • Nov. 12, 2009
  • Dec. 10, 2009

Start time is 6PM at the Region 3 office. Members are welcome to attend— please notify the Region 3 office. region3@mnarn.org

When the going gets tough the tough get going…. sound familiar? I’ve never met any one as tough as a nurse and, if you doubt me, just remember when you were having a "bad day" and what it was that got you through….. you are tough in a wonderful sort of way.

And now it is time for us to get going! We are forming a National Nurses Union that will be 150,000 bedside staff nurses…. look out world because here we come!

This is coming to convention for a vote this fall so please plan on attending the business meeting on Thursday, October 1, 2009 and help us make history.

Why now you may ask…. times are tough and finances are tight. Yes they are…for all of us. Historic events have dictated the time to be now. These events may never happen again and this is our time. If we do not seize the moment, it will be gone and may never return in our lifetime.

150,000 bedside staff nurses…coast to coast…now that is TOUGH! Your MNA leadership has worked very hard for you to be able to seize this moment in history. Please help us to help our patients and have an effective voice in fixing health care in America. Come to convention and vote yes for the National Nurses Union.

In Unity,
Stephanie Stevens RN, Region 3 Chairperson

For more information and updates regarding this important issue visit: http://www.massnurses.org/news-and-events/archive/2009/national/
Also, plan to attend one of the regional meetings scheduled across the state to learn more about the new national and the upcoming vote…

Thursday, August 6th
at the Canal Club in Bourne, MA
6—8 pm
Light dinner/beverages @ 5:30 pm
100 Trowbridge Road, Bourne MA 02532

Thursday, September 24th
at the Holiday Inn in Taunton, MA
6—8 pm
Light dinner/beverages @ 5:30 pm
700 Myles Standish Blvd., Taunton MA 02780

Region 1—August 18th and September 22nd—call 413.584.4607
Region 4—Auigust 11th and September 16th—call 978.977.9200
Region 2— August 26th and September 21st—call 508.756.5800
Region 5—August 10th and September 1st—call 7811.921.8255

Fall 2009, Region 3, Continuing Education Programs

September 23rd
5:30—6pm Registration/Dinner
6 – 9pm Program
WOUND CARE
Program Description: A comprehensive overview of the factors affecting wound care and strategies for managing complex wounds. A thorough review of wound products will enable the attendee to select the optimal dressing based on clinical findings and new dimensions of wound care.
Presenter: Carol Mallia, RN, MSN Location: Canal Club, Bourne, MA

December 8, 2009
5:30—6pm Registration/Dinner
6 – 9pm Program
COMPASSION FATIGUE
Program Description: This program will enable the nurse to identify the common stressors of the health care provider and strategies to combat passion fatigue.
Presenter: Donna White, RN, PhD, CS, CADAC
Location: Canal Club, Bourne MA

October 14th, 22nd and 29th
5—5:30pm Registration/Dinner
5:30 – 8:45pm
BASIC PORTUGUESE
For Healthcare Professionals *
Program Description: This 9 hour training program offers healthcare professionals an opportunity to learn some basic Portuguese to facilitate interactions with Portuguese patients, families and Brazilian culture. No prior knowledge of Portuguese is necessary. This program is not for individuals who possess Portuguese language ability. Registration is limited to 20 participants.
Presenter: Karen Murphy
Location: Canal Club, Bourne MA
Course Fee: $40 (materials include a
Basic Portuguese booklet with accompanying
CD)

In addition to the Course Fee…
For members, a refundable placeholder fee of $95 is required. For nonmembers, a non-refundable fee of $225 is required.
Participants are expected to attend all 3 sessions. There is no refund for attendance at part of the program.
* This program does not award contact hours

Contact Hours: For the 2 programs above, Contact hours will be provided by the Massachusetts Nurses Association. To successfully complete a program and receive contact hours, you must: 1)sign in, 2) be present for the entire time period of the session and 3) complete and submit the evaluation. The MNA is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Chemical Sensitivity: Scents may trigger responses in those with chemical sensitivities. Men and women are requested to avoid wearing scented personal products when attending these meetings/programs.
Program Cancellation: MNA reserves the right to change speakers or cancel programs for extenuating circumstances. In case of inclement weather, please call the MNA Regional Council 3 office at 508.888.5774 to determine whether a program will run as originally scheduled. Registration fees will be returned for all cancelled programs. Directions to the Canal Club Function Facility: From Route 3: Route 3 south to Route 6. Take Route 6 West. Go over the Bourne Bridge and take first right off rotary OR go over the Sagamore, take exit 1C, left at lights onto 6A to the Bourne rotary. From Route 195: Route 195 East to Route 495/25 South to Bourne Bridge. Over bridge – take first right off rotary. From Route 495: Route 495/25 South to Bourne Bridge. Over bridge – take first right off rotary. Canal Club is located in the lower level of the Quality Inn and Trowbridge Tavern (formerly the Bridge Bourne Hotel).

Download PDF to Register

WHY LISTEN TO AN RN/HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL?
By Barbara “Cookie” Cooke, RN
Region Three Community Organizer

I want you to know, I know the answer! Sadly, I must say that our voices have not been loud enough. We need to do better at making sure that people who make health care decisions hear us. Historically, however, nurses have suffered from unequal power relative to doctors and hospital administrators and, as a result, policy makers and the media often ignore looking for the input of RNs/HCPs – who work on the front-lines – about important health care issues. In addition to less prestige, there are other contributing factors. The nursing profession is largely female and, generally, people don’t understand the extensive level of education and training we have. Our salaries are not that of doctors and CEOs. But none of that means we shouldn’t be heard! We just need to make sure we are.

My role as the Region 3 Community Organizer is to help you to get the message out. I am a Registered Nurse and I am very aware that your responsibilities never seem to end. In addition to your paying job, you take care of family, neighbors, friends, co-workers, the local sports team, the church, etc. – adding something more may seem impossible. But you can do it! You have great stories to tell and the best thing is that you advocate for what is right. You CAN make a difference!

There are opportunities every day to talk about your value and worth. Let people know what you do, the education you have, and the vital role you play in health care.

Be brave! You do unbelievable things every day. I invite you to contact me and let me help you to get the message out to your elected officials – your Representatives and Senators. Elected officials welcome your input, and once you talk with them you’ll see they are really just regular people and not too hard to talk to at all. I will make it fun too!

Contact info: Email: bcooke@mnarn.org Cell phone: 508.345.9219

Left to Right: Barbara “Cookie” Cooke, Representative David Flynn—Raynham, Bridgewater, Representative James Fagan – Taunton, MNA President Beth Piknick, Colleen Bissonnette, Unit 7 member

Around The What’s t he Scoop? Region

Signature Health Care Brockton Hospital:
Norman B. Goodman has finally resigned and everyone is breathing a little easier now. The interim CEO has invited me and associate director John Gordon to meet with him in his office. We are hopeful that this will lead to a better relationship between management and the members and a more professional atmosphere with both sides working together to give our community the quality health care they deserve. We have brought in the mediator and are still working towards a fair and equitable contract. The pension is the top issue and judging by the large turnout at the last membership meeting, is very important to our members. The Board of Trustees have replaced Norman at the table and are still hanging onto many of his positions. Have a safe summer. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Metzger RN, Chairperson

Cape Cod Health Care: CCH administration continues to use the "on-going deficit" as a reason/excuse for any shortfalls in staffing. The number of mandates have increased as staff becomes weary and need to use sick time to recoup. CCH census has experienced some unusual fluctuations, at times bursting at the seams with "temporary" placement of patients on a previously closed unit, staffed by per diems and floats to times when per diems are being called off due to low census. There will be an election for a new board at CCH. Many new people are in the running and the entire complexion of the board could change. The current board is also on the ballot. The CCU has been closed with a merge of ICU/ CCU staffs. The CCU can be "flexed" according to "need." Two beds from CCU have become "swing beds" for CSICU, to total seven available CSICU beds. The staffing pattern for the combined unit remains in flux, including a "flow" nurse to facilitate admissions to the Critical Care Unit for the ER and from Med-Surg units as needed. This remains a work in progress. The number of grievances at CCH has decreased in large part to the CNO ‘s willingness to meet with the MNA to find mutually agreeable solutions. Respectfully submitted, Ann-Marie Mrozinski RN, Chair Designee

Jordan Hospital: We are happy to report that we reached a tentative agreement with hospital management for a new contract during negotiations held on Monday, July 20th. The Nurses Negotiating Committee believes this is a fair and equitable settlement that responds to the unique financial crisis faced by the hospital while protecting the interests of the nurses of Jordan Hospital. Jordan Hospital cont’d: A copy of the agreement will be mailed this week and we have scheduled open meetings & a ratification vote on the new contract for August 4 from 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in Funkhauser A. This has been a long and arduous negotiation involving complex issues at a unique time in our hospital’s history. We appreciate your patience and your support throughout this process. In unity, Stephanie Stevens RN, Chairperson

State Employed RNs and Health Professionals (Unit 7 MNA): The Contract Negotiations for Unit 7 have been on hold due to the financial crisis and the anticipated closings, etc. MNA vehemently opposes the recommendations of the DMH Commission calling for a reduction in mental health beds. Karen Coughlin delivered testimony to the Mental Health Inpatient Study Commission opposing the reduction of these beds. Unit 7 was well represented in the State House on July 14t, 2009 when HB1696/SB 1753, An Act Relative to Assault and Battery on Health Care Providers was heard. There were several nurses who had been assaulted and testified in favor of this bill requesting that the representatives vote favorably on their behalf. Respectfully submitted, Ellen Farley RN, Chair Designee

VNA Cape Cod: The Bargaining Unit voted to accept the new self insured health plan that the rest of Cape Cod Health Care has, despite our negotiations/contract as not settled yet. Negotiations are on hold as we review managements’ finances. We have extended our contract until our next negotiation session which is an undetermined date at this time. Summer has kicked into full gear as usual, with overtime flowing again, as the demand exceeds available bargaining unit staffing. We continue to have to educate members re appropriate assignments and contract rights. Few new positions ,for vacated positions have been posted to meet current nursing needs. We continue to hear that the VNA is in the black. Good work to all you nurses who are working so hard to achieve quality nursing w/in the time constraints imposed on us. Respectfully submitted,
Deb Caruso RN, Chairperson

SAVE THE DATES!

August 6
Super Union Meeting—Bourne MA

August 12
Medical/Surgical Nursing Summit—Canton MA

Aug & Sept
National Union Regional Meetings—other regions

September 24
Super Union Meeting—Taunton MA

Sept 30—Oct 2
MNA 2009 Convention at Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster, MA

November 3
Patient Safety Act Public Hearing—Boston MA

Contact your Region 3 office to request a brochure/registration form or other information concerning upcoming programs and events 508.888.5774 or email region3@mnarn.org. Read more about speakers and event schedules at www.massnurses.org

We’d love to hear from you!

The Cranberry Scoop is published four times per year by Regional Council Three. It is a publication made available to MNA Region Three members as a means of communicating information and topics of interest relative to our region and we invite members to submit writings to the newsletter, especially through the editorial voice.

We reserve the right to edit all submissions for brevity, content and clarity. Include a daytime and evening telephone number. Email to region3@mnarn.org or please sign your submission and mail to:

MNA Region 3
P O Box 1363
Sandwich, MA 02563

In honor of an MNA Colleague and Friend, the 4th Annual Deb Walsh Memorial OB/GYN Program was successful once again! Over 55 nurses attended representing 8 facilities throughout the region. The 2009 program focused on Obstetric and Newborn challenges and each attendee was credited 5.25 contact hours. Each year, attendance increases as word of this unique program reaches members. In response to the great feedback and suggestions from those in attendance, the team from Women & Infants Hospital in RI is already working on the program for next year which will focus on maternal drug/substance abuse and neonatal withdrawal, fetal monitoring and postpartum depression. Region 3 extends a special thanks to Janet DeMoranville of Morton Hospital for her work in coordinating the 2009 OB/GYN program topics!

MNA’s AED For Life Campaign Lends Its Support To Place An AED In A “Guest House By The Sea”

Regional Council 3 has proudly provided financial support to a second non-profit organization, the American Lighthouse Foundation. An AED has been placed at the Race Point Light Station in Provincetown to provide ’Keepers’ and guests one more level of safety at this remote location that can be logistically challenging for medical responders. The Region Council contributed $800 towards the RPL Chapter’s purchase of a Zoll AED. “Not only is the AED able to provide a ‘shock’ to a victim of SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest), if needed, but also visually and aurally ‘coaches’ a caregiver through the steps necessary to perform high-quality Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) until EMS arrives,” said Bill Jenkins, Race Point Lighthouse (RPL) Board Member.

Gary Childs, one of RPL’s 80 Keepers and a retired Fire Chief and Paramedic, wasted no time in organizing a comprehensive LayProvider CPR/AED training program that was presented at a recent Keeper Orientation.

Gary also provided a little background and history about the lighthouse and tells us that a visit or stay is an experience we shouldn’t miss. The Keeper’s house has been restored to its 1950’s era beauty. The Whistle House has been converted into a single family rentable dwelling. The Pace Point Keeper’s House and Whistle House are located approximately 1.5 miles down on the outer beach in Provincetown and is very remote. Keepers reside in the Keeper’s house to oversee and coordinate the stay of Guests in a residential setting,. This is a seasonal venture that runs from early May to mid-November with a maximum of 19 overnight guests. The facility is removed from the commercial electric grid and utilizes sustainable, renewable “green energy” by using solar and wind as power sources.

The Race Point Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places offering breathtaking natural beauty and a place of solitude. Over the past decade, thousands of people have enjoyed memorable daytrips and overnight stays. Now, thanks to the efforts of the dedicated volunteer Keepers, should a visitor to Race Point ever find themselves the unfortunate victim of SCA, the AED can be put to use until EMS arrives.

Visit www.racepointlighthouse.net If you know of a non-profit organization that could be helped by this program, suggest that they contact the MNA Regional Council office in their area. For Region 3 contact Pat Conway at 508.888.5774 or region3@mnarn.org to request an application and

MNA AED’s For Life Campaign

Rationale: to help purchase AED’s at places that desire to purchase an AED and are not mandated by law to have one. Criteria for Eligibility: a) Non-profit organization and provides proof of status, b) Services at least 25 members, c) Does not already own an AED, d) Completes the application and is approved, e) Purchases an AED and supplies proof of purchase, and f) Is not mandated by law to have an AED on premises. Donation per Eligible Application: Half the cost of the AED up to $800 maximum.

MNA Labor School Tracks 4 & 3 coming up!

Associate Director/Educator Tom Breslin has scheduled Track 4, which is comprised of 4 Computer Training classes, for September and October. This will be followed by Track 3 beginning in late November through early February.

The courses are extremely helpful to members of bargaining units or peer groups within their facility but any member will find these programs to be a great opportunity to meet colleagues, and share information and experiences.

Classes are FREE for all MNA members. Each class is 2 to 2 1/2 hours long and a light dinner is served 30 minutes prior to each class. A certificate of completion is awarded to members at the end of each track. In addition, members who complete any two tracks will be given an MNA Labor School jacket.

There is no commitment to attend all tracks and it is not required that the tracks be taken in any particular order. For more information or to register, contact the Region 3 Office at 508.888.5774.

Track 4 Computer Training: Word & Excel

  • 9/8/09 Excel I—Graphs and Applications
  • 9/22/09 Excel II—Graphs and Applications
  • 10/6/09 Word I
  • 10/13/09 Word II

Track 3 Collective Bargaining

  • 11/17/09 Negotiations and the Legal Basis
  • 12/1/09 Preparing for Bargaining
  • 12/15/09 Committee Decision Making
  • 1/5/10 Table Tactics/Reading Signals
  • 1/19/10 Costing the Contract
  • 2/2/10 Use of the Media

Download PDF to Register

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