Region 4 Perspective on MNA CONVENTION
A record number of Region 4 members attended MNA Convention this year—-65 that we know of, maybe more. If you were there, please let us know your impressions.
Introducing: Region 4 Community Outreach
All of us in Region 4 are more than nurses and health professionals. We are also members of our larger communities. We often turn to those in our larger community— senior citizens, other unions, the public at large— to support us as we try to make our institutions and our practice safer and better for everyone. They have been there for us. We also have much to give beyond our professional practice. When we reach out and offer support, those in our communities recognize MNA and our Region as essential participants in our communities. Region 4 has initiated activities that tie our Region more closely to our community. In response to the tremendous need right now throughout our Region, we just donated $500 to each of these organizations: My Brothers’ Table in Lynn, Bread and Roses in Lawrence, The Food Pantry in Gloucester, and Merrimack Food Bank in Lowell.
Gifts of YOUR time ARE most precious
We want to reach out with more than money. Here are suggestions we’re considering that might attract members and do some good:
- Volunteering in local H1N1 vaccination clinics.
- Helping at allvolunteer Tuesday night medical clinic at My Brothers’ Table in Lynn.
- Using our office as a collection point for non-perishable items for food pantries and toiletries for guests at shelters.
- Knitting hats, scarves, hats, mittens for kids (and adults) in need.
Our members are already involved in many community activities like flu clinics, health fairs, support for local GIs and families, “Walks” of all kinds. For public events that our Region supports, our banner (below) can be displayed to highlight our members’ work to make life better for everyone. Let us know your ideas and how you’d like to get involved.
FIVE NURSES AWARDED $1,000 SCHOLARSHIPS FROM REGION 4.
-Mary Sue Howlett of North Andover, enrolled in Family Nurse practitioner masters program at UMass-Boston. She is an Associate Director in the Division of Nursing at MNA.
-Alan McAlpine of Beverly, enrolled in the BSN program at UMass-Boston. He is employed as an emergency room RN at Beverly Hospital.
-Sharon Pease, of Billerica, enrolled in the BSN program at Rivier College. She is an RN at Harvard Vanguard.
-Sandra Phillips of Lynn, enrolled in the MSN program at Northeastern University. She is an RN in the ED at Cambridge Hospital.
-Gina Wakelin of North Andover, enrolled in the BSN program at UMass-Boston. She is a per diem paramedic for Cataldo Ambulance Services and an RN in the ED of Beverly Hospital.
POPULAR REGION 4 EDUCATION PROGRAMS TO CONTINUE IN THE SPRING
A whirlwind of very popular CE programs throughout Region 4 have been held this Fall. Attendance topped 110 at two programs in Danvers.
MNA LABOR SCHOOL STARTS AGAIN IN JANUARY-ENROLL NOW!
Region 4 is proud to have piloted MNA’s Labor School a few years ago and it remains popular and valuable learning experience. Anyone who is a member of an MNA bargaining unit is eligible and encouraged to sign up. Those who’ve attended any of the 6 “Tracks” agree the benefits are enormousincluding a better understanding of the MNA itself, negotiating a contract, and the rights and responsibilities of union members and management.
An added benefit is the informal exchange between members from different bargaining units who learn from one another. Classes last 2 hours, in the evenings, in our Region 4 office. We serve a light supper. Space is limited. To enroll, contact Region 4. Anyone who completes 2 Tracks earns an MNA jacket. Watch for notices in Mass Nurse of Track 2 “Role of the Floor Rep, Grievances and Arbitration” beginning in Region 4 in March.
CONGRATULATIONS AND THANKS TO
MNA AWARD RECIPIENTS FROM REGION 4
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Theresa (Terry) Melnikas, MS, NNP-BC Maternal-Child health educator and neonatal nurse practitioner at Lawrence General Hospital for 7 years, received the MNA Nursing Education Award |
Patricia L. (Patty) Comeau, RN Chair of the Methuen School Nurses bargaining unit for the past 12 years, received the Elaine Cooney Labor Relations Award for her leadership, particularly the 22-month successful fight to achieve parity with the teachers within the school system. |
MARK ON YOUR CALENDAR
MNA Labor School in Region 4
Track 1: MNA Overview and Structure
January 14 and 28, February 11 and 25, and March 18.
Region 4 CE programs
The MNA Brochure on CE programs should have arrived at your home April 29, 2010: Diabetes Management Strategies, Tewksbury Country Club, 9 AM-1:15 PM
May 19, 2010: Caring for a Pregnant Patient in YOUR Setting,
Salvatore’s in Lawrence, 5-9 PM
June 1, 2010: Oncology for Nurses: A Comprehensive Overview (Space is limited), Danversport Yacht Club, 8:30 AM-4 PM
NEW MNA PRESIDENT IS FROM REGION 4!
SEVERAL MEMBERS OF REGIONAL COUNCIL 4 WELCOMED DONNA KELLY WILLIAMS, NEW MNA PRESIDENT AND PROUD MEMBER OF REGION 4, TO OUR NOVEMBER MEETING IN PEABODY. Front Row: Donna Kelly Williams and Patty Comeau, Chair of Region 4 Second Row: Patty Sullivan , Kathy Renzi, Margaret Derby, Marie Freeman, Judi Gross, Britain Thames, Norma Ouellette, and Mary Wignall.
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