Minnesota Nurses Negotiate Landmark Emergency Staffing

[Omaha Steve]

http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/02/13/minnesota-nurses-negotiate-landmark-emergency-staffing/

by Mike Hall, Feb 13, 2009

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) 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.


FULL story at link.