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Ann Louise Tetreault: Nurses in union are strong advocates for patients

Ann Louise Tetreault  —  6/15/2008 7:20 am

Dear Editor: As a registered nurse and member of the Nurse Alliance of SEIU Healthcare District 1199WI, I'd like to respond to Barbara Quirk's recent column. I work at UW Hospital and have found that uniting together with nurses and my other co-workers has given me a strong voice to advocate for my patients.

Together, we've helped to raise quality care standards in our hospitals. SEIU nurses in Wisconsin have set up collaborative committees on nurse practice and patient care. We have negotiated a ban on forced overtime at UW Hospital and are making improvements for safe and adequate staffing. That's why it is so disturbing for the California Nurses Association and its supporters to spread misinformation that isn't just divisive, it's downright hurtful to the very nurses they purport to be the voice of.

In recent years, CNA has been attempting to undermine any and all efforts of SEIU to unite nurses, even going so far as declaring war. This past March, CNA sabotaged the union election for 8,300 nurses and hospital workers in Ohio who had worked three years for the chance to have a free and fair vote.

Unlike CNA, SEIU members recognize the importance for all nurses and all health care workers to be united. Just last week, our convention delegates passed a resolution calling for more unity among labor organizations -- an affirmation of our ongoing efforts to promote a national "no raid/no interference" agreement. CNA has chosen not to sign such an agreement.

As a professional nurse, I'd rather be part of an organization working to provide justice for all rather than one that aims to destroy others for their own self-promotion.

Ann Louise Tetreault, RN

Madison

Ann Louise Tetreault  —  6/15/2008 7:20 am