June 2011
Most people know Registered Nurses simply as caregivers. And that we are. What the public doesn’t often see is that beyond functioning as “angels of mercy,” there are times when RNs must step in and forcefully advocate for patients in matters ranging from acquiring sleeping aids for a patient when none have been ordered to preventing life threatening medications from being administered.
Every day, Registered Nurses save lives. A Registered Nurse functions as more than just a trusted colleague to a doctor. The RN can make the difference between life and death. Registered Nurses are a vital link between physicians and patients because the RNs provide the bulk of the care to patients. Registered Nurses make up the largest segment of health care employees. Whether you’re in a hospital or a doctor’s office, we are literally everywhere. We are on the frontlines of care, and we are the last line of defense.
One of the unique features about a Registered Nurses’ union is that we bargain for ways to strengthen our role as patient advocates. However, at the bargaining table lately, we have had to fight tooth and nail for our wages and benefits in addition to the right to bring patient safety issues to the attention of management. Speaking up for ourselves is not something that Registered Nurses are used to doing, but we’ve learned the best way to do this is to join together in a union and use our collective voice. This year, I say we make every week Nurses Week. Health care is a team sport, RNs are vital members of the team, and this can be said for all the health care professionals who make up the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals.
In Solidarity,
Ken Deitz, RN
Other Messages From the President
| President’s Message | Mar 2012 |
| President’s Message | Jan 2012 |
| President’s Message | Dec 2011 |
| President’s Message – Sept/Oct’11 Voice | Oct 2011 |
| President’s Message – July/August’11 Voice | Jul 2011 |
| President’s Message – March/April’11 Voice | Apr 2011 |
| President’s Message – Jan/Feb’11 Voice | Feb 2011 |
| President’s Message – Nov/Dec’10 Voice | Dec 2010 |
| Kathy J. Sackman Announces Retirement | Oct 2010 |
| President’s Message – Sept/Oct’10 Voice | Sep 2010 |
| President’s Message – Jul/Aug’10 Voice | Jul 2010 |
| President’s Message – May/Jun’10 Voice | May 2010 |
| President’s Message – Mar/Apr’10 Voice | Mar 2010 |
| President’s Message – Jan/Feb’10 Voice | Jan 2010 |
| President’s Message – Nov/Dec’09 Voice | Nov 2009 |
| Testimony at the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee Meeting – August 17, 2009 | Aug 2009 |
| Make a Difference Video – 2009 | Aug 2009 |
WE WON! Tentative Agreement Reached With Kaiser!
At 2:45AM Friday, May 11, UNAC/UHCP and the Coalition of Unions reached a tentative agreement with Kaiser covering 95,000 Kaiser employees across the country. Details to come.
After a Hard Fought Battle, Beverly Nurses Win Their First Contract
Beverly RNs voted by 96% to approve a first contract on May 2, 2012 after a year long battle to secure wage increases, grievance and arbitration, and a voice in patient care.
Safe Staffing Legislation Passes First Test
“SB 1246 will help Registered Nurses provide safe patient care without worrying about hospitals cutting corners and jeopardizing the health of a patient,” said Barbara Blake, RN, State Secretary/Treasurer of UNAC/UHCP.