Over the last several years, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care professionals have seen their collective bargaining rights practically eliminated. Agency management’s improperly broad interpretation of a certain provision in federal labor law has allowed them to circumvent the bargaining process on numerous critical issues, including issues relating to VA employees’ pay. Even if a VA health care provider,including RNs, is paid improperly under established laws and regulations, the VA has the ability to avoid legitimate grievances filed by employees through their unions, and the effect is taking its toll on the morale of VA health care providers. It is time for Congress to do what is right for VA workers and the veterans for whom WE provide care by passing HR 5543/S 3486, which will eliminate the collective bargaining exception regarding compensation under Sec. 7422 of Title 38.

WE urge ALL members to TAKE ACTION NOW

Please go to the following link http://nage.seiu.org/page/speakout/SupportVArights
to send a message to your Senator and Congress person

(Please click on title of the article for more)

White House Announces Launching of 2nd Annual SAVE Award

July 8, 2010

The White House today announced the launching of the 2nd annual SAVE award, which encourages Federal employees from across the government to submit their ideas for efficiencies and savings as part of the annual budget process. The deadline for submissions for SAVE Award 2010 is July 22, 2010. The winner will be announced in September 2010.

NAGE is very proud of Local R14-77 member Nancy Fichtner, who won the very first SAVE Award last year. Her idea, to allow veterans to take unused medications home when they leave a VA hospital, will save the Department of Veterans Affairs $20 million over five years. Her winning idea was chosen from among more than 38,000 submissions. Ms. Fichtner attended a special ceremony at the White House in December, where she met with and was congratulated by President Obama.

We know our members at Local R 3-19 have some GREAT IDEAS; we encourage our members to submit their ideas.

To learn more about the SAVE award and to submit your idea, go to www.saveaward.gov. Good luck!

(For More information click on Title of this Article)

I have this friend in the Union….

He tells me that he has been working a particular couple of shifts down

on his unit over the past few years, and that one particular shift has

been worked from 7 P to 7 A, straight twelve hours.

Well, …. turns out there’s been a change of management down on the unit.

The original nurse manager had moved on, and the new acting nurse manger

told my friend that the actual shift was “ supposed to be 7 P to 7:30 A, and

that starting on the next pay period, he’d have to be putting in the additional

half hour each time worked.

My friend did not think it was right to have this schedule changed simply due

to a change in the administration. He went to the Union, the Union told him

that they would immediately look into it, but that while they did, he was to

work the changed shifts as directed, and…..here’s what happened:

My friend did wind up working a few extra half hours while the

Union Steward / Advocate researched the situation ( Ya never

refuse an assignment, but if you think it is out of line, you DO

let your charge nurse / nurse manager know, and then you let

your Union know. )

The “ digging “ into the background showed that my friend had

indeed, for over two and a half years, been working ONLY 12

hours – it was even listed on the schedule as such, “ 7 P to 7 A “.

Turns out, when one is represented, something known as

“precedent” comes into play. Simply put, when something which

is not generally the norm, is routinely accepted as the norm, it

then, in fact, becomes the norm, at least in that situation. ( ie:

In the case of my friend, although the normal shift was 7 P to

7:30 A, he was allowed by his nurse manager to make his shift

7 P – 7 A. That became the “ norm “ at least for my friend.

Armed with the knowledge that the Union obtained, the Lead

Advocate got back in touch with my friend, and then immediately

shot off an e-mail to the new nurse manager, requesting a meeting

with both my friend and the manager.

Well, before the meeting could even be held, the nurse manager

apparently did some digging of her own ( NOTE: this was not

done when my friend initially brought up the objection to the

additional half hour being imposed, but she did start digging

after the Union request to meet ). She then came back to my

friend and apologized, telling him that he no longer had to do

the 12 and a half hours, but would be going back to the straight

twelve’s.

Ya know, sometimes an administration will do things which are in their

best interest, but not necessarily that of the workers, simply because

they do not realize they are stepping on other peoples toes / worker’s

rights. And then, there are other instances in which things are done,

or changed, simply due to someone’s wishes. In either case, without

someone to speak up for the worker……that worker’s rights too often

take a back seat to other things. Not so in this case.

Yeah, I have this friend in the Union……..

Union ! It works !

Recently members of NAGE R3-19 were called on to support health care workers in Baltimore fight for free and fair union elections. On June 24, 2010, about 10 members of NAGE R3-19 came out to join more than 800 brothers and sisters at a rally in downtown Baltimore. NAGE members were lending their voices in the fight for free and fair union elections. It was exciting and encouraging from start to finish. First, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake spoke to the fact that 1 in 5 workers in Baltimore is a health care worker. She continued on; “free and fair union formation in this industry will raise the standard of living and economic outlook for Baltimore.” This sentiment was repeated over and over as workers from Sinai, University of Maryland Medical System, Johns Hopkins, and other local hospitals told their personal stories of struggles to care for patients in the midst of the fight for a living wage. It was very encouraging to see the diversity of those at the rally demanding free and fair elections. Delegates and representatives lent their voices to the cause. Families of health care providers came to support this cause. SEIU brothers and sisters from NY, NJ, and Washington were present. Church leaders spoke supporting the healthcare workers fight. Finally, activist and actor Danny Glover addressed the crowd in support of the cause. It was so encouraging to see the unity and know that our struggle is also the struggle of many in Baltimore and around the country. For many years workers have been intimidated and harassed by the boss to prevent formation of the union and now it seemed like the tide was turning. NAGE R3-19 is proud to stand in solidarity with such good company in support of this important issue. NAGE members attending the rally know the importance of supporting the struggle which will lead to better care of patients by caring for those who care for them.
You may ask yourself why is it important for me to support workers at a nursing home or extended care facility when I work in an acute care setting? Unions are about unity and the belief that there is strength in numbers. The slogan “an injury to one is an injury to all” is often used but the opposite is true as well! If we improve the working conditions and wages for anyone in the Health care field through our unionized efforts and support it translates to better working conditions to all -- To learn more about what YOU can do or what YOUR involvement means to this cause contact the local NAGE office.

OPM Rule Expands Leave Benefits

The Office of Personnel Management has broadened the definitions of “family member” and “immediate relative” to give federal employees the use of sick leave, funeral leave, voluntary leave transfer, the voluntary leave bank and emergency leave transfer to attend the needs of same-sex or opposite-sex domestic partners.

Under a final rule published in the June 14 Federal Register, OPM also adds step-parents, step-children, grandparents and grandchildren to the definition of family members. OPM noted that the expanded benefits should make the federal government more competitive in recruiting and retaining highly qualified employees. The new rule becomes effective July 14.

Around the LR Campus
The Loch Raven Campus continue to grow in size and complexity. Currently, there is lots of machinery; bulldozers digging out and removing soil from what was know the front parking lot of the CBOC. All of this is in preparation for the new robotic and research building which will be completed in 18 months. The area is well fenced to avoid the curiosity of patients, visitors and staff. NAGE was told, when completed, the area will accommodate the rehabilitation research area and probably will house the Hospice Care Unit (currently at CLC1). Because this construction and the closing of parking spaces at this location, the VAMHCS has arranged shuttle bus transportation for staff, patients and visitors for various areas pickups and drop offs through out the campus. Also a valet parking service is currently available and functional for those handicapped patients visiting the clinics. Two week ago, NAGE met with Mr. Armagon, Site Manager, Loch Raven Campus for a briefing on other additions to the BRECC building. These additions are done to satisfy the needs of patients/ residents for more rehabilitation services. It is the plan to have an area designated for a chapel. This new construction will start on May 1st 2010 and will be finish in 18 months. Reorganization of current areas such as Conference room, Recreational and Physical therapy will be impacted due the construction. According to Mr. Armagon it is expected that the construction crew will work from 6am to 5pm from Monday to Friday. It is expected minimal impact to services and to the staff. Plenty signage will be place around the campus to assist the VA police in guiding the traffic. In addition to this, the back Gate will remain open from 6am to 5:30pm. Mr. Almagon estimated a gain of 50 parking spaces when the second phase of this project is completed.
On a different subject , NAGE has become aware of changes for the emergency plan on the administration of opiod agonist when access to VA medical Center in Baltimore will not be possible. Current policy identify this area at CLC1, due to its location and logistic. NAGE is concern about the safety and security of in patients/residents and staff. The latest development on this issue is that this location will be probably be relocated to the CBOC area. A change in policy on this subject will be need to change location of this emergency program. NAGE expect that VAMCHS will address the safety/security of patients and staff once the relocation of this program is completed.

The BRECC(CLC1 and CLC2) currently have 120 beds and 2 Nurse Managers per floor. Ms. Mary Weeks RN and Ms.Annette Banatte-Victor RN are the managers for CLC1. Mr. Juan Soto RN and and Ola Famulegun RN are the managers for CLC2. There will be a vacancy for CLC2 nurse manager, Mr. Soto will be transfer to Perry Point VA. According to NAGE sources, Mr. Soto new assignment would not be an administrative position. Ms. Ola will share responsibilities with Ms. Annette until the vacancy is filled. Ms. Weeks RN will continue to manage the Hospice Area at the CLC1.

The following is a statement from National President David J. Holway.

In honor of National Nurses Week (May 6-12), NAGE salutes the outstanding women and men who have dedicated their lives to selflessly helping others. We thank them for their service at VA centers, hospitals, and clinics across the country and for the compassion and care they provide to so many.

We acknowledge that today's nurses must change and adapt to an increasingly complex system of health care delivery. They must make a commitment to continuing their education in a vastly more complicated medical environment, and they must be prepared for unpredictable national crises and natural disasters.

NAGE supports the theme of National Nurses Week: "Caring Today for a Healthier Tomorrow." We recognize that nurses are called upon to provide the highest standard of care today while they constantly strive to improve, reform, and a build a "healthier tomorrow."

As nurses and other frontline care providers assume increasing responsiblity and accountability for our nation's health care needs, NAGE is proud to stand up for and stand behind these women and men in the workplace. We will continue to strive to provide the representation and voice on the job they need and deserve.

Today we honor and salute our nurses and members in the health care profession and thank them with the deepest sincerity for everything they do.

In years past, NAGE Local R 3-19 has always made a fairly sizeable cash contribution / donation to support the VAMHCS Nurses’ Week program. However after much consideration, the Local has decided to forego any donations this year.

NAGE has become aware that the any monies collected (raffle ticket sales, contributions) will be used to support the Magnet Kickoff rather than going directly to individual units for nurses week celebrations, which has been the past practice. NAGE has also heard rumors that the Nurses on each unit are being requested to make a personal cash donation to purchase a scrapbook to record the unit magnet journey. The Local is not opposed to the concept of recording the unit based magnet process, but certainly deems it inappropriate to request and expect the funding of the project to come from Nurses.

Nurses were told at the introduction of Magnet that it was being supported and funded by the VA. Members have said “I thought they told us they got a whole bunch of money to support Magnet and now we have to pay for it?” Nurses feel that this is an insult and does not show that the VAMHCS thinks very highly of their profession.

Although, NAGE supports the 14 principles and tenets of magnetism, we feel the VAMHCS Nursing leadership is only traveling on this so called journey because VA Central Office has pushed this agenda. Historically, VAMHCS leadership has had multiple opportunities to demonstrate / endorse/ support the efforts of Nurses and Nursing, however, it was not until a higher level encouragement did VAMHCS Nursing sign on to such efforts. NAGE believes that VAMHCS approach to the Magnet status is pretextual in nature. If the VAMHCS truly practiced the concepts of magnetism - why are so many front line RNs so dissatisfied?

National President David Holway submitted testimony to the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health, urging the extension of full collective bargaining rights for Department of Veterans Affairs workers. President Holway's testimony can be viewed be going to NAGE National website at www.NAGE.org

This issue arose in 1991, when Congress amended Title 38 to VA medical professionals with collective bargaining rights (which include the rights to use the negotiated grievance procedure and arbitration). Under Sec. 7422 of Title 38, covered employees can negotiate, file grievances and arbitrate disputes over working conditions, except for matters concerning or arising out of professional conduct or competence, peer review, or compensation. Increasingly, VA management is interpreting these exceptions very broadly, and refusing to bargain over virtually every significant workplace issue affecting medical professionals.

“VA medical professionals have extremely limited collective bargaining rights in the first place, and the broad interpretation of Sec. 7422 of Title 38 is narrowing the scope of bargaining to the point that it is practically meaningless,” said Holway in his statement. “As a result, nurses, doctors, and other impacted employees at the VA are experiencing increased job stress, low morale and burnout.”

Passing H.R. 949 and its companion bill in the Senate, S. 362, would help to address many of these concerns by restoring a meaningful scope of bargaining for Title 38 VA professionals. Eliminating these exceptions will extend our veterans’ health care providers the same rights as other VA workers including psychologists, LPNs, and pharmacists, as well as other federal employees.

“Restoring meaningful bargaining rights will greatly increase morale at the VA,” said Holway. “It will also address recruitment and retention issues, which are critical at this time, given the veterans returning home from conflicts abroad. All this will lead to better care for our nation’s veterans.”

Local R 3-19 NAGE member Simone Adelulgba, RN, has returned from Haiti. Below is a her personal account of her experience.

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From the moment I saw the email from NAGE regarding SEIU seeking possible volunteers in Haiti. I signed in, jumped and prayed. As a nurse and a human being when that kind of tragedy happen all you want to do is to get involved and help as much as possible. Not only I am Haitian, I will volunteer anywhere at any time. My family understood my decision and did not question it. The next day, I received a phone call from Evelyn Cipriaso, NAGE R 3-19 President at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Baltimore who made possible for to travel to Haiti. I waited one long week to prepare and fill out all the forms. My journey started 1/25/2010 at 0810 to Puerto Rico from there to the Dominican Republic. When arrived in the Dominican Republic I met a physician from Johns Hopkins Emergency team, a reporter, two logistics young men, two other physicians from New York. From there, the IMC van picked us up; and drove us to the hotel. We arrived around 530PM. After eating dinner we showered, rest for few hours and at around 1130 PM. IMC van took us on the journey to Haiti. As we entered the second city in Haiti the earthquake devastation was everywhere. They were rubbles and demolished buildings, makeshift tents made out of sticks and sheets. As we approached the capital, Port au Prince, one cannot imagine the lines of people waiting for medical help and food. We arrived at the General hospital and were greeted by one of the physician in charge; he gave us a tour the facility. Across from the Virgin Mary chapel, the nursing school collapsed with numerous students and all of them perished. I was placed in the emergency room for the afternoon. I remember I was called to insert an IV on a very dehydrated man, he was non verbal and he look very sick, once the IV start infusing this man could not stop asking questions. The next day, an Infectious Disease physician from Gainesville Florida and I both Haitians were sent to a mobile clinic in Petionville. The mobile clinic consists of two areas, one in front of a house and the second area was made from 2 bed sheets and a few sticks. We served approximately 20000 people at an old golf course .We examined approximately 200 patients a day with all kind of illness, mostly dehydration, asthma attacks ,diarrhea, insomnia, stress, skin disorders . For several days, we packed medications and all the supplies that we need to evaluate and care for the sick and wounded. IMC sent a new logistician, he supply us with a tent, 4 tables 2 cots and 10 chairs inside was very hot however we were pleased to provide privacy and dignity to those we were serving. IMC hired two Haitians physicians and several Haitians nurses; we handed over the clinic before leaving however IMC will continue to send physicians and nurses to supervise the overall activities of the clinic.
We were concerned about vaccination since we did not have a place to keep the vaccine cool. We needed a small generator and a fan to keep the place cool. My overall experience was heartbreaking and at the same time, I was very happy and filled with joy for having the opportunity to go there and help.

Simone