You might have missed the news about the RNs at Cedar campus (the former UMC) filing a decertification petition asking for an election to remove CNA as their representative.   

I was surprised when I opened the Fresno Bee this morning (March 13, 2008) to the headline “Community aims to oust nurse union.”  Surprised because I had been informed yesterday about the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) fax—a one-page decertification form filed by the Cedar campus RNs and a notice of a hearing on the matter.  But more than surprised, I was dismayed that the headline the paper chose to run did not reflect the facts.   The headline incorrectly depicts that CMC is leading the effort to “oust” the union, when in fact; the petition was filed by the nurses at the Cedar Campus.  

I, along with other hospital administration, don’t have much information about the nurses’ request to decertify the union, but I have heard that RNs on the Cedar campus are upset about CNA holding up raises we gave to other Community nurses last fall and the opportunity to be rewarded and recognized for their leadership through participation in the RN Career Ladder.  I can understand how the Cedar campus nurses might be unhappy with the union, especially if they do not feel that CNA is representing them as they would like to be represented or if they feel that CNA is holding up compensation they deserve.  They have every right to request decertification—just as nurses have a right to vote differently in an election.

Unfortunately the issue of CNA representation has to be played out in what can be a slow process. Any election to decide representation is strictly between CNA and the RNs at Cedar campus with the NLRB overseeing the process. Administration can only provide assistance when asked.

I want to assure you as Community’s Chief Nursing Officer, I echo CEO Tim Joslin’s statement in today’s article about supporting nurses’ rights to freely make their own decisions about unions.  And I second his sentiment: “We believe that we can achieve more through collaboration (with our nurses) rather than confrontation.”  Clarification is mine.

Such events can distract us from the more pressing and important work we do at Community caring for the health of our community, working to advance the nursing profession, and creating a top-notch workforce and workplace.

I would hate to see the pending election on this union issue polarize our wonderful staff. We have so many other great things to focus on here at Community with our career opportunities for nurses, new technology, and expansion plans at all our hospitals. And we all know patient care truly takes a team effort with all of us pulling together.   

If you’re curious about the dates or would like more details about this decertification petition, make sure to read the full story at http://www.medwatchtoday.com/1476.htm  

Finally, I welcome your questions and comments.  Please don’t hesitate to stop me in the hall when I am doing rounds or send me a comment through my blog.