MNA Settles Contract with Twin Cites’ Hospitals, But Healing May Take Time
July 10th, 2010
Many nurses who cast their votes Tuesday said they were relieved and pleased that they were able to preserve their health care, pensions and salaries. But some said they could not in good conscience vote for a deal that failed to provide the staffing ratios they claimed on lawn signs and at rallies were critical to patient safety.
“It’s embarrassing for me,” said one nurse who said she voted no, but declined to give her name. “That’s what I was picketing for.”
Others said the months of public bashing might have inflicted lasting damage on the relationship between nurses and their employers. Vicky Michaels, an operating room nurse at United Hospital in St. Paul, said she voted for the contract, but directed her frustration at hospital administrators, who she said “make millions and get huge pay raises.” The only bonus she’s received was for saving the life of a patient by doing CPR. It was a cookie, she said, laughing, for saving a life.