SIUH News Update

Aug 25, 2008 11:04 AM

Staten Island University Hospital-South Summer 2008

Labor Management Issues

At the joint labor management meeting held on August 7, 2008, several issues were discussed concerning changes
in regulations affecting the admission and care of patients on the CDU unit.

SIUH management reported to the staff in July that OASIS changes mandate there can no longer be a search requiring a patient to bend and cough but instead a “pat down” for patients being admitted to CDU. Our union raised this issue for clarification since the Federation of Nurses/UFT has discussed this matter with OASIS and there have not been changes in these regulations in years. As a result, our union has asked SIUH to clarify why they have reported a change in their policy. Our concern is the safety of our staff and the patients particularly at a time when workplace violence has been escalated. Emphasis was made in a clear, unambiguous way by our union on the fact that the employer has an obligation to manage the institution in a safe way and not make any policy changes which would compromise the safety of our staff.

Patient rights have always been upheld and respected but our staff cannot be put in harms way due to a SIUH policy.

The matter of administrative discharge was reviewed and the union made it clear that as per SIUH policy day or night the employer must act in a quick and efficient manner to discharge patients identified as a threat to the health and safety of our staff or patients. RNs must call the manager day or night and implement the appropriate steps as per SIUH policy to discharge a patient. The patient must be removed from the unit.

The issue of clarifying the appropriate method of recording and confiscating contraband and weapons was reviewed. The union emphasized the need to document in a clear matter the confiscated items, with a witness and then proceed to hand it to a security officer. It is essential that every nurse clearly document a description of the item and its chain of custody to a security officer. The employer will review this policy and report back to the union in September.

Discussion took place seeking clarification of SIUH’s policy on patient’s self medication and possession of their own meds. The employer will review this as well and report back to us.

Additional discussion occurred concerning the value of appropriate staffing levels on CDU. Review of the integral role the staff plays together in providing a safe and therapeutic environment was emphasized. Any reduction in staff is a direct impact on the ability to treat and respond to patient care in a timely and appropriate manner. The employer will review these issues and will respond to the union at our September meeting.

The meeting also addressed issues related to staffing in the ED. Discussion concerning the appropriate way to assign and seek volunteers for OT was reviewed and corrected. The employer reported seven RNs for the ED currently on orientation which will be completed in September.

The inclusion of PALS is necessary for RNs to take a full assignment in the ED and the employer reported a time lag until the next class. The union asked that the class be given sooner rather than later and requested more resource persons to provide PALS if needed. PALS must be given and scheduling PALS should not contribute to our already existing nursing shortage problem.

A review of the appropriate assignment of floats in the ED occurred and the employer will direct its manager to comply appropriately.

On the fourth floor the issue of scheduling was discussed. The employer schedules three to four twelve hour shifts in a row which is exhausting and aggravating to the staff. This is an inappropriate use of staff and results in talented nurses quitting. We have told the employer to cease and desist and orient the manager to a more efficient way of staffing. Further discussion took place about communication of problems off shift with managers. Each problem must be addressed by the employer in an appropriate and timely manner.

This represents a brief summary of our meeting. Any additional questions or comments can be expressed by contacting our local union representatives or calling 212-420-7981.

In Unity,

Anne Goldman
Federation of Nurses/UFT

Nancy Miller
Chapter Chairperson
718-226-2864 (3 pm to 11 pm)

Nancy Bentsen
718-226-2233 (7 pm to 7 am)

Anne Marie Hastings
718-226-2864 (7 am to 3 pm)

JoAnne Kane
718-226-2300 (7 am to 3 pm)

Shari Piscitelli
718-226-2100 (7 am to 7 pm)

John Repage
718-226-2100 (7 pm to 7 am)