Caring for our health care workers

The health care industry is built on caring for people. As health care professionals, our goal is to develop the best possible plan of care for every patient — helping individuals achieve optimal health, manage illness and enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

To fulfill that mission, we continue to draw on the strength of our collective union voice. Together, we have achieved important victories, from advocating for safe staffing levels — the critical ingredient in quality patient care — to improving health and safety standards and expanding educational opportunities and support for health care workers.

Yet there remains much work to be done. We need to continue to stand united to further strengthen our voice in an industry that is often driven by financial priorities. Our success depends upon our ability to help the public understand that health care professionals are first and foremost patient advocates. We believe every person deserves individualized attention and care, and that the best outcomes are achieved when qualified professionals have the time, resources and support necessary to respond to each patient’s unique needs.

We believe patients deserve care based on science, experience and best practices, and that achieving a first-class health care system requires investment in the people who provide care.

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into health care, we believe it should be viewed as a tool — not a replacement for professional judgment. AI has the potential to improve efficiency, strengthen decision-making and enhance patient care when used appropriately. However, it should support health care professionals, not replace them.

Faster does not always mean better. Decisions that affect patient health and safety must continue to be guided by licensed and qualified health care professionals who understand the complexities of patient care.

The greatest gift health care professionals bring to their work is the human connection. Compassion, empathy, experience and understanding cannot be replaced by technology. These qualities help build trust, motivate recovery and improve outcomes. Health care should be led by capable and qualified professionals — not by political agendas, headlines or temporary trends that may ultimately prove harmful.

As we enter a new year filled with promise, opportunity and challenges, we must continue supporting the autonomous nurses who travel into homes and communities every day to provide essential health care services. These nurses require ongoing educational opportunities to remain current in their practice. They deserve safe working environments, access to professional support and the resources necessary to address questions and concerns that arise while caring for patients.

Likewise, hospital nurses, home care nurses and school nurses all deserve comprehensive health benefits and workplace support. Our school nurses continue to play a critical role in protecting public health by creating healthier learning environments and responding to the needs of students and families every day.

We must also address the growing importance of mental health support for those working on the front lines of care. Health care professionals experience significant stress, work demanding schedules and balance the responsibilities of both work and family life.

We ask for the public’s continued trust in the expertise of our dedicated health care professionals. We are licensed, certified and highly trained individuals committed to protecting the public’s health and well-being. As we continue negotiating contracts and advocating for improvements in health care delivery, we ask for the public’s support. Together, we can build the world-class health care system that New Yorkers deserve.