Category: Current News and Practice Information

Celebrating Our Montana Nurses: National Nurses Week 2024

Celebrating Our Montana Nurses: National Nurses Week May 6-12, 2024

As we commence National Nurses Week, the Montana Nurses Association is honored to celebrate the invaluable contributions of our dedicated nurses across the Treasure State. From the bustling hospitals of Billings to the serene landscapes of Missoula, Montana’s nurses embody compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to patient care.

To all the nurses in Montana, we extend our deepest gratitude for your tireless dedication and unwavering compassion. Whether you’re working long hours in the emergency room, providing vital support in long-term care facilities, or educating the next generation of nursing professionals, your contributions are truly invaluable.

This National Nurses Week, we encourage everyone to take a moment to thank a nurse for their selfless service and unwavering commitment to healing. Whether it’s a simple thank you note, a kind gesture, or a heartfelt expression of gratitude, let’s show our nurses how much they mean to us.

As we celebrate National Nurses Week, let us also reaffirm our commitment to supporting nurses in Montana. From advocating for violence free work environments to staffing conditions to quality education and training, the Montana Nurses Association remains steadfast in our mission to empower and uplift our nursing community.

To show our appreciation for nurses’ tireless efforts, we have compiled a list of links to companies that are offering freebies!

MeMoi is also offering a pair of free compression socks to all nurses, their socks are designed to alleviate fatigue and promote circulation during long shifts on your feet. If you would like a FREE pair of socks, all you have to do is send an email with your name and address to anowak@infinityclassics.com.

Chipotle is thanking healthcare workers with more than $1 Million in FREE Chipotle! CLICK HERE

Thrive Market offers a FREE one-year membership for all Nurses! CLICK HERE

Bed Bath and Beyond offers a FREE one-year membership to Club O for all Nurses! CLICK HERE

To all the nurses in Montana, thank you for your dedication, your compassion, and your unwavering commitment to excellence. Happy National Nurses Week!

Nurturing the Nurturer: Prioritizing Mental Health Awareness Among Montana Nurses

Nurturing the Nurturer: Prioritizing Mental Health Awareness Among Montana Nurses

In the demanding landscape of healthcare, nurses are the bedrock, tirelessly tending to
the needs of patients with unwavering dedication. Yet, amidst their noble mission, it’s
imperative to recognize that nurses themselves often bear the weight of emotional and
mental strain. In Montana, where nurses serve diverse communities across vast
landscapes, the importance of prioritizing mental health awareness cannot be
overstated. This blog post delves into the significance of self-care strategies for nurses,
highlighting the vital role of nurturing the nurturer.
The Silent Struggle:
Nursing is a demanding profession, requiring round-the-clock attention, empathy, and
critical decision-making. However, behind the scenes, many nurses silently grapple with
stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion. The long hours, high-pressure environments,
and exposure to suffering can take a toll on even the most resilient caregivers.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, intensifying
workloads and heightening anxieties.
Why Self-Care Matters:
In the midst of caring for others, nurses must prioritize their own well-being. Just as a
sturdy foundation is essential for a strong structure, self-care forms the cornerstone of
effective nursing practice. When nurses neglect their mental health, it not only
jeopardizes their own wellness but also compromises the quality of patient care.
Recognizing this interconnectedness is the first step towards fostering a culture of self-
care within the nursing community.
Strategies for Resilience:
Empowering nurses to prioritize their mental health is vital for fostering resilience in the
face of demanding healthcare environments. Mindfulness and stress management
techniques can be bolstered through resources such as mindfulness apps like
Headspace or Calm, which offer guided meditation sessions tailored to busy schedules.
Work-life balance initiatives can be supported by organizational policies promoting
flexible scheduling and time-off benefits. Peer support and counseling services,
including Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and online support communities like
NurseGrid Community or the American Nurses Association’s (ANA) online forums,

provide avenues for nurses to connect with colleagues and seek confidential guidance.
Encouraging healthy lifestyle habits can be reinforced through educational workshops
or resources from organizations like the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
offering tips on nutrition, exercise, and sleep hygiene. Lastly, education and training in
stress management and resilience-building skills can be facilitated through professional
development opportunities like webinars offered by nursing associations or specialized
courses from institutions like the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). By
pairing these strategies with accessible resources, nurses can cultivate resilience and
sustain their well-being while delivering exceptional care.
Additionally, nurses can benefit from targeted programs designed to prevent burnout
and promote resilience. The American Nurses Association (ANA) offers a
comprehensive Burnout Prevention Program, which equips nurses with practical
strategies to navigate the challenges of their profession while safeguarding their mental
well-being. Through this program, nurses gain access to evidence-based resources,
interactive workshops, and peer support networks facilitated by experienced
professionals. ANA’s Burnout Prevention Program empowers nurses to recognize the
signs of burnout, implement self-care practices, and advocate for supportive work
environments.
As advocates for compassionate care, it’s incumbent upon us to ensure that the
caregivers themselves are cared for. By championing mental health awareness and
fostering a culture of self-care, we not only safeguard the well-being of nurses but also
fortify the foundation of our healthcare system. Let us pledge to nurture the nurturer,
recognizing that by prioritizing their mental health, nurses can continue to provide
exceptional care to those in need.
In the vast expanse of Montana, where the spirit of resilience runs deep, let us unite in
our commitment to support the mental health and well-being of our nurses. By fostering
a culture of self-care and compassion, we honor their tireless dedication and ensure
that they can continue to shine as beacons of healing and hope in our communities.
Together, let us nurture the nurturer, for in their well-being lies the strength of our
healthcare system.

Introducing the MNA’s New Biweekly Blog!

Introducing the MNA’s New Biweekly Blog!

Dear Nurses, Healthcare Professionals, and Supporters,

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Montana Nurses Association’s newest endeavor: our biweekly blog! As an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering nurses across the great state of Montana, we understand the importance of providing resources and content that bolster your well-being, advocacy efforts, and overall enjoyment.

In these challenging times, nurses play an indispensable role in our communities, providing compassionate care and unwavering support to those in need. It is our mission to ensure that you have access to the tools, information, and inspiration you need to thrive both personally and professionally.

So, what can you expect from our new blog?

Our blog is a multifaceted platform designed to cater to every aspect of a nurse’s life. From advocating for crucial issues in the nursing profession and healthcare industry, including legislative updates and discussions on patient care standards, to prioritizing your wellness with tips on self-care, stress management, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, we’re here to support your holistic journey. But it’s not all serious – we also aim to bring some joy into your day with uplifting stories, spotlights on remarkable nurses, and opportunities to connect with your peers in a lighthearted and enjoyable manner. At the Montana Nurses Association, we’re dedicated to empowering and celebrating the incredible nurses of our state.

Through this blog, we aim to create a space where nurses can find support, inspiration, and camaraderie. We invite you to join us on this journey as we strive to uplift and empower the incredible nurses of Montana.

Stay tuned for our first blog post, coming soon! In the meantime, be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates from the Montana Nurses Association.

Thank you for all that you do.

Safe Staffing and Workplace Safety for RNs in Montana

In 2023, your Montana Nurses Association passed legislation to report workplace violence. MNA also introduced legislation to establish safe staffing standards in healthcare. Learn about what you can do to help make it safer for nurses to provide high quality patient care in Montana!

You are invited to join MNA and other RNs for a free contact hour and learn about what can be done about safe staffing standards & workplace violence.

*Dec 11th, 2023 at 1400, 1700 & 1930

*Dec 12th, 2023 at 0830 & 1100 

@ Great Falls Holiday Inn-Convention Center

Board of Nursing proposes repeal of Continuing Education requirements

Stay up-to-date with the conversations surrounding the Montana Board of Nursing’s proposed repeal of ALL continuing education requirements for RNs and APRNs.

Listen to the full MT Board of Nursing meeting; includes the final vote that officially repealed CE requirements for RNs and APRNs in Montana, over 100 public comments and the BON’s responses: Recorded minutes from the Montana Board of Nursing meeting 10/18/2023

See the official notice put out by the MT Board of Nursing regarding the CE repeal rule change: Rule Notice published by the Montana Board of Nursing (Source: MT BON Website)

Check out the Daily Montanan’s article on the proposed CE repeal here: Montana considers eliminating continuing education for registered nurses – July 31, 2023

Read MNA’s views on the proposed CE repeal here: Press release BON-DLI CE repeal – 7/10/2023,   MNA position publication regarding MAR 24-159-93 – 07/07/2023, Referenced 2018 MNA Proposal to BON

Watchdog Alleges Pattern of Labor Law Violations by St. Peter’s Union-Busting Consultant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2023
Contact: Bob Funk | 406-461-6787

Watchdog Alleges Pattern of Labor Law Violations by St. Peter’s Union-Busting Consultant

(Helena, MT) —This week, St. Peter’s Health hired an anti-union “persuader” consultant, Niles Commer, to directly engage with nurses who are actively seeking to form a union. In light of this development, LaborLab has launched an investigation, leading to the filing of a formal complaint being filed with the U.S. Department of Labor under the Labor Management Relations and Disclosure Act (LMRDA).

The complaint specifically alleges repeated violations of the LMRDA by Niles Commer, who has demonstrated a history of non-compliance with labor laws, particularly those related to transparency and disclosure. The LMRDA is designed to ensure that workers are provided with the critical information they are entitled to, safeguarding their rights in the labor process.

Even since his engagement by St. Peter’s Health, Niles Commer is accused of violating disclosure rules by failing to file necessary reports with the U.S. Department of Labor. As a result, LaborLab has taken the step to formally file a complaint against Mr. Commer to address these alleged violations.

It is worth noting that, as a consequence of hiring Niles Commer, St. Peter’s Health now bears an obligation to disclose the expenditures related to their union-busting activities. This complaint underscores the importance of upholding workers’ rights to organize and collectively bargain, emphasizing the need for prompt and decisive action to address these alleged violations.

“Niles Commer, the out-of-state union-buster hired by St. Peter’s, has an egregious history of disregarding transparency laws designed to protect workers,” said Bob Funk, LaborLab Executive Director. “Unfortunately, this is nothing new. Hospitals are some of the largest spenders on union-busting and their consultants, like Commer, often violate disclosure rules in an attempt to stay undetected and hidden in the shadows.”

RNs at St. Peters file for NLRB election

Support these nurses by signing their petition! 

For Immediate Release: Media Advisory

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Contact:  Robin Haux, MNA Labor Program Director (robin@mtnurses.org / 406-431-5934)

                      Thai Nguyen, MNA Labor Organizer (thai@mtnurses.org / 406-465-4249)

Word count: 615

 

Registered Nurses at St. Peters Health Clinics, Helena, MT, file for NLRB election

 

On September 1, 2023, the Registered Nurses (RNs) at St. Peter’s Medical Group (Helena, MT), both the Broadway Clinic and the North Clinic, filed to hold an election to vote to join the current professional nurses’ union at St. Peter’s Health, the Montana Nurses Association (MNA) Local #13.

Since filing, executives at St. Peter’s Health started pursuing an anti-union campaign against these nurses, including hiring an out of state, anti-union consultant from Florida to prevent these 70 nurses from having a collective voice in their workplace. St. Peter’s Health recently cut personal leave benefits from all their employees claiming they needed to make cuts as “the current environment requires us to examine our investment more carefully and reduce certain expenses” (Wade Johnson, GACHE, Chief Executive Officer, St Peters Health; April 10, 2023).

A Registered Nurse who has worked at SPH for 12 years, Andrea Thies RN, BSN, OCN, CRNI, says “Joining our Local #13 professional nurses’ union provides us the ability to protect our benefits, working conditions, and gives us a collaborative voice in our workplace.  All nurses who work at St. Peter’s Hospital should have access to the same benefits and opportunities. Doing this will bring us closer to providing our patients with the Gold Standard care that they deserve. We are looking forward to future collaboration and negotiations with SPH administration on this mutual goal.”

“I am proud to be among the clinic nurses standing up for what’s right- having our collective voices heard, improving patient care, and getting fair wages and benefits. As we work on the front lines serving Helena and surrounding communities, we are asking for fair representation and a seat at the table. We look forward to our election knowing that this is a step towards a more just workplace for all of us” says Hannah Sieracki RN, CCRN, who has been with SPH for 3 ½ years and was one of our communities front-line Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Registered Nurses during COVID-19.

On September 19, 2023, the parties agreed to an election agreement and the following joint statement:

“St. Peter’s Health and MNA have agreed that the singular issue of the election is whether the clinic RNs will be part of the “bargaining unit” MNA represents at St. Peter’s Regional Medical Center, thus determining if MNA will be their exclusive bargaining representative. There is no guarantee that any or all items in the current CBA will apply.  Instead, if MNA is selected as the bargaining representative the clinic RNs would then be provided the opportunity to negotiate.  Subjects of bargaining like wages, benefits, schedules, seniority will be negotiated independent of the existing acute RN contract.” 

St. Peters Health Clinic RNs understand they will need to bargain the effects of joining the Local #13 bargaining unit.

Their Armor-Globe election is scheduled for October 17, 2023.

The professional nurses of Local #13, and MNA, believe collective bargaining is the strongest tool to protect patient care and patient safety, moreover, giving nurses a voice to speak out collectively and advocate on behalf of themselves, their patients, and their community.

MNA is the recognized leader and advocate for the professional nurse in Montana, representing over 3,000 nurses.  MNA promotes professional nursing practice, standards, and education; represents professional nurses; and provides nursing leadership in promoting high quality healthcare.

St. Peters Health is a nonprofit health care system located in Helena, MT. Their services include a 99-bed acute care hospital, physician clinics, cancer treatment center, 24-hour behavioral health unit, urgent care clinics, home health and hospice care, dialysis center and ambulance services.  They provide services to an estimated 97,000 residents in a five-county area.

Barrett Hospital & HealthCare and MNA Local #16 settle first collective bargaining agreement

Montana Nurses Association (MNA) is pleased to announce that the first collective bargaining contract, between Barrett Hospital & HealthCare (BHH) in Dillon and MNA Local 16, a union of professional nurses, has been settled and ratified!  The nurses won their union election on April 15, 2022 and began contract negotiations shortly thereafter.  MNA shared the contract negotiations were collaborative, productive, and an overall positive experience.

BHH and MNA Local 16 nurses have agreed to a two-year contract and secured the nurses first wage scale and agreed to continue working together to benefit patient care, nurse recruitment and retention through their new labor/management councils (PCC-professional conference committee).  Both parties look forward to future with a continued focus on providing the best patient care for the communities they care for.

MNA is the recognized leader and advocate for the professional nurse in Montana, representing over 3,000 members.  MNA promotes professional nursing practice, standards, and education; represents professional nurses; and provides nursing leadership in promoting high quality healthcare.

Barrett Hospital and Healthcare is a local resource for high quality, personalized healthcare in the Beaverhead County community for over 100 years.