Healthcare is still one of the most dangerous industries in the nation.  RNs are subject to abuse, violence, back injuries musculoskeletal disorders, airborne pathogens, needle sticks and other job-related illnesses and injuries.  No nurse should have to work under these conditions.

UAN contracts put nurses on safety and health committees and purchasing committees, giving nurses an equal say in safety policy and requiring hospitals to buy the safest products available.  Contracts commit employers to measures that prevent violence and enforce zero-tolerance on hostile, abusive or disrespectful behavior—from anyone.

• Nurses at Fairview Hospitals in Minnesota ratified language requiring the hospitals to prevent violence and verbal abuse through patient risk assessments, an annual course on de-escalation, behavior management, physical protection and a trained response team.
• Staff nurses have contract language banning the use of Cidex (glutaraldehyde), a widely used disinfectant that can cause asthma, rashes, nausea and headaches.
• Every nurse at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics in St. Paul are “allowed to decide if fatigue prevents her/him from delivering safe patient care.”

If you’re an affiliate staff member, review some of the cutting edge contract language in-force in other UAN bargaining units through the password-protected UAN Contract InfoBase.