WSNA is proud to announce our participation in the launch of a new national nursing labor organization, the National Federation of Nurses (NFN). With a structure and organization that is unique on the national level, the NFN is a democratic and collaborative organization that provides WSNA and other member state nurses associations with an unparalleled opportunity to promote the interests of registered nurses, the nursing profession and patients.
With discussions about meaningful healthcare reform beginning on the national level, nurses’ unique perspectives and expertise must be represented. As a strong, collaborative organization that is accountable to its members, the NFN will provide a powerful platform for nurses to have their voices heard.
Representing nearly 70,000 nurses across the country, the NFN was founded by WSNA in partnership with the state nurses associations from Montana, New York, New Jersey, Ohio and Oregon. WSNA President Kim Armstrong, BSN, RN, was elected as Secretary of the NFN and Chair of the WSNA Cabinet on Economic & General Welfare, Jeanne Avey, RN, will serve as one of four elected directors on first National Executive Board of the NFN
Through a collaborative process involving representatives from all of six of the founding member states, the NFN has developed governing documents for a ground breaking constitutional structure. In contrast to the structure of more traditional national unions, the NFN is focused on ensuring that each member state has a powerful voice in the decision making process while still allowing member states to maintain their sovereignty
Some of the major features of the NFN include:
- Development of 13 core covenants which speak to the belief that RNs should be represented by a union of RNs
- Commitment to a member-driven organization that takes its direction from members, rather than forcing decisions from the top down
- Absolute autonomy and sovereignty of the state associations such as WSNA
- Dedication to the mission of providing support between and among the member organizations, rather than imposing the organization’s will on them
- The NFN National Executive Board will be comprised of elected members from each member state. WSNA members will determine, by vote, who represents us on the Executive Board. WSNA will also participate in the National Advisory Board which is comprised of each member state’s E&GW Chair, President (or designee), Executive Director and Labor Program Director.
The NFN will officially launch on April 15th and we will be keeping members updated and informed about what this means for WSNA and for you over the next several months.
Stay tuned to the website, your mail box and your email for more information.
NFN Core Covenants
The NFN is a national nurses’ labor federation, led by Registered Nurses, that:
- Believes registered nurses are best represented for collective bargaining by a union of registered nurses;
- Takes direction from its membership, the NLOs;
- Is driven by broad based principles of democracy, inclusiveness, social justice and equality;
- Ensures transparency and open continuous communication between the NFN and the NLOs;
- Respects the sovereignty of each NLO;
- Requires mutual accountability between and among the NFN and its member NLOs;
- Is representative of the interests of the NLOs and their memberships;
- Reflects the philosophy and will of the NLOs;
- Provides mutual support between and among the NLOs;
- Supports organizing as the primary means of growth;
- Encourages no-raid agreements with other unions;
- Does not engage in any activity that threatens the existence, growth, and viability of the NFN and the NLOs; and
- Respects the jurisdictional boundaries of the NLOs.
Links
NFN website: http://www.nfn.org
