Allina Hospitals and Clinics has negotiated an agreement with the Minnesota Nurses Association to ensure adequate nurse staffing in the event of a natural disaster, catastrophic event, pandemic illness or response to terrorism.
In preparation for an emergency, the agreement establishes a group of RNs who would supplement existing staff. Nurses can participate through a voluntary process.
“An overwhelming number of employers plan to rely on mandatory overtime or involuntary schedule changes for emergency response, leading to untenable options for nurses whose own family might be subject to the same jeopardy as other citizens,” said Marie Stuewe, an Allina nurse and chairperson of the negotiating committee. “In contrast, the agreement with Allina recognizes employees’ legitimate concerns about safety, liability and conflicting obligations.”
Stuewe said the agreement anticipates the need for adequate personal protective equipment like respirators, and attends to other issues such as worker fatigue and nursing practice delegation responsibilities. Specialized training would be provided to those who agree to join the list of voluntary participants.
Concerns about criminal and civil actions directed against healthcare workers in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina led to agreement provisions that protect nurses who may be subject to investigation or legal action.
“We think it’s important to work with our employees to make sure they’re confident their families are cared for during the difficult times this agreement anticipates,” said Penny Wheeler, Allina’s chief clinical officer. “That peace of mind is critical so they can do their vital work and deliver the care our patients expect from us.”
The agreement covers 5,000 MNA Registered Nurses employed at Allina Hospitals and Clinics. System officials estimate a significant disaster would require a day’s normal operation to be bolstered by at least 2,100 RN volunteer participants.
“Nursing skills are essential to the lives exposed to unexpected tragedy,” said MNA member Robert Pandiscio. “This plan frees us to do our best work under the worst possible circumstances and recognizes the unique needs of individual nurses.”