Health officials recommend flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics both stress that the vaccine is one of the safest and most effective ways to protect against seasonal influenza.
Regional economists note that health care remains one of the most resilient sectors in northern Minnesota. Essentia’s presence is expected to stay central as Duluth pushes for downtown revitalization, expands housing options and attracts new residents.
“This campaign has redefined what healthcare workers in Duluth — and across Minnesota — are willing to fight for. From clinics to hospital floors, from RNs to APPs, the message is clear: patients must come first.” -- MNA prepared statement
“We’re not asking for luxury. We’re asking for the respect and autonomy to care for people properly and the basic right to speak up without risking our jobs.” -- Sara Feldbrugge, an APP at Essentia
“We didn’t become nurses to play legal chess. We are here to save lives. However, Essentia’s refusal to address real workplace concerns is endangering our patients.” -- Katie Murray, an RN at Essentia-Duluth
“Unsafe staffing levels are hurting our patients. Nurses know it. Patients know it. And hospital executives know it. But those same executives continue to prioritize profits over safe patient care.” -- Megan Finnegan, RN at Aspirus-St. Luke’s in Duluth
“Patients are facing longer waits, and overworked staff are facing dangerous conditions. Nurses are taking action because our healthcare system cannot afford more delays or excuses. It’s time to put patients before profits.” -- Chris Rubesch, RN, President of the Minnesota Nurses Association
“We’ll keep fighting for safe staffing levels because it’s what our patients deserve – and we’re done asking quietly.” -- Chris Rubesch, an Essentia nurse and president of the Minnesota Nurses Association
“By ignoring our union and refusing to come to the bargaining table, Essentia is ignoring the very people who are essential to the care and well-being of patients across Minnesota. We deserve better than this. We deserve respect.” -- Neissa Boehm
As part of the Minnesota Nurses Association, the Essentia Advanced Practice Providers anticipate having a greater influence over their professional practice, working conditions, and the safety of their patients.
Nurse organizing follows similar successful efforts by nurses in Duluth at Essentia 1st, 2nd and 3rd Street Clinics and Patient Flow Hospital, Miller Hill Surgery Center and Solvay Hospice House, and ongoing organizing by Essentia East Market Advanced Practice Providers (APPs).
“Our love for nurturing and providing the best patient care is often overlooked when the nurses do not have a voice at the table. This will allow us to fight for not only ourselves, but also what’s best for our patients.” -- Dee Budish, RN at Essentia 3rd Street Clinic
“We felt we weren’t being listened to. So we organized so that we could have our voices heard.” -- JeanAnn Norton, LPN at Essentia Solvay Hospice House
Nurses win union election, and will bargain collectively for better patient care and nurse working conditions
By Max Nesterak, Minnesota Reformer Take a seat in the Break Room, our weekly roundup of labor news in Minnesota and beyond. This week; the Minnesota Nurses Association goes after hospital executive pay at the state Capitol as it faces its own internal strife; Minneapolis considers various pay models for
