Bios Of Candidates For MNA Office, 2011

proud to say that I was fortunate enough tohave been a delegate at the founding convention of NNU and I believe that both MNAand the NNU share my concerns and beliefsconcerning Safe Staffing/Patient Care/andthe Bedside Nurse.I have always strived to continue andimprove care for my patients and for thosewith whom I work. I am concerned withthe status of our health care system and theworkload of nurses at the bedside and feelvery strongly about ”Safe Staffing Ratio’s”and have worked toward this goal which Ishare with MNA.If elected I would continue to work toobtain said “Safe Staffing Ratio’s”, continueto do what I can to improve health caresystem, and continue to focus on improving conditions of the bedside nurse. It ismy belief that with these goals in mind thecare of the individual patient will greatlyimprove. We are all our patient’s Advocatewhich is one of our greatest roles.In being a member of the Board I feel I canbe most effective in promoting and obtainingthese goals.Patricia Rogers SullivanNorth Andover, MAEmployment: Lawrence General HospitalEducation: BSN, Thomas Edison State College,2011; Masters, Cambridge College, 2008;ADN, Lowell General Hospital/ MiddlesexCommunity College, 1983Present/Past MNA Offices: MNA BOD,MNA Policy Committee, Region 4 RegionalCouncilRegion 5Dan Rec, RNBridgewater, MAEmployment: Faulkner HospitalEducation: BSN, Northeastern University, 1985Present/Past MNA Offices: Board of Directors,Director, Labor Region 5, Regional Council 5Candidate Statement: I started my nursingcareer in 1985. I have always been an activemember in MNA and my bargaining unitof Faulkner Hospital. Currently I hold theoffices of Board of Directors of MNA, Region5 Council and Convention Committee. Ihave also participated in multiple subcommittees at the MNA as well. I strongly believethat unity and solidarity will contribute tomaking positive changes in my profession asMNA and NNU move forward.I am asking to be reelected to another termso I can continue to advocate for registerednurses in our state and country by takingaction in strengthening our commitmentin safe patient care.Michael Robinson, RNDorchester, MAEmployment: Brigham & Women’s HospitalEducation: Diploma, Brockton Hospital Schoolof Nursing, 1982Candidate Statement: After graduating fromthe Brockton Hospital School of Nursing andstarting my nursing career, I became activelyinvolved in the MNA at Jordan Hospital as aMNA negotiating committee member. I laterjoined the staff at the Brigham and Women’shospital where I have been a staff nurse forthe past twenty-five years. Twenty of thoseyears I’ve served as an elected member ofthe negotiating committee, most recentlyas is Vice Chair.I have a long history of putting the safetyof the patients and staff at the forefrontbecause of its paramount importance tothe best outcomes for the patients we carefor and the working conditions and practice of the nurses the MNA represents. Themembership of the MNA is the key to ourAssociation’s future and the voice of all theAssociations’ nurses is needed to show thedirection that the MNA needs to go.I am dedicated to advocating for theprofession, our Union and the democraticfiber that is the essence of our Association.I believe achieving retiree health benefits,pension plan language, patient staffing legislation, and organizing the unorganizedare all achieveable goals for the Association.Goals I look forward to helping make cometrue. –Respectfully, Michael RobinsonDirector At Large, LaborCarolyn Fahey, RNMiddleboro, MAEmployment: Jordan HospitalEducation: BSN, Jacksonville University,Attending ; Associates, Labore College, 1995Present/Past MNA Offices: Jordan HospitalBargaining CommitteeKathy Metzger, RNTaunton, MAEmployment: Signature Health Care BrocktonEducation: Diploma, Boston Children’s Hospital, 1978; BA Legal Ed, UMass Boston, 2003Present/Past MNA Offices: Chair SignatureHealthcare, Region3 Board member, BOD,Congress on Health Policy and legislations,Workplace Violence Task Force, ExecutiveBoard member Plymouth Labor CouncilAFL-CIO.Candidate Statement: I have been an activeMNA member for many years. I was therewhen we took the vote to disaffiliate withANA and I was there when we voted tobe part of the NNU. Both were historicalmoments for bed side nurse and I was proudto have been part of both.As a MNA member I have spent manyhours at the State House lobbying for thepassage of our Safe Staffing bill, WorkplaceViolence bill, Assault bill and Safe Patienthandling bill. I have worked diligentlytowards improving working conditions formyself and my fellow nurses. I have been partof panels which gave testimony to legislativecommittees and had a part in the passage ofour Assault bill which the Governor signedinto law last summer.I held a seat on the Council for HealthPolicy, workplace Violence Task force. I currently hold a seat on the Region 3 Counciland Plymouth-Bristol Labor Council. Currently I am the Chair of my local bargainingunit at Signature HealthCare Brockton Hospital.In 2001 my hospital went on strike for 103days for mandatory overtime language inwhich we were successful I have also supported my fellow nurses during their laboractions by walking their picket lines. I havebeen part of demonstrations at the StateHouse and attended a rally in New Bedfordto support workers and their collective bargaining rights.I attend the leadership summit each yearand value the time I spend networking withfellow nurses across the State. At this yearssummit was part of a discussion to createnetworks of hospitals to strengthen ourvoices and work together to improve workconditions and patient safety.I presently honored to hold a seat on theBoard of Directors and am seeking to retainthat seat so I can be a part of the good workbeing done to ensure quality health care forour patients, safe working conditions andto continue to meet the needs of the bedsidenurse.Trish Powers, RNBoston, MAEmployment: Brigham & Women’s HospitalEducation: Diploma, New England BaptistSchool of Nursing, 1985Present/Past MNA Offices: BWH Negotiatingteam member, 1993-presentCandidate Statement: I started my nursingcareer at the old Boston City Hospital in 1985after graduating from New England BaptistSON. I got my first taste of how powerful agroup can be when unified when I as a 20yrold G.N. went on strike after working at BCHfor only two weeks. We were out for threedays and returned to better and fair wagesas well as improved staffing and safety practices. The last nineteen years I have been astaff nurse at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in the OR Trauma unit,seventeen ofthose years I have been a MNA representative/committee member. I have been luckyenough to be part of a strong committee atBWH as we have successfully gotten the firstMassachusetts NurseJune/July 2011 21

Kentucky River language in the country aswell as the first to get staffing ratio language.I was part of the team who were successfulin getting the 3300 nurses at BWH to takea strike vote a few years ago , the highestin the history of MNA 95%. We fortunatley did not go on strike and were successfulin maintaining our benefits and creatingstronger staffing and safety language. Iwas honored to receive the MNA KathrynMcGinn-Cutler award in 2006 for my effortsin ensuring that the nurses at BWH have asafe working eviroment, air quality, personalprotection ie.”garb “,education etc. If electedI will work vigorously for the isssues I ampassionate about including one voice onevote, keeping members informed as well asencouraging members to get involed, safeand rational staffing for ALL MNA facilities. Staffing language must be strong forboth the Urban hospital as well as the commuinty setting. Tip O’Neill said he creditedhis many victories for elective office to thefact that he asked the people to vote forhim.so I am asking that you vote for meTrish Powers R.N a proud MNA memberand Brigham nurse.Michael SavoyDartmouth, MAEmployment: Brigham & Women’s HospitalEducation: BSN, UMass Boston, 1996Present/Past Offices: At Large CommitteeBrigham & Women’s HospitalCandidate Statement: I have been a UnionEmergency Department staff nurse for 14years, for the last 9 of those years I have beenan At Large Representative on the Brighamand Women’s Hospital MNA NegotiatingCommittee.I am a staunch advocate of safe and sanestaffing and working conditions. Conditionsthat allow the bedside nurse to provide thevery best care for their patients. Every dayI am impressed by the dedication of nursesto their patients in sometimes difficult circumstances. Consequently, I am dedicated toadvocating for the profession and our Union.I will continue to support and advocate forthe democratic roots of our associationand I believe that together we can actuallyachieve: improved retiree health benefits,improved pension plan language, safe andrational patient staffing legislation, a ban onmandatory OT and that we will further thedrive to organize the unorganized nursesin Massachusetts. The involvement of allmembers of the MNA is the key to our Association’s future and the voice of the all theAssociations’ nurses is needed to guide thedirection of the MNA. With your support Iwill endeavor to carry out these goals and tobe your advocate on the Board of Directors.22June/July 2011 Massachusetts NurseThank you for your vote.Colleen Wolfe, RNCharlton, MAEmployment: UMass MemorialEducation: ADN, Quinsigamond CommunityCollege, 1995Present/Past MNA Offices: BOD 09-11(atLarge-Labor), Finance Com 09-present,Co-chair UMass Memorial BU, Regional 2Council memberCandidate Statement: It has been a true privilege to serve on the MNA Board of Directorsover the two years. I have walked withmany of you on picket lines from aroundMassachusetts, Chicago and WashingtonDC. I have witnessed universal determination to ban the practice of mandatoryovertime, strengthen workplace violencelaws and insist on safe staffing on everyunit in every hospital. On your behalf, Ihave met with legislatures informing themof the dangers of understaffing and mandatory overtime and stressing the needfor regulatory relief. I have written to mylocal Worcester newspaper in support ofthe nurses at St. Vincent who, along withthe nurses at Tuft’s, took the ultimate standagainst corporate tyranny which ultimatelyled to landmark maximum staffing ratio’s.I have served on committees dedicated topatient and nurse advocacy.There is much more to do to protect andadvocate for our patients and our professionbut we can do it. We are the nurses and yeswe have an agenda! If re elected, I pledge tocontinue working on your behalf for safestaffing, protected health care and pensionbenefits, and advocate for our patients andnursing licenses at the local, regional, stateand national levels. --In Unity, Colleen WolfeRNNora A Watts, RNWestborough, MAEmployment: Newton Wellesley HospitalEducation: BSN, Northeastern University,1975Present/Past MNA Offices: BOD-2009-present, MNA representative to NNU PAC,MNA BOD 1999-2008, MNA Treasurer2004-2008, Cabinet of Labor Relations,MNA PAC, Past MNA PAC chairperson,Newton Wellesley Hospital nurses/collective bargaining committee member, pastco-chair, past negotiating team member.Candidate Statement: I have been a proudUnion nurse/MNA member for 28 years.I’ve spent most of that time as an activist. I’ve been a local unit chairperson andserved MNA members statewide in manycapacities. We may have met on your picketline, at the statehouse, at convention, or ata leadership conference. I’m very proud ofthe organization that our MNA membershave built. It was an honor to serve as oneof the delegates in Arizona when nursesfrom around the nation gathered to formthe National Nurses Union.Having come so far, the aggressive attackon labor unions this year has come as quitea shock. Nationally our sisters and brothersin the labor movement are being stripped oftheir bargaining rights on a wholesale level.Locally aggressive discipline is being used inan effort to silence nurses’ voices. Bargainingis tougher. Strikes have loomed as possibility.As labor works through our currentchallenges, I’m very glad to be a memberof MNA/NNU. Our union does not sitsilently by while corporate healthcare triesto undermine our ability to advocate forpatients and provide safe care. We continueto achieve good contract language and toorganize more nurses to take up the fightfor safe patient care. We must rememberthat our progress was not made in isolationbut by working collectively in support ofone another. Today more than ever nursesneed to look beyond the boundaries of ourindividual bargaining units. We must act inunity. Our future depends on it.It has been an honor to serve on the MNABoard of Directors. I ask for your vote sothat I may continue to work on your behalf.Director At-Large, GeneralKathlyn LoganSpencer, MAEmployment: UMass Memorial UniversityEducation: Associate, Quinsigamond Community CollegePresent/Past MNA Offices: Negotiating team,Staffing Advisory, Bargaining unit rep,Region 2 Board of Director, Central MassLabor Counsel Vice President, Bargainingunit Vice Chair, Bargaining Unit Chair,Labor Management Chair, MNA Management Chair, MNA Leadership Fellow receipt,Elaine Cooley Award, Susan Gagne NurseAddiction Award , MNA Board of DirectorsGeneral Labor, NNU DelegateCandidate Statement: I have been a staffnurses for over 33 years. During my careerI have seen many changes in health care,but the one change that needs to be done issafe patient staffing and the elimination ofmandatory overtime. My goal for nursing isto be able to have working conditions thateliminates the threat of poor patient outcome, unsafe staffing and to have the abilityto mentor new nurses into this wonderfulprofession.I have been a member of the board ofdirectors since 2005 and I want to be ablecontinue to work with the members of theboard so that we can achieve the goals we

have set forward. to do. I believe in a democratic membership that works with all nursesthrough the State, the Nation and the World.In Unity we can achieve anything.Paula Ryan, RNCNorwell, MAEmployment: Quincy Medical CenterEducation: Diploma, Quincy Hospital Schoolof Nursing, 1967Present/Past MNA Offices: Director at LargeGeneralCandidate Statement: I have been proudmember of MNA since 1967 when QuincyCity Hospital was the first to be organized byMNA. I have served as a committee memberfor over thirty-five years. As Chair for almosttwenty years, I have had the opportunity tolead and advocate for nurses at the locallevel. It has been an interesting and valuable experience.In this fast changing and challenging health care environment it is evidentthat our high standard of practice is beingnegatively impacted. We are seeing a subtleerosion of our profession and standard ofcare. Ones that set these standards are nowignoring their importance. The policies thatguide our practice are disregarded in order tofacilitate leadership and managements’ alternative goals. Our concerns regarding ourpractice and the lack of resources needed areminimized and not valued. The recognitionof labor and the act of bargaining in goodfaith is becoming non existent. The greed forpower and profits of enterprise has impactedour ability to provide high quality and safecare to our patients and community. Thisis not acceptable. We are the guardians ofpatient care and advocates for their wellbeing!We have much to accomplish. We can succeed with defined goals and a clear vision.Do not underestimate our power.Having served on the BOD this past year,I have gained further insight into the innerstructure of MNA. I would like to continueto be involved in the process of decisionmaking and directing a successful futurefor our practice and profession.MNA is your voice. United we can makea difference.Please consider me when you vote.--InUnity, Paula RyanMeredith Scannell, RNHudson, MAEmployment: Brigham & Women’s HospitalEducation: Diploma, St. Elizabeth’s Schoolof Nursing, 1995; Master’s Public Health,Boston University, 2006; Master’s Nursing,UMDNJCandidate Statement: I am an EmergencyDepartment staff nurse working at theBrigham and Women’s Hospital with anextensive interest in patient healthcare andI have been a nurse advocate since the beginning of my nursing career. After graduatingfrom St. Elizabeth’s Hospital School of Nursing and starting my first nursing position Isoon found myself imbedded and winningin a National Labor and Relation’s Lawsuit.This lawsuit was nationally recognizedand instrumental in passing legislation forwhistle blower protection for all nurses inMassachusetts. Having an advance nursing degree as a certified nurse-midwifeand Master’s degree in Public Health fromBoston University I have a comprehensiveunderstanding of what is needed in healthcare to ensure that patients are given thebest care without compromising the safetyof the nurse. Every day I am impressed bythe dedication that nurses have continuedto express for their patients even in the mostdifficult of circumstances. I am dedicated tocontinue my advocacy for nursing professionand our Union. I will continue to supportthe democratic roots of our association and Ibelieve that together we can actually achieve:improved retiree health benefits, improvedpension plan language, safe and rationalpatient staffing legislation, a ban on mandatory OT and further the drive to organize theunorganized nurses in Massachusetts. Theinvolvement of all members of the MNA isthe key to our Association’s future. The voiceof all Associations’ nurses is needed to guidethe direction of the MNA.Susan Wright Thomas, RNHull, MAEmployment: Cambridge HospitalEducation: Diploma, Brockton HospitalSchool of Nursing, 1993; MS, University ofMassachusetts-Amherst –Public Health,1982; BA, Chatham College, 1972Present/Past MNA Offices: Cambridge Hospital Bargaining unit Secretary, AwardsCommittee, Labor Education Committee,Convention subcommitteeCandidate Statement: We are living and working in difficult times. Our rights to negotiatefair and reasonable working conditions arebeing assaulted. Our knowledge and professional judgement and disrespected anddenigrated by “experts” who assert that theyknow what we need to do and say to givecare. Many of these experts have never provided direct care to patients. At times I getdiscouraged, but I have decided to put thataside and work harder to protect myself, myfamily, my friends, and my patients fromelements that would have us give in. TheNurses are not broken and we will not be.Staff Nurses are the true experts. I believethe MNA/NNU presents the strongest frontand the best opportunity to affect the working lives of nurses and the safety of patients.I choose to run for the Board of Directors inorder to help make decisions that promotethe progressive courses of action that movethe MNA forward as a national leader in theprotection of the rights of working familiesand the right of all of us to safe and effectivehealth care.Labor Program MemberGloria Bardsley, OTR/LN. Grafton, MARegion 2Employment: DDS Glavin Regional CenterEducation: Associate’s (Occup. Therapy),Quinsigamond Community College, 1978;BA, (O.T,), Worcester State College, 1998Present/Past MNA Offices: Board of Directors 12/2009-present, Unit 7 Executive Board3/2009-present, attended Reg 2 activities,participated in STAT eventsCandidate Statement: My name is Gloria Bardsley and I work as an Occupational Therapistat the Glavin Regional Center/Departmentof Developmental Services (D.D.S.).Since 1999, I have served the MassachusettsNurses Association in various roles includingChapter Chairperson at the Glavin RegionalCenter, Unit 7 Executive Board Member andmember of the Massachusetts Nurses Association Board of Directors.As a health care professional, I believe it isimportant that all disciplines be representedand heard. Throughout my career, I have advocated for all members of the M.N.A., regardlessof discipline.I hope you will support me so I can continueto represent you.Thank you for your consideration when youvote, --Gloria Bardsley OTR/LNominations CommitteeLynne Demoura, RN, BSNTaunton, MAEmployment: Taunton State HospitalEducation: BSN, University of MassachusettsDatrmouth, 1998; BS, Bridgewater StateCollege, Major: Psychology, 1992Candidate Statement: I am interested ininitiating active participation with theMassachusetts Nurses Association. I amcurrently employed with the Departmentof Mental Health at Taunton State Hospitalas an RN III. I am well educated holdingBS in Psychology and a BS in Nursing. I amcommitted to providing quality compassionate holistic nursing care. I have a variety ofwork experiences including age specific,psychiatric and medical surgical nursing. Iam passionate about the issues nurses facein their day-to-day work environments aswell as performance improvement initiativesMassachusetts NurseJune/July 2011 23

for the patients we care for. I am committed to the continued pursuit of maintainingexcellent nursing practices and coordinating efficient quality nursing care within thesometimes challenging and difficult confounds provided. I am proudly submitting aconsent to serve for the MNA 2011 Electionsfor the Nominations Committee.Mary Ann Gillan, RNBrookline, MAEmployment: Cambridge Health AllianceEducation: Associates, Bunker Hill Community College, 2006Patricia Mayo, RNFiskdale, MAEmployment: St. Vincent HospitalEducation: Nursing, Worcester City HospitalSchool of Nursing, 1965Present/Past MNA Offices: Board Directors,Executive Council, Finance Committee,Region 2 Council, Region 2 TreasurerBeth PiknickCenterville, MAEmployment: Cape Cod HospitalEducation: BS, Lesley University, 1999;Diploma, Faulkner Hospital School of Nursing, 1971Present/Past MNA Offices: Congress NursingPractice, MNA PresidentCandidate Statement: During my 40 yearhistory of involvement in MNA, I have metmany members on picket lines, at regionmeetings, at legislative fund raisers andwalkthroughs at the state house. I have metmany nursing advocates and many patientadvocates. My practice has changed dramatically over the past couple of decades. Healthcare has changed dramatically as well duringthat time. I have supported leaving a nationalnurses organization that does not speak forme as a nurse at the bedside. I have supportedthe joining of a new national nurses that doesspeak for me as a nurse at the bedside. I amwatching as nurses all over the country andour state are being pushed to the wall to successfully gain contracts that protect theirpatients via staffing language and mandatoryovertime language. They have fought backagainst concessionary bargaining and wonthese victories.I believe I have a strong sense of thosewho support the philosophy of the MNA asan entire organization. I feel that with yoursupport and vote, I will be able to encourageother members to participate and run for thevarious boards and committees which arevacant and open for our election process.Thank you.Meredith Scannell, RNHudson, MAEmployment: Brigham & Women’s Hospital24June/July 2011 Massachusetts NurseEducation: Diploma, St. Elizabeth’s Schoolof Nursing, 1995; Master’s Public Health,Boston University, 2006; Master’s Nursing,UMDNJCandidate Statement: I am an EmergencyDepartment staff nurse working at theBrigham and Women’s Hospital with anextensive interest in patient healthcare andI have been a nurse advocate since the beginning of my nursing career. After graduatingfrom St. Elizabeth’s Hospital School of Nursing and starting my first nursing position Isoon found myself imbedded and winningin a National Labor and Relation’s Lawsuit.This lawsuit was nationally recognizedand instrumental in passing legislation forwhi

Turner Falls, MA Employment: Baystate Franklin Medical Center Education: BSN, BU School of Nursing, 1982; BA, Grinnell College, 1972 Major: Russian language Present/Past MNA Offices: BU, Junior Chair, BU, Senior Chair, MNA Board Member, NNU founding convention alternate, par-ticipant DC trip 2009 & 2011, participant Region 1 meetings. Region 2