What is the National Federation of Nurses?
We are a leading national labor union and collaborative voice for registered nurses. We provide an alternative option for nurses and new model for national unions that centers on self-governance, respect for individuals member states’ sovereignty and highly coordinated collaboration.
How/why was the National Federation of Nurses created?
Recognizing the need for an alternative option for nurses that centered on the principles of democracy, transparency and equity, the state nurses associations of Montana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon and Washington came together to form the National Federation of Nurses in December 2008.
Why was the NFN created?
The states want to have a national union of nurses representing nurses founded on the principles of democracy, inclusiveness, transparency and equity.
Who are the leaders of the National Federation of Nurses?
The National Federation of Nurses is led by and comprised entirely of nurses.
- President Barbara Crane, RN (New York)
- Vice-President Julie Shuff, RN (Oregon)
- Secretary Kim Armstrong, RN (Washington)
- Treasurer Rose Marie Martin, RN (Ohio)
- Director Winnie Kennedy, RN (New York)
- Director Eileen Dunn, RN (New York)
- Director Vicky Byrd, RN (Montana)
- Director Jacinta Tucker, RN (Ohio)
- Director Linda Riazi Kermani, RN (Ohio)
- Director Steve Rooney, RN (Oregon)
- Director Ann Carlson, RN (Oregon)
- Director Jeanne Avey, RN (Washington)
- Director Kathy Ormsby, RN (Washington)
How were these leaders selected?
The National Executive Board members were elected by their state associations.
How were the governing documents of the National Federation of Nurses developed?
A collaborative working group consisting of the president, economic and general welfare chairperson, executive director and labor program director from each of the member associations, along with their legal counsel and outside legal counsel, developed the Constitution.
Who can join the National Federation of Nurses?
Membership is open to any state nurses association with a collective bargaining program or an independent RN labor union. Organizational affiliates—state associations or labor organizations who represent nurses for collective bargaining or whose members receive collective bargaining through shared services agreement with a nurses labor organization—are also welcome.
Can any individual nurse join the National Federation of Nurses?
Unfortunately, no. The National Federation of Nurses is made up of organizations that represent nurses under collective bargaining.
How is the National Federation of Nurses different from other national nursing unions?
The primary difference is that the National Federation of Nurses is led by and comprised entirely of nurses, and is directed by its members. Membership in the National Federation of Nurses is voluntary and member associations are not subject to trusteeship.
In addition, we provide a fresh, new approach for nurses and new model for national unions that centers on self-governance, respect for individuals member states’ sovereignty and highly coordinated collaboration. We provide support, education and assistance for state members, and advocacy and leadership on the national level to improve working conditions for nurses and achieve better patient outcomes. Our goal is ultimately to create a strong and stable nursing workforce, and improve health care delivery in the United States.
What is your relationship with the AFL-CIO, SEIU and other national labor organizations?
The National Federation of Nurses shares common goals around improving workplace conditions and our country’s healthcare system with many other national labor organizations, and looks for opportunities to collaborate with them. At this time, the National Federation of Nurses is not a member of the AFL-CIO.
Will you apply for a charter with the AFL-CIO? Do you expect opposition?
We have not had the opportunity to apply. If we do apply, we hope there is no opposition but that remains to be seen.
Won’t the National Federation of Nurses just make national advocacy for nurses and nursing issues more complicated?
The National Federation of Nurses is a national structure that offers a collaborative forum to allow nurses to address their common concerns and to reach consensus. This allows nurses the opportunity to speak with a unified voice and simplifies potential conflicts between nursing organizations.
What is the National Federation of Nurses’ relationship with the American Nurses Association?
All current member organizations of the National Federation of Nurses are constituent member associations of the American Nurses Association (ANA). However, there is no formal relationship between the National Federation of Nurses and ANA.
What are your legislative priorities?
The member organizations of the National Federation of Nurses are committed to improving working conditions for nurses and achieving better patient outcomes. Our goal is ultimately to create a healthy nursing workforce, and improve health care delivery in the United States.
Read our national policy platform.
Will nurses from National Federation of Nurses member states be paying dues?
Each state will be responsible for paying dues on behalf of its members represented for collective bargaining. Full dues payment began January 1, 2010.
Where is the National Federation of Nurses located?
The National Federation of Nurses is in the process of establishing its national headquarters. For now, please contact info@nfn.org or see additional contact information.
Has the National Federation of Nurses been endorsed by any other nursing organizations?
Not yet.
What are the next steps for the National Federation of Nurses?
The National Federation of Nurses is currently working with member associations to develop its national policy agenda. The platform is due to be completed August 2010.
What are the primary functions of the National Federation of Nurses?
- To advocate and provide a voice for registered nurses at the national level
- To provide support, education and assistance to the member associations and their state policy priorities
What are the core values of the National Federation of Nurses?
- Registered nurses are best represented by registered nurses
- A strong national labor organization takes direction from its members associations
- Founded and run on principles of democracy, inclusiveness, social justice and equality
- Communication is transparent