In late October, a remarkable gathering of hundreds of nurses and healthcare professionals from the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) descended upon the picturesque Saratoga Springs, N.Y., for our highly anticipated annual convention. Spanning two transformative days, attendees engaged in a variety of educational workshops, networked with peers from across New York, and were inspired by an impressive lineup of guest speakers who resonated with our 2024 Convention theme, “We Are Unstoppable: Building Nurse Power for Our Patients, Profession, and Future.”
This year, NYSNA members have made significant strides, building on the substantial victories achieved in 2023. Across New York State, dedicated members have worked tirelessly to strengthen past contract and policy victories; on a national level, we have united with fellow unions to tackle pressing issues that plague the healthcare industry while further empowering nurses.
Day One Was Inspiring and Educational
NYSNA members hit the ground running on the first day of Convention! Early Tuesday morning, hundreds flocked to a series of engaging workshops covering crucial topics such as safe staffing, union empowerment, contract negotiation strategies, mental health awareness, workplace violence, the rise of artificial intelligence in healthcare, and improving physical assessment skills.
After energizing morning workshops, NYSNA President Nancy Hagans, RN, BSN, CCRN officially welcomed everyone to the 2024 Convention. In her compelling keynote address, President Hagans celebrated NYSNA’s recent triumphs while highlighting the ongoing challenges nurses and patients face. She emphatically stated, “We have had such an incredible year of momentum and victories. We showed that when we unite and fight, we win! We built nurse power—in New York and throughout the country. But we know that to secure a better future for our patients and profession, we need to continue building power and making sure nurses—the patient advocates—have a seat at the table.”
Following her inspiring address, attendees were captivated by the first keynote speaker, Virginia Allen, a revered surviving Black Angel nurse. Allen’s speech paid tribute to the legacy of the Black Angels and vividly illustrated the core values of nursing, asserting, “While technologies and treatments may evolve, what truly matters is the care and connection we provide to our patients and their families. That human touch is invaluable—it’s something no price tag can capture, despite the attempts of healthcare corporations to commodify every aspect of care.”
The afternoon portion of the Convention featured an array of additional workshops, including a hands-on session where nurses practiced their physical assessments on state-of-the-art mannequin simulators.
NYSNA Executive Director Pat Kane, RN rounded out Day One, encouraging members to forge ahead with integrity and a shared purpose. She remarked, “As NYSNA members, we move ahead boldly with integrity and united in purpose. We are not about accepting the status quo.” The day’s events culminated in powerful addresses from keynote speakers including National Nurses United (NNU) President Cathy Kennedy, RN; New York Executive Director of SAG-AFTRA Rebecca Damon; and Assembly Member Aileen Gunther. Each speaker emphasized the vital advocacy role of NYSNA nurses for patients and the labor movement, both in New York and nationally. President Hagans presented Gunther with heartfelt gifts commemorating her lifetime achievements and her retirement from the New York State Assembly. NYSNA members responded with a standing ovation when Gunther announced her plans to return to bedside nursing, underscoring the profound impact of her legacy in the nursing community.
Check out the day one slideshow.
Day Two Engaged Hundreds of Delegates in Union Democracy
Following the energy and informal learning of Day One, delegates came together on the second day to engage in meaningful discussions around union democracy, actively shaping the future of our organization for the upcoming year. On Wednesday, while non-delegate members participated in more workshops, delegates from every corner of New York State actively engaged in a voting body forum, where elected nurse leaders debated and voted on critical issues facing the union.
Check out the day two slideshow.
If you missed out on the 2024 NYSNA Convention, check out our highlights on Facebook and Instagram. And save the date for next year’s Convention at Resorts World Catskills on October 28 and 29, 2025!
– What inspired the theme “We Are Unstoppable” for the 2024 NYSNA Convention?
**Interview with NYSNA President Nancy Hagans at the 2024 Convention**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Nancy. The NYSNA Convention this year has been an exciting and empowering experience. Can you tell us what it means to you to kick off this event with the theme “We Are Unstoppable”?
**Nancy Hagans:** Absolutely! This theme truly embodies the spirit of our NYSNA members. “We Are Unstoppable” is a call to action that highlights our resilience, our achievements over the past year, and our collective commitment to advocating for our patients and our profession. It’s about recognizing our power and mobilizing that strength for the future.
**Editor:** Day One included a series of impactful workshops. What were some highlights that stood out to you?
**Nancy Hagans:** The workshops were phenomenal! They covered vital topics such as safe staffing and mental health awareness, which are crucial to providing quality care. I was particularly moved by the energy in the session on contract negotiation strategies. Members are eager to equip themselves with the tools they need to advocate for better working conditions, which ultimately benefits our patients.
**Editor:** Virginia Allen’s keynote was very touching. How did her message resonate with the audience?
**Nancy Hagans:** Virginia’s address was a powerful reminder of the roots of our profession. Her tribute to the Black Angels highlighted the importance of the human connection in nursing. She reminded everyone that, amidst technological advancements, it’s the personal touch that truly makes a difference in patient care. That message resonated deeply with our members, as it reinforces why we do what we do.
**Editor:** In your opening address, you spoke about the ongoing challenges our profession faces despite the significant victories in 2023. Can you elaborate on what you see as the next steps for NYSNA moving forward?
**Nancy Hagans:** We must continue to build on our recent victories. It’s essential that we remain vigilant and proactive. We need to further engage our members and work collectively to tackle the pressing issues in healthcare. This includes fighting for safe staffing ratios, addressing workplace violence, and pushing for better mental health support for nurses. We can’t rest on our laurels; our patients deserve our unwavering advocacy.
**Editor:** what message do you want to leave with our readers who may not be familiar with the work NYSNA does?
**Nancy Hagans:** I want them to know that our nurses are tireless advocates for their patients. We are committed not just to our own profession, but to the broader healthcare system. When we unite, we can drive change and improve care for everyone. We really are unstoppable, and together, we’re building a brighter future for our patients and for our profession.
**Editor:** Thank you so much for your insights, Nancy. It’s clear that the NYSNA Convention is not just an event; it’s a movement for change.
**Nancy Hagans:** Thank you! Let’s continue to empower each other and advocate for what’s right.
