Rush University Nurses Vote to Join National Nurses United Union

Rush University Medical Center Nurses Join National Nurses United Union

In a significant move toward enhancing their work environment and patient care, registered nurses at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, have voted decisively to affiliate with the National Nurses Organizing Committee, an arm of the National Nurses United (NNU), the largest registered nurse union in the United States.

"We are proud to join a strong union for RNs in National Nurses Organizing Committee that will give us the tools and resources to be powerful advocates for our patients," stated Jennifer Pearl, RN, from the medical-surgical unit’s float pool. She further urged nurses across Chicago to unite for improved staffing, nurse retention, and patient care.

Comprising a 671-bed facility, the nurses at Rush Medical Center expressed that their decision to unionize stems from the necessity to have a voice in staffing and working condition decisions, which they believe directly impacts the quality of patient care.

Event Details

Who: Registered Nurses at Rush University Medical Center interview availability

When: Monday, May 18, now until 1:15 pm

Where: Billy Goat Tavern (near United Center), 1535 W. Madison St., Chicago

"We are excited to bargain for a strong contract that protects patients and nurses so we can provide the best care possible," expressed Regina Piper, RN, from the antepartum/postpartum unit. She emphasized the need for safe staffing and urged Rush to prioritize patient care over profits.

With this unionization, approximately 2,000 nurses at Rush will enter negotiations for their inaugural collective bargaining agreement. They join a collective of more than 7,000 registered nurses across nine Chicago facilities under the NNOC/NNU umbrella.

National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the United States, boasting over 225,000 members nationwide. NNU affiliates include the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, DC Nurses Association, Michigan Nurses Association, Minnesota Nurses Association, and New York State Nurses Association.

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