I'm getting a little tired of National Nurses Day being treated like another Hallmark holiday.

I know I'm not alone; I've been talking to the RNs in my hospital about this. So, we've decided today isn't going to be like any Nurses Day before it. This year, you can keep your flowers and candy. This year, RNs are demanding something real. We're calling a code on our broken health care system.

Click here to help us take back National Nurses Day: www.seiu.org/RNs2congress

One member of Congress, Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) has always gotten how important nurses are to fixing health care. And she's asking RNs to make sure her colleagues get it, too:

"You are on the frontline of our failing medical system, so you know where we can cut waste, how we can eliminate bureaucracies, and what it will take to improve care.

Nurses are the most trusted messengers in this upcoming debate, and your voices are critical in shaping reform and ensuring its passage."

Will you help me call a code on health care? Dial toll-free 1-866-210-3678 to be connected to your Senators' offices. Click here to learn more: www.seiu.org/RNs2congress

I decided long ago it's not only my responsibility, but also my duty - to my patients and my fellow nurses - to stand up and lead in the fight for quality, affordable health care.

I hope you share that same sense of duty. If you do join me in calling a code today. Call 1-866-210-3678 to connect with your member of Congress. While you're on the call, click here to see a sample script and a report-back form on our website.

Thanks for speaking out for your patients,

Cathy Glasson, RN
Value Care, Value Nurses

P.S. If you're looking for a little inspiration, check out this video of Linda Bock at the White House. It's moments like these that National Nurses Day are all about.

(Sept. 1, 2008) WASHINGTON, DC - Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Executive Vice President and Nurse Alliance Chair Dian Palmer, RN, issued the following statement regarding the work being done by SEIU nurses and leaders across the country in anticipation of the health impacts of Hurricane Gustav:

"As Hurricane Gustav bears down on the Gulf Coast, leaders of the Nurse Alliance of SEIU Healthcare are mobilizing RNs and medical supplies to arrive as soon as possible to areas threatened by the storm.

"Drawing on their experiences as first responders to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the RN leaders have activated a rapid response system to be able to deploy first responders, and will be working with our partner hospitals and institutions to jointly collect and donate the needed medical supplies such as nebulizers, vaccines, gloves, masks, and medications necessary to deliver competent care to evacuees and victims of the impending storm.

"SEIU Value Care, Value Nurses RN Daniel Rubalcaba has been on the ground since Saturday in Beaumont, Texas, where he is caring for medically fragile patients at the Memorial Herman Baptist Hospital. Daniel is working with the union's national leadership and local authorities to determine and service the areas of greatest need.

"In 2005, SEIU deployed more than 100 RNs along with truckloads of medical supplies to provide care for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Along with the first responders, the union also sent two of its Mobile Action Center trailers to the area to provide phone and internet access to thousands of evacuees.

"Time is of the essence, and SEIU stands ready to do its part to assist the families that live in the storm's path. We will go as soon as feasible and we will stay as long as needed."

For up-to-date information on SEIU's relief efforts, or if you are a Registered Nurse interested in volunteering for the effort, learn more and sign up at www.valuecarevaluenurses.org.

The Nurse Alliance of SEIU Healthcare is the largest national nurse organization, made up of more than 85,000 registered nurses working together to raise standards for their profession and patient care. Because the Alliance is part of SEIU Healthcare - the nation's largest healthcare union - nurses are working with more than one million health care workers to change the face of health care in America.