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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Final Vote Leaves Massachusetts Nurses Without National RepresentationWashington, DC -- Results from a mail ballot count regarding affiliation with the American Nurses Association (ANA) have left Massachusetts nurses without national representation in a time when nursing is in jeopardy and in need of a strong, united voice. The Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) vote for disaffiliation came April 30 after a long struggle between Massachusetts nurses on both sides of the issue. The disaffiliation vote has cost Massachusetts nurses more than their national voice is the sentiment expressed by ANA President Mary Foley, MS, RN. "The vote over disaffiliation has splintered many nurses in the state against each other," said Foley. "During a time when nurses should be banding together, nurses in Massachusetts are dealing with not only a national split, but an internal split as well." The nursing profession is plagued by poor working conditions, short-staffing and mandatory overtime. ANA and its constituent member associations have been combating these issues legislatively both on the state and federal level. The critical issues that threaten the nursing profession are shared by nurses nationwide. Only through unity and strong advocacy efforts will progress be made. "There is so much work to be done," said Foley. "With so many issues that jeopardize the health and safety of nurses and patients, we can't afford to ease up. It's unfortunate that MNA won't be joining ANA as we press our national agenda forward seeking legislation that will improve nurses' working conditions and keep patients safe." # # # The American Nurses Association is the only full-service professional organization representing the nation's 2.7 million Registered Nurses through its constituent member state nurses associations. The ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Congress and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.  Sign up to receive ANA Press Releases by e-mail
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