Assemblymember Norma Torres of California’s 61st District will spend the afternoon seeing first-hand what it’s like to be a bedside nurse at Pomona Valley Hospital in Pomona. She will shadow a Registered Nurse and SEIU Local 121 member for several hours on March 19, 2010 while participating in the Service Employees International Union “Walk a Day in My Shoes” program.
“I want to legislate from understanding real-life experiences,” Assemblymember Torres says. “I am aware of some issues impacting nurses, such as workforce shortages and the need for educational facilities to provide training.
“But spending time with them at their worksite will help me better understand how the state could impact the life of nurses,” Torres continues.
In order to be eligible for an SEIU political endorsement, all candidates, even incumbents who were previously endorsed by SEIU, must participate in either a “Walk a Day” or town hall. Then SEIU members will vote on their endorsement based on the candidate’s participation and/or answers to questions.
SEIU Local 121RN Vice President Jeannie King, RN, is eager to help host Assemblymember Torres at Pomona Valley Hospital.
“We have issues that affect nurses that legislation can either hinder or help,” King says. “Some of these include changes in nurse-to-patient ratios, requiring relief nurses for breaks and lunch periods, and possible changes to the Board of Registered Nursing’s diversion program.
“Nurses know intimately how these changes could affect patient care in our hospitals. And, with all the pending changes to our healthcare system on the horizon, it’s even more important for our legislators to understand how nurses work on a day-to-day basis,” King says.
Assemblymember Torres agrees: “I decided to participate in SEIU’s ‘Walk a Day in My Shoes’ because the people of this state need decision makers who can make decisions based on reality and not just politics.”
Service Employees International Union, Local 121RN represents 8,000 registered nurses and professionals at 17 hospitals in Los Angeles and surrounding counties. This member-led organization is committed to the professional practice and day-to-day needs of Southern California registered nurses, and promoting the safe care of patients.
EVENT DETAILS
WHAT: Assemblymember Norma Torres “Walk a Day in My Shoes”
WHEN: 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 19, 2010
WHERE: Pomona Valley Hospital, 1798 N. Garey Ave., Pomona, Calif.
RSVP: Press should notify Aimee Barajas of SEIU Local 121RN in advance of plans to participate. To lessen the disturbance to patients, media will be rotated so that only one media representative is on the hospital floor at a time.