Montana Annual Book of Reports 2015

2015 

Montana Nurses Association 103rd Annual Convention 

September 30, 2015 - October 1-2, 2015 

Great Northern Best Western Premier Hotel 

Helena, MT

Reinvigorate your passion for Nursing with a 

new career in Tucson, Arizona. 

Tucson is a great place to live, work, and play. With a vibrant art’s community, 

thriving culinary scene, rich history and cultural opportunities, and plenty of outdoor adventures, 

there is something for everyone. 

Now Hiring Full-Time, Float Pool & Per Diem Experienced Nurses 

www.NorthwestMedicalCenter.com 

www.OroValleyHospital.com

Montana Nurses Association 


Table of Contents 

2015 Annual Book of Reports 

MNA Mission Statement 3 

MNA Staff & Contacts 5 

2015 Board of Directors 7 

2015 Councils 9 

2015 Committees 11 

2015 Leadership 13 

Executive Director Report 14 

Council on Continuing Education Report 23 

Labor Department Report 25 

Membership Report 27 

District 1 Report 27 

Consent to Serve 29 

Membership Application 31 

Notes 30, 32 

Printed and Published for the Montana Nurses Association by: 

Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency 

517 Washington, P.O. Box 216, Cedar Falls, IA 50613 

(319) 277-2414 

www.mtnurses.org 

Published by: 

Arthur L. Davis 

Publishing Agency, 

Inc. 

1



Welcome Montana Nurses Association! 

BEST WESTERN PREMIER 

Helena Great Northern Hotel: 

With world-class accommodations, 

great dining, shopping 

and entertainment, we’re the 

destination for a fun getaway! 

Clean, comfortable and spacious rooms 

Kid’s Science Center and Carousel nearby 

First-rate customer service and amenities 

Perfect for meetings, banquets and weddings 

Just minutes to Montana’s great outdoors 

406.457.5500 | 800.829.4047 | www.gnhotelhelena.com 

Each Best Western® branded hotel is independently owned and operated. 

©2014 Best Western International, Inc. All rights reserved. 

We Offer: 

• Custom Orthotics 

• Sports Injury Treatment 

• Surgery 

• In-office X-rays 

• MicroVas Therapy 

• Neuropathy Treatments 

Podiatric Medicine & Foot 

Surgery Specialist 

(406) 449-7323 

1800 11th Ave • Helena, MT 59601 

www.familyfootclinicmt.com 

Jackson Hole, Wyoming 

Glendive Medical Center (GMC) is a fullservice, 

25-bed acute care hospital with 24- 

hour emergency care, full medical and surgical 

services and an attached 71-bed skilled 

Extended Care (EC) facility. GMC also operates 

Eastern Montana Veterans’ Home (EMVH): 

an 80-bed long-term care facility in Glendive, 

which includes a 16-bed secure Alzheimer’s 

Unit. We are dedicated to being a leader in 

providing and promoting health and 

wellness to the residents of east 

central Montana and western 

North Dakota. 

For more 

information contact: 

Human Resources 

406-345-8916 | www.gmc.org 

offers career opportunities with competitive 

salary and benefits. 

Become part of our team! 

See our new Oncology Pavilion, 

Obstetrics Suites, and 

Surgical Services Department. 

For more information please visit 

www.tetonhospital.org Click on the “careers” tab 

New Continuing Education Opportunities Available at: 

www.educationsjmc.org 

Drug Free Employer/EOE 

2



Mission Statement 


The Montana Nurses Association promotes professional nursing 

practice, standards and education; represents professional nurses; and 

provides nursing leadership in promoting high quality health care. 

Get Involved, 

Promote your Profession, 

Be Empowered to make a difference! 

“Voice of Nurses in Montana” 

3



Registered Nurses 

At Benefis, you can fulfill your passion for nursing and your passion for life. As a Benefis RN you’ll be part 

of the state’s premier healthcare system where we provide the highest quality of nursing care using the 

most sophisticated technology available. When you join the Benefis family you’ll be helping to heal the 

whole person - body, mind and spirit. So if you have a passion for healing, a desire to succeed, where 

opportunities for growth are endless, then Benefis is looking for you. We offer competitive salaries, 

excellent benefits, relocation assistance and flexible scheduling. Call 406.455.5876 or 1.800.648.6620 

to learn more. Or apply online at benefis.org. 

4




Staff & Contacts 

Executive Director Vicky Byrd 406-442-6710 vicky@mtnurses.org 

Continuing Education Director Pam Dickerson 406-465-9126 pam@mtnurses.org 

Labor Program Director Robin Haux 406-431-5934 robin@mtnurses.org 

Continuing Education Specialist Kathy Schaefer 406-422-1050 kathy@mtnurses.org 

RN Continuing Education Specialist Mary Thomas 406-422-1055 mary@mtnurses.org 

Labor Relations Specialist Amy Hauschild 406-431-0508 ahauschild@mtnurses.org 

Labor Relations Specialist Sandi Curriero Luckey 406-465-1827 sandi@mtnurses.org 

Labor Relations Specialist Caroline Baughman 406-431-2943 carolineb@mtnurses.org 

Membership & Finance Specialist Jill Hindoien 406-422-1052 jill@mtnurses.org 

Administrative & Marketing 

Specialist Kim Kralicek 406-442-6710 kim@mtnurses.org 

Phone: 406-442-6710 

Fax: 406-442-1841 

www.mtnurses.org 

“LIKE” us on Facebook! “FOLLOW” us on Twitter! Visit our website for 

updates, news & events! 

5



Barrett Hospital & HealthCare 

Ranked a Top 20 Critical Access 

Hospital in the United States by the 

National Rural Health Association. 

Recovery Center Missoula (RCM) is designed 

to meet the needs of those suffering from 

substance use and co-occuring psychiatric 

disorders. The Center utilizes evidence based 

therapeutic interventions to promote a healing 

recovery process that can last a life time. 

Recovery Center Missoula offers inpatient 

treatment and partial hospitalization/day 

treatment services to adults 18 and over. 

1201 Wyoming Street | Missoula, MT 59801 

406.532.9900 | Fax 406.532.9901 

www.RecoveryCenterMissoula.org 

info@recoverycentermissoula.org 

Dillon, MT 59725 

(406) 683-3000 

barretthospital.org 

2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 

Montana Geriatric Education Center 

The Montana Geriatric Education Center (MTGEC) provides 

continuing education for Montana health professionals, higher 

education faculty and health professions students who serve 

the state’s older residents. Upcoming and current programming 

include: 

Annual 2015 Conference 

Topic: Improving Geriatric Care Transitions 

Date: October 20, 2015 Time: 7:45 AM - 4:15 PM 

Videoconferencing: Presenters in Billings and Missoula. 

Broadcasting to: Bozeman, Butte, Culbertson, Glendive, Great Falls, 

Havre, Helena, Kalispell, Miles City, Lewistown, Poplar, Sidney, and 

more! 

Online Geriatric Health Curriculum 

A variety of learning modules covering a wide variety of topics, 

with over 60 available continuing education credits (CE) available. 

Enrollment provides unlimited access to the modules for a period of 

one year with low individual and group rates offered. 

FREE Alzheimer’s Online Training Program 

Two modules focused on cognitive impairment and dementia in older 

adults available free of charge for a total of 4 CE’s (2 contact hours 

per module). 

For additional details contact: 

Website: mtgec.umt.edu email: Montana.GEC@umontana.edu 

Phone: (406) 243-2453 

6



2015 Board of Directors 

President ~ 

Lucy Ednie C: 406-782-4458 Butte 

Vice-President ~ 

Rayna Joshu C: 406-750-2070 Great Falls 

Secretary ~ 

Brenda Donaldson H: 406-538-3217 C: 406-202-3890 Lewistown 

Treasurer ~ 

Lorri Bennett C: 406-498-6033 Deer Lodge 

Director at Large ~ 

Delayne Gall H: 406-534-4921 Billings 

Council on Continuing Education 

Representative to Board ~ 

Debby Lee H: 406-467-2522 C: 406-366-9489 Denton 

Council on Practice & Government Affairs 


John Honsky H: 406-327-8891 Missoula 

Council on Economic & General Welfare 


Daylyn Porter H: 406-227-5847 C: 406-459-4749 East Helena 

Council on Advanced Practice (CAP) 


Arlys Williams H: 406-357-3419 C: 406-265-3554 Chinook 

7



Norton Sound Health Corporation 

Norton Sound Health Corporation, based in Nome, Alaska, was 

founded in 1970 to serve the health care needs of the Inupiat, 

Siberian Yupik and Yupik people of the Bering Strait region of 

Alaska. NSHC is a consortium of 20 tribes that have assumed 

responsibility for the medical care of the people it serves and 

operates Norton Round Regional Hospital as well as 15 village 

clinics located on the coast and islands of the Bering Sea. 

Today NSHC is the primary source of continuous health and 

medical care for all of the residents of the region. 

We have clinical and support positions available. 

Consider joining us. 

Nome is a great place to live and work! 

Please visit our website at 

www.nortonsoundhealth.org 

8


2015 Councils 

Council on Continuing Education 

Debby Lee, Representative to Board ~ Denton 


Jennifer Taylor 

Megan Hamilton 

Margaret Johnson 

Mickie Simonson 

Teresa Menicucci 

Tammy Wilhite 

Helena 

Missoula 

Helena 

Helena 

Helena 

Colstrip 

Bonnie Hash 

Gwyn Palchak 

Hope Ballew 

Susan Porrovecchio 

Sandy Sacry 

Theresa Troutman 

Bozeman 

Kalispell 

Missoula 

Big Fork 

Whitehall 

Missoula 

Council on Practice & Government Affairs 

John Honsky, Representative to Board ~ Missoula 

Barb Moser Billings Megan Hamilton Missoula 

Council on Economic & General Welfare 

Daylyn Porter, Representative to Board ~ Helena 

Deanna Evans 

Orpha Montgomery 

Billings 

Helena 

Council on Advanced Practice 

Arlys Williams, Representative to Board ~ Bozeman 

Council on Advanced Practice Chair-Elect ~ John Honsky, Missoula 

Secretary ~ Nanci Taylor, Anaconda 

Member at Large ~ Keven Comer, Bozeman 

National Federation of Nurses 

Katie Haxby ~ Butte 

Jennifer Taylor ~ Helena 

9



10



2015 Committees 

Nominations Committee 

Bonnie Hash…Bozeman 

Paula Roman…Helena 

Nanci Taylor…Anaconda 

By-Laws Committee 

Linda Henderson…Missoula 

Brenda Donaldson…Lewistown 

Editorial Board 

Barbara Prescott…Bozeman 

Mary Pappas…Havre 

Kate Eby…Great Falls 

Staffed by: Kim Kralicek 

Elections Committee 

Brenda Donaldson…Lewistown 

Gwyn Palchak…Kalispell 

Susan Porrovecchio…Bigfork 

Finance Committee 

Pauline Flotkoetter…Miles City 

Gwyn Palchak…Kalispell 

Arlys Williams…Chinook 

History Committee 

Chair, Mary Munger…Helena 

Maxine Ferguson…Helena 

Milly Gutkowski…Bozeman 

11


Deb’s Dancewear & Uniforms 

Rimrock Mini Mall—Upstairs 

111 South 24th Street West, Billings, MT 59102 

406-656-7838 / 1-800-442-3327 

www.cherokee-debsdancewear.com 

Dedicated RNs & LPNs 

This 40-bed skilled nursing and rehab center is seeking qualified 

nursing staff to join our caring team. Competitive wages and benefits. 

Please email resume to tbarr@empres.com or call Tammy or Yvonne 

at 406-741-2992 for further consideration. 

EOE 


Charles E. Buehler, M.D. 

Michael T. Gallagher, M.D. 

Nick M. DiGiovine, M.D. 

Nicholas Blavatsky, M.D. 

Anthony J. Russo, M.D. 

435 South Crystal, Suite 400 • Butte, MT 59701 

406-496-3400 

www.montanaorthopedics.com 

It’s Hard To Stop A Trane. ® 

TRANE High Effi ciency Forced Air 

Heating & Air Conditioning 

Smarter from the Ground Up 

Mitsubishi 

Geothermal Heating 

& Cooling. 

Affordable by Nature. 

Ductless 

Air Conditioners 

Now every room in your 

home can feel just right. 

1751 E LYNDALE HELENA 406-449-4567 

Contr. #146626 BRIAN, DEBBIE & KEVEN PATZER,PARTNERS 

WWW.INTERMOUNTAINHEATING.COM 

Qualified Caring Staff 

RNs • LPNs • CNAs 

We are currently taking applications for traveling careers for licensed / 

certified nursing staff, for long term care, hospital, correctional, mental 

health, clinics and treatment facilities, throughout Montana. 

Excellent wages, flexible work assignments, and other opportunities 

For an application or more information contact us: 

406-360-5199 • 406-360-5149 • Fax 406-363-5726 

Email angeltravelers@yahoo.com 

www.angeltravelers.com 

Equal opportunity employer 

12


District Leadership 

2015 Leadership 


• District 1 ~ Genie Weber/John Honsky ......................................Missoula 

• District 2 ~ Lorri Bennett ...............................................Deer Lodge 

• District 3 ~ Keven Comer ............................................... Bozeman 

• District 4 ~ Mary Thomas .................................................Helena 

• District 5 ~ Lynn Hilliard/Barbara Moser ......................................Billings 

• District 6 ~ Arlys Williams/Debbie Lee ........................................Havre 

• District 7 ~ Gwyn Palchak ............................................... Kalispell 

• District 8 ~ Linda Ries/Karen Schledewitz ..................................... Sidney 

Local Unit Leadership 

• District 1-Local Unit 15 ~ Community Medical Center.. .....................Geri Unbehend 

• District 1-Local Unit 17 ~ St. Patrick Hospital ................................Cindi Smith 

• District 1-Local Unit 32 ~ Partners In Home Care ....................... Tammy Eggleston 

• District 1-Local Unit 33 ~ Fresenius Medical Center ..........................Tasha Boggs 

• District 1-Local Unit 35 ~ Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aleta Lewis 

• District 1-Local Unit 43 ~ Missoula City-County Health Department .......... Jennifer Kirscher 

• District 2-Local Unit 01 ~ Community Hospital of Anaconda ...................Lorri Bennett 

• District 2-Local Unit 05 ~ St. James Healthcare ...........................Stacey Sheehan 

• District 2-Local Unit 07 ~ Montana State Hospital ........................... Jack Preston 

• District 2-Local Unit 37 ~ Butte/Silver Bow City-County ..................Karen Maloughney 

• District 2-Local Unit 36 ~ Montana Chemical Dependency Center ...........Elisabeth Fandrich 

• District 3-Local Unit 04 ~ Bozeman Deaconess .........................James Fredrickson 

• District 3-Local Unit 26 ~ MSU Student Health ............................Bonnie White 

• District 3-Local Unit 6 ~ Fresenius Medical Center .............................VACANT 

• District 4-Local Unit 08 ~ Department of Public Health & Human Services ........Susan Reeser 

• District 4-Local Unit 13 ~ St. Peter’s Community Hospital ............... Orpha Montgomery 

• District 5-Local Unit 02 ~ Billings Clinic ..................................Delayne Gall 

• District 5-Local Unit 38 ~ Rosebud Healthcare .............Troy Ruff/Debra Valdevez Bennett 

• District 5-Local Unit 44 ~ Holy Rosary Hospital .........................Penny Haughian 

• District 6-Local Unit 11 ~ Cascade City-County .......................... Davida Hryszko 

• District6-Local Unit 12 ~ Northern Montana Hospital, Co-Chair ............. Kristin Donoven 

• District 6-Local Unit 25 ~ Northern Rockies Medical .........................Tanya Lucchi 

• District 6-Local Unit 24 ~ Sweet Medical Center .............................Tami Shoen 

• District 6-Local Unit 9 ~ Montana Mental Health Nursing Care Center .....Julie Capraro/Bethany Eide 

• District 7-Local Unit 22 ~ Cabinet Peaks Medical Center .....................Dave Edwards 

• District 7-Local Unit 27 ~ Veteran’s Home ..................................Ruth Oskey 

• District 7-Local Unit 34 ~ Clark Fork Valley Hospital ........................ Matt Madden 

• District 8-Local Unit 21 ~ Glendive Medical Center .........................Jennifer Miller 

• District 8-Local Unit 39 ~ Sidney Health Center ..........................Christa Veltman 

13



Executive Director Annual Report 

Vicky Byrd, BA, RN, OCN 

MNA is the recognized leader and advocate for the professional nurse in 

Montana. MNA promotes professional nursing practice, standards and education; 

represents professional nurses; and provides nursing leadership in promoting 

high quality health care. 

Montana Nurses Association (MNA) has hit a critical mass this year!! We have 

grown in service, staff, and membership. 

With our growth and services increasing, we had to look at a significant dues increase to support this 

need. Please see Bullet points and FAQ’s included in this book of reports and posted on our website at 

www.mtnurses.org. 

MNA has also become more legislatively active, and as we address issues, we have begun a marketing 

campaign to address our legislative issues. A priority from now until the 2017 legislative year is violence 

in the workplace and the campaign is strategically called “Your Nurse Wears Combat Boots”! As we 

address workplace violence, keep on the lookout for surveys posted on Facebook, Twitter and emails. 

This is the first campaign for MNA of this kind, and our goal is to bring it across the state of Montana! 

We plan to launch this campaign at convention. 

A recent goal has been reaching out and having our MNA staff sponsor a district. We have 8 districts 

across the state and many are not as active as others. The districts are inclusive of all the RN members 

and make up the entire professional association of MNA. These members bring forth your voice and 

vote at the annual convention. Each district has an account in which $1.00 per member per month 

accumulates based on the number of members in that district. Each district should have officers, 

especially a President and Treasurer. Districts can decide at their meetings what to use their funds for. 

Typically, the districts support their members to attend the MNA convention as delegates and bring 

their voice to the annual convention. Each district votes on their use of the funds, and as they grow, 

they can approve them for whatever use they see fit in relation to their members. As we support our 

members, we are empowering the district’s to become more active and establish their leadership. Each 

district should have organized meetings throughout the year, but at least one to elect their MNA annual 

convention delegates! 

14


Benefits for all Montana Nurses Association Members 


We represent all nurses in the state through numerous activities throughout the year and engagement in 

state and national nursing and health initiatives. 

Montana Nurses Association is accredited as an approver and provider of continuing nursing education 

by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. 

Continuing Education 

Provider and Approver Accredited – You can enjoy member discounts for continuing nursing education 

activities provided by MNA. Activities include everything from independent studies to webinars to 

3-day conferences. MNA can help you get contact hours for an individual activity you would like 

to offer at your facility or can help your facility become an approved provider to offer numerous 

continuing education activities at your workplace. Members receive discounts on application fees. 

Contact hours earned through the ANCC Accreditation System help you maintain licensure and attain/ 

maintain certification. 

Council on Advanced Practice (CAP) 

The MNA supports professional activities and education for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. 

Other Councils and Committees 

Members are encouraged to be actively involved in the work of the association and to influence the 

advancement of nursing. These opportunities also afford RNs opportunities for their own personal and 

professional development 

Monitor Board of Nursing Activities 

MNA participates in rule development, public policy, licensure, and legislative planning 

National Involvement 

ANA (American Nurses Association) 

ANCC-COA (American Nurses Credentialing Center Commission on Accreditation) 

Political Activity with Council on Practice and Government Affairs (CPGA) 

MNA representatives monitor and act on legislation that impact nurses, healthcare, workforce issues, 

child and elder issues. 

Student Scholarships 

Nursing students may apply for scholarships prior to our Annual MNA Convention. 

15


Awards 


MNA annually recognizes nurses for outstanding achievement in their professional activities. 

**************************************************************************************************** 

Additional Benefits for Collective Bargaining Members Only 

We have over 30 local bargaining units for RNs in the state of Montana, all protected by individual 

collective bargaining agreements, their contracts. Our annual Labor Retreat is at Chico Hot Springs in 

April of each year and provides attendees with contact hours on education with a collective bargaining 

theme. 

Professional Conference Committees/Labor Management Committees: 

Many of our local units use these committees to support RNs in addressing workplace concerns and 

finding resolutions outside of contract negotiations. 

Other National Involvement for Collective Bargaining Members 

NFN (National Federation of Nurses, our national nursing union) 

AFT (American Federation of Teachers, our national affiliate) 

Economic and General Welfare Council (EGW) 

MNA supports our collective bargaining nurses with education and workplace issues. 

Growing our Membership 

• Reaching out to APRN’s, engaging them in CAP (Council on Advanced Practice), relevant 

legislation to continue to support independent practice and supporting achievement of continuing 

education requirements related to pharmacology prescribing education. 

• Encouraging people to become members and developing our plan to reach out to district leaders 

and facilitate growth of activities at the district level (this includes all nurses, not just labor) 

– so they could be actively involved in our councils and other work of the professional nurses 

association 

• We’ve responded to the call for help and organized 4 new local units in 2 years in Lewistown, 

Bozeman, and Missoula. Those contracts are being negotiated and we are helping to build the 

local unit structure and election of officers 

• We’ve laid the foundation for more effective internal organizing so more nurses that are covered by a 

union contract are choosing union membership and are full dues paying members than ever before 

• We’re about to launch a new effort to increase the membership of our professional organization 

and communicate with all new nurses within the first few months following their graduation 

16


Expanding our Services 


• We’ve added one additional Labor Representative to our staff and have increased the response 

time and quality of our representation and organizing capacity. 

• We added an additional Nurse Educator to our staff to assist in the robust growth of our 

Continuing Education Department that is now serving over 32 states and 3 countries. 

• CE department supports all members through webinars, independent studies, and opportunities 

for nurses to engage in distance learning as well as “real time” interactions and our provider 

updates that enhance the professional development of nurses in all of our approved provider 

units in 6 states 

• We’re empowering nurses with more quality education directly through our provider services 

(APRN conf, annual Labor Retreat, annual convention, and Transition to practice) and through 

our national affiliates which includes nursing education as well as workplace advocacy. 

• We have assisted more professional nurses in facing workplace issues and challenges to their 

license than ever before whether they are a member or not. 

Leading the Healthcare Industry 

• MNA is “leading the healthcare industry” by: 

1. Staff and member engagement in national nursing and interprofessional associations. 

2. Staff and members who facilitate the work of international accreditation through serving on 

the Commission on Accreditation and as an Accreditation appraiser. 

3. Facilitating publication of articles by members and nurses engaged with MNA activities. 

• We’re keeping a high profile meeting regularly with the Governor and key cabinet members 

so the nurses of MNA have a voice in policy and legislation that impacts healthcare and their 

ability to meet the highest standards of care with the freedom to advocate for that care without 

inappropriate repercussions. 

• We meet regularly with the Board of Nursing to collaborate on projects that improve healthcare 

and public safety as well as provide input to the fairest processes for nurses that find themselves 

in the review process. 

• Nationally we have direct input from MNA staff and our members with ANA, NFN and AFT 

Nurses and Healthcare professionals! 

• We are planning to launch a campaign to raise awareness of Violence against healthcare 

workers focusing on nurse assaults that we hope will help pass in the 2017 Legislative Session. 

Our goal is for the assault on a nurse while on duty to become a felony as is supported by 

our membership. The campaign is called “Your Nurse Wears Combat Boots” and is the first 

campaign of its kind to be spearheaded by MNA. 

17



This chart is a comparison of our yearly dues and broken down by cost per month. I compared them to our 

MNA staff employed here at the association. It helps with perspective and if we want to continue to grow 

and provide increasing services. Also, here are examples of our 2 sister states who also have similar nursing 

wages as MT and with their resources are able to employ more staff and implement programs to support 

their member’s needs. Oregon and Ohio are similar to Montana as they have blended memberships as well. 

MNA 2015 

• Collective Bargaining dues $513.50 yearly $42.80 monthly 

• Non Collective Bargaining dues $471.50 yearly $39.29 monthly 

MNA Staff 2015 LiUNA 1686 

Yearly 

Monthly 

• Admin/Marketing Specialist $580.44 $48.37 

• Finance/Membership Specialist $658.20 $54.85 

• CE Specialist $787.44 $65.62 

• Labor Specialist $867.84 $72.32 

Oregon Nurses Association 2015 (ONA) 

Collective Bargaining dues currently $658.00 yearly $54.83 monthly 

Increasing due to AFT affiliation $975.00 yearly $81.2 monthly (to begin 2016) 

Ohio Nurses Association 2015 (ONA) 

Collective Bargaining dues range from $597.00-$790.00 yearly $49.16-$65.83 monthly 

ONA—2015 new graduate rate $26.00/hour, annual salary $58,080 

Washington Nurses Association 2014 (WSNA) 

Collective Bargaining Dues range from $892.80-$923.28 yearly $74.40-$76.94 monthly 

(This does not include district dues) 

WSNA—2015 wage average for their contracts is $32.94/hour, annual salary of $68,548 

Amazingly Montana is competitive on their wage scales compared to our sister union states and I 

understand cost of living is different in different areas across all our states…MNA has heard from the 

members and they want more support in Education, Labor and Legislation and this dues increase assists 

us in that endeavor!!! 

We will continue to update these bullet points as other information comes in…… 

18


1. Why such a significant increase in dues? 


Now with our organization and services growing based on our members needs, we are asking to 

increase dues to apply to our operating costs and these costs to be covered include: increased need 

for staff and salaries, CE program and labor departments have exploded, programs and support for 

local and district members, marketing campaigns related to MNA and legislation, and allow MNA to 

strategically invest in our members engagement at local, state, and national events!! 

We are asking for a $10.00 per month increase for operational costs from all MNA members for our 

entire professional organization. 

Fortunately, over last 8 years dues have remained the same and/or only increasing from 0.8% to 3.05%. 

Here is the breakdown utilizing CB dues rates (NON CB are 42 dollars less). We have only experienced 

an 8% total increase over 8 years!! 

2. What do other nurses pay in membership dues across the labor states? What do 

their nurses make per hour? 

Washington, Oregon and Ohio are our comparative labor states. They have a blended professional 

organization as we do. Here is a table of their CB dues rates. 

Yearly 

Monthly 

ONA-Oregon Nurses Association $975.00 $81.25 

WSNA-Washington Nurses Association $892.80-$923.28 $74.40-$76.94 

ONA-Ohio Nurses Association $597-$790 $49.16-$65.83 

ONA—Ohio 2015 new graduate rate $26.00/hour, annual salary of $58,080. 

WSNA—2015 wage average for their contracts is $32.94/hour, annual salary of $68,548. 

ONA—Oregon 2015 awaiting response 

19



I provided a table below of some critical access hospitals and our larger hospital facilities so you can 

see the entry level, mid-level and max wages in our contracts and we are very competitive (with the 

exception of critical access). 

Local Unit Entry Mid Max Steps 

1 Anaconda $27.20 $35.61 $41.53 25.00 

4 Bozeman $25.00 $29.29 $33.68 15 

15 Community MSLA $24.66 $31.99 $38.91 24 

44 Holy Rosary $21.99 $27.55 $33.34 24 

34 Clark Fork $23.25 $34.25 range 

17 St. Pats MSLA $25.13 $30.09 $34.05 16 

13 St. Pete’s $24.74 $31.38 $38.25 22 

2 Billings Clinic $26.60 $35.09 $43.58 8 

3. What will be my dues rate if the dues increase for operational costs pass the HOD? 

Here is a chart showing the current dues for CB and NON-CB members along with the breakdown of 

distributions!! 

Here is what the “NEW” chart will look like with operational costs increasing $10.00 per member per 

month! 

Yearly 

Monthly 

4. What will be my additional dues for CB members if the CBA passes AFT affiliation 

dues increase? (this does not apply to NON-CB) 

Here is the final chart if both the HOD and the CBA pass the dues increases as asked for in the bullet 

points posted on the web. Mobilization funds, to exclusively support the AFT affiliation, would need to 

20



increase $10.00 per member per month and these would be specifically secured for AFT affiliation dues 

only and is ONLY assessed on CB members. 

FINAL Yearly Monthly 

This second $10 dollar bill for CB members only again is exclusively to assist with our new AFT 

affiliation. This additional amount will be assessed into the mobilization funds (currently at 30 dollars 

per year) and only assessed to CB members to support the AFT affiliation of which the members 

wanted (will increase mobilization amount to $150.00). 

The amount for full dues to AFT are $225.36/year ($18.78 per member per month) at this time. This 

is on top of our MNA CB amount of $513.50/year. They have allowed us to “gradually” increase by 

percentages over 5 years until we have to pay full dues, this is due by February 2017. We are currently 

paying 40% of the full due amount and have been using MNA operating funds to cover. We have also 

been using mobilization funds and NFN fund rebates to cover these costs over the past 3 years and 

didn’t have to pass it onto the members until this critical time. We needed to be sure they were a fit for 

MNA and our CB members. 

This has been a valuable affiliation for our CB members and all our members as they have supported 

us legislatively(government and legislative staff), financially by sending speakers and a regional 

representative at no cost, and assist our labor team with hospital financial evaluations and bargaining 

training and support..ect.. 

This $10.00 increase for CB will only be taken up at the CBA as it is not HOD business. It is exclusively 

CBA agenda and the labor staff and EGW are working hard to inform the locals to get their delegates to 

the CBA to vote on this particular increase! 

5. Who will be voting on what dues increases? 

The House of Delegates (HOD), will vote on the operational cost dues increase of $10.00 per member 

per month. This is for all nurses in the professional association. 

The Collective Bargaining Assembly (CBA), will vote on the exclusive $10.00 that will be assessed to the 

mobilization funds. (This is in addition to the operational costs) 

To summarize if both increases pass, it will be a total of $10.00 per member per month increase for 

Non-CB members and a total of $20.00 per member per month increase for CB members. (see final 

chart in red number 4 above) 

These increases are significant and will meet the needs of the professional organization!! We should 

NOT see an increase of this magnitude for many years!! 

21



6. MNA Staff dues comparison! 

MNA Staff 2015 Liuna 1686 

Yearly 

Monthly 

• Admin/Marketing Specialist $580.44 $48.37 

• Finance/Membership Specialist $658.20 $54.85 

• CE Specialist $787.44 $65.62 

• Labor Specialist $867.84 $72.32 

7. Other Communication 

Amazingly Montana is competitive on their wage scales compared to our sister union states and 

I understand cost of living varies in different areas across all our states…MNA has heard from the 

members and they want more support in Education, Labor and Legislation and this dues increase assists 

us in that endeavor!!! Please continue to view the bullet points posted on the web as well!!! Our goal is 

to be sure everyone is well informed, please don’t hesitate to call or email with any questions. 

22


Council on Continuing (CCE) Education 

Annual Report 


Pamela S. Dickerson, PhD, RN-BC, 

Continuing Education Director & 

Sandy Sacry, MSN, RN 

Chair, Council on Continuing Education 

The overarching goals of the Council on Continuing Education are congruent with the mission of MNA 

– to promote professional nursing practice, standards, and education and to provide nursing leadership 

in promoting high-quality health care. Specifically, these goals are: 

1. Provide quality continuing nursing education that supports the mission of MNA, following 

guidelines as an accredited provider by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission 

on Accreditation. 

2. Approve educational activities and provider units that support nursing professional development 

and improvement in patient care, following guidelines as an accredited approver by the American 

Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. 

As required by accreditation criteria, there are outcome measures associated with both provider and 

approver unit operations. Increasingly, there is emphasis on validating the importance of continuing 

nursing education in improving the professional practice of nursing. Evidence of the excellence of our 

work in this area includes receipt of the 2015 ANCC Premier Award for our accredited approver unit 

and designation of Accreditation with Distinction of our accredited provider unit. 

Council on Continuing Education: 

The Council meets twice a year for face-to-face meetings in addition to conference calls for new 

member orientation and other issues as required. Some members of the council focus on provider unit 

operations and activities; other members serve as peer reviewers for the approver unit. Peer reviewers 

undergo initial education and testing, as well as periodic validation of competence to ensure their 

ability to assess applications congruently with peer reviewers across the United States. The Council 

continues to recruit members interested in contributing to this important work of the Association. 

Approver Unit: 

The approver unit accepts applications from both individual activity applicants and organizations 

wishing to be approved, or to continue their approval, as providers. Individual activities are approved 

for up to two years once all accreditation program criteria have been met. Provider units are approved 

23



for up to three years, with authority to design, implement, and evaluate their own activities during that 

period of time. The Approver Unit monitors quality and outcomes from both individual activity and 

approved provider data in accordance with accreditation program criteria. 

Provider Unit: 

The provider unit is accountable for all aspects of providing continuing nursing education offered by 

MNA. This includes annual events such as the Transition from New Graduate to Professional Nurse 

workshop, the APRN Pharmacology Conference, Labor Retreat, Provider Update Conferences, and the 

annual Convention. Additionally, the provider unit offers a number of live, webinar, and independent 

study learning activities. While the main target audience of provider unit activities is MNA members, 

learning activities are open to all nurses interested in our events. Growth of our provider unit has 

resulting in hiring of an additional staff member to serve in the nurse planner role. 

Continuing education continues to be a major benefit to membership and provides numerous 

opportunities for nurses to enhance their professional development as learners, faculty, authors, peer 

reviewers, and activity planners. 

24



Labor Department Annual Report 

Robin Haux, Labor Program Director 

Your MNA Labor Department has grown over the past year! We were thrilled to 

add a third Labor Representative to assist with providing the best representation 

we can. Our staff includes Amy Hauschild, Eastern Labor Representative, Caroline 

Baughman, Western/Central Labor Representative, and Sandi Luckey, Western/ 

Central Labor Representative. Each staff member brings different experiences 

to our team. Through a highly collaborative approach, we’ve achieved more 

successes in addressing the nursing issues facing nurses every day. 

Our goal continues to be increasing our success at the bargaining table, improving our representation of 

members, providing local units with the tools to be self-sufficient, and encouraging advocacy through 

legislation. 

We continue to be effective in bargaining our successor agreements. However, our contract negotiations 

continue to be more difficult and take longer. Your MNA labor staff encourages all our members to 

stay involved, to stay informed, and to advocate for your profession and your patients. The current 

labor climate continues to fight for benefits, better staffing, and a voice in patient care. Advocacy and 

collective action strengthens our local units and this through involvement, our members can and do 

impact the results at the bargaining table. 

MNA’s collective bargaining membership is growing! In 2015, we added two new locals! Fresenius in 

Bozeman and the Montana Mental Health Care Center in Lewistown. We welcome all our new members 

to the MNA family! We also have two additional organizing campaigns underway! 

Our ability to effectively communicate is expanding! We have made significant strides in the number of 

local units utilizing technology advancements to distribute information. Our local units are using more 

social media, email, and text messaging as a way to inform and gain feedback from nurses. Conference 

calls, webinars, and online meetings have also allowed us to reach more of our members more of the 

time, facilitating an increase in participation and advocacy. 

Our legislative involvement is opening new possibilities! For the first time, MNA is launching a campaign 

to pass a bill in the next Legislative Session making workplace violence that involves assault with the 

intent to do harm, a crime against healthcare workers. The goal of Your Nurse Wears Combat Boots is 

to educate lawmakers and the public about the experiences of nurses in order to build awareness and 

support. Nurses continue to be ranked the most trusted profession which makes the testimony of nurses a 

powerful force in the policy and lawmaking process, not just for the protection of fellow nurses but also in 

advocating for patients and families. 

Your MNA Labor Team is excited to continue working hard for you! We look forward to building more 

strength through unity in the coming year! 

25



Offering: 

• Online Certified 

Nurse Assistant 

Prep Course 

• LPN - RN 

Transition 

Program 

• Full ASN to Sidney and Glendive 

We’re looking for nurses 

of the CARING KIND. 

Serving: 

Billings (406) 294-0785 Butte (406) 494-6114 

Bozeman (406) 556-0640 Helena (406) 442-2214 

Missoula (406) 549-2766 

www.rockymountainhospice.com 

You have a CHOICE. Ask for us by name. 

For more information contact 

Karla Lund, MSN, 

Nursing Department 

1-800-541-9281 or 

406-874-6188 

Email: lundk@milescc.edu 

An average of 20 patients 

will be diagnosed with HIV 

MONTANA 

this year in Montana. 

Are YOU talking with YOUR patients? 

Start a conversation 

Find your local testing site 

Visit us online 

getcheckedmt.org 

26


Membership Report 

Jill Hindoien, Membership & Finance Specialist 


What a great learning experience I have had in my first year as your Membership 

& Finance Specialist at Montana Nurses Association! 

Our membership base continues to grow each month. Involvement and feedback 

is the key to success and growth of the organization. MNA continues to 

encourage all members to serve on any of the various committees and councils 

within MNA. 

Our improved website is up and running. You can go to our website, www.mtnurses.org, and click on 

the membership/member resources tab to download membership applications, consent to serve forms, 

and other important information on the benefits of membership in MNA. 

Thank you for supporting Montana Nurses Association! 

District 1 Report 

John Honsky, President & Genie Weber, Treasurer 

District 1 to Grant Nursing Scholarships 

District 1 is pleased to announce the creation of two nursing scholarships to be 

awarded annually from the Shirley Christianson Nursing Scholarship Endowment. 

John Honsky 

Shirley Christianson, a registered nurse from Missoula, began the fund by 

holding bake sales and quilt raffles. Shirley’s vision is now being realized by the 

establishment of annual scholarships for two Missoula nursing students. 

District Funds NSNA delegate 

This year again, District 1 was please to provide a $500 grant to Rick Alton in order to attend the National 

Student Nurses Annual Convention. Rick also serves as student member on MNA’s Board. 

Big Sky Nurses Negotiating Contract 

Registered nurses at Big Sky Surgery Center voted to join MNA last June and this year they have been 

engaged in contract negotiations. District 1 wants to acknowledge the skill and compassion that our 

newest members provide to their patients and colleagues at the center. We also appreciate and fully 

support them in their work negotiating a fair contract. 

27



Nutrition for Nurses 

Are you diabetic or prediabetic? Do you have hypertension? Do you have a 

family history of diabetes or heart disease? Need help losing a few pounds? 

A bit of education may be just what you need. You will be surprised at what 

has changed since you were in school! 

Your first hour on line/phone evaluation is free. Call today and schedule an 

appointment! Evenings are an option. 

Judy Gilman, NP-R, RN, Diabetes and Wellness Educator • 406-546-7819 

Naturopathic Doctors - Experts in Natural Medicine 

720 N. 30th St., 

Billings, MT 59101 

Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic 

and Oasis Health Spa 

406.259.5096 

www.yncnaturally.com 

Great Falls, Montana 59405 

EXTENDED CARE FACILITY Employment Opportunities 

R.N. & L.P.N 

New Graduates are welcome to apply! 

Suite 201, 

401-15th Avenue South 

Great Falls, MT 59405 

Phone: (406) 727-2121 • Fax: (406) 727-2147 

If you would like more information about our facility go to: 

www.ponderamedical.com 

Contact Human Resources at 406-271-2235 or Fax 406-271-3917 

patrickj@ponderamedical.com 

“Healthcare for all 

Life Cycles” 

Hardin, MT • 406-665-2310 

www.bighornhospital.org 

Proudly Supporting 

Montana Nurses 

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS & BUSINESS ADVISORS 

www.azworld.com 

828 Great Northern Blvd 

Helena 

406.442.1040 

You’ve earned your 

dream job. 

Hope is always within reach. 

Suicide is never the only option. 

If you are concerned that a person may be 

suicidal, ask the person, “Are you suicidal?” 

Offer hope, don’t leave them alone, and tell 

others 

Take the person to the nearest ER, call 

the police, or take them to a health care 

professional 

We’ll help you 

find it at 

nursingALD.com 

Your free online resource for 

nursing jobs, research, 

and events. 

If you or a loved one are in crisis, 

Call the Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 

WWW.DPHHS.MT.GOV/AMDD/SUICIDE 

28



20 Old Montana State Hwy. ~ Clancy, MT 59634 

2015 

29


~ Notes ~ 


30



31


~ Notes ~ 


32

Wanted 

Caring & 

Compassionate 

RNs and LPNs 

to join 

Valley View 

Home’s 

dedicated staff 

1225 Perry Lane 

Glasgow, MT 

406.228.2461 

Openings are available for both day and 

night shifts. 

In addition to competitive wages, 

Valley View Home offers a generous 

benefit package and opportunities for 

advancement. 

Applications can be obtained at the 

Valley View Business Office or on line at 

www.valleyview1.net. 

Candidates wishing further information 

may contact Cyndi Baillargeon in Human 

Resources at 406-228-2461 or by e-mail 

cyndi@valleyview1.net. 

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner 

Prescriptive Authority Nurse 

Mental Health Center of Denver is a nonprofit community mental health 

center, and is the nation’s leader in progressive community-based mental 

health. Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide various mental 

health services to a diverse population. We offer counseling, housing, 

education, and vocational services for adults, children and families. We 

build upon each consumer’s strengths and resiliency to help them toward 

recovery. 

*Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. 

For more information about Mental Health Center of Denver 

and our forward-focused wellness culture please 

visit our website at www.mhcd.org. 

To apply: Complete the online application or email your 

resume to resumes@mhcd.org. Fax: (303) 758-5793.

Everyone Deserves A Job They Love!! 

Let Us Help Today, Call 406.228.9541 

Prairie Travelers is Recruiting 

Traveling Healthcare Staff in 

Montana, North & South Dakota 

Prairie Traveler’s Commitment 

to Our Staff 

• Registered Nurses • Excellent Wages • Health Care Benefits 

Hospital, ER, ICU, OB and LTC • Travel Reimbursement • Annual Bonus 

• Licensed Practical Nurses • Paid Lodging • Zero Assignment 

• Certified Medication Aides • Flexible Work Schedules Cancellations 

• Certified Nurse Aides • 24/7 Staff Support • Varied Work Settings 

• Full-Time and Part-Time 

APPLY TODAY 406.228.9541 

Prairie Travelers Recruitment Department 

130 3rd Street South, Suite 2 • Glasgow, MT 59230 

For an application or more information, visit 

www.prairietravelers.com 

www.montana.edu/nursing 

406-994-3783 

BUILD A CAREER – MAKE A DIFFERENCE 

Undergraduate Degree Options 

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree 

• Accelerated BSN degree for post-baccalaureate students 

Graduate Degree Options 

• Master of Nursing (MN) 

Clinical Nurse Leader 

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) 

Family/Individual Population 

Psych/Mental Health Population 

See ADRN—MN 

updates at www. 

montana.edu/ 

nursing 

See our current vacancy announcements at 

www.montana.edu/nursing

Montana Annual Book of Reports 2015

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?