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The Voice of California's Nurses in Action

A Message from Interim Executive Director Ingela Dahlgren, RN

IngelaI want to say hello to all the SEIU nurse members reading this! I am proud to present myself as the new Executive Director of our SEIU Nurse Alliance of California. I am a nurse and former member of SEIU Local 121RN. I truly believe in uniting nurses to protect our patients and our profession.

There’s lots we can do to make California a healthy state to live in for ourselves and our families, and we as nurses need to be part of the solution. As nurses, we must lead the fight against cuts to valuable health care programs, and work to rebuild healthcare in California. Nurses make a difference. We are at the bedside, and we know what it takes to save lives.

For over 20 years, the SEIU Nurse Alliance of California has been a tool to get nurses educated and involved around key issues. Nurses from around our state have contributed their voices, talent and commitment to patient advocacy to the Nurse Alliance, making it a dynamic force for change.

As an SEIU nurse, you are the union. You need to be active- after all, we are the ones who really know healthcare. Without nurse involvement, healthcare reform can’t move forward. We only get one chance in a lifetime, and this is it. Step up and do it for yourselves, for your families, for your kids.

Please contact us if you’re interested in doing legislative work, or attending legislative days. Attend classes, learn to teach your co-workers and people in your community about health related issues. Come visit with your congressperson, provide them with educational points around what we do and the care we provide. Let them know what it really takes.

And don’t forget- we also have fun! Now is the time to grab the bull by the horns and make a difference around healthcare in California and in our country. Come join us!

—Ingela Dahlgren, Executive Director