New York State Nurses Association

UPDATE: Please note that effective Dec 15, 2011, NYSNA’s constituent member status with the American Nurses Association was suspended as a disciplinary action for a period of one year due to charges of dual unionism. You can learn more about it here.

The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) is a constituent member of the American Nurses Association at the national level. It is the nation’s oldest and largest state level professional association for Registered Nurses (RN). It is also the nation’s largest union for RNs.

They state as their mission:

“Support and enhance the practice of the registered professional nurse and improve the public’s health by providing leadership in changing the healthcare environment.”

History of NYSNA

In 1901 the New York State Nurses Association was founded. It was the first state nurses association in the US. In 1904 the NYSNA became affiliated with the Nurses Associated Alumnae which in 1911 was renamed the American Nurses Association (ANA).

In 1903, the State of New York passed the Nurse Practice Act. The law was created as a result of lobbying by NYSNA. The law allowed for the registration of qualified nurses and created the title of “Registered Nurse” for those who registered with the state.

In 1918 the NYSNA created a Committee on Nurses Relief Fund. The association went on to promote an eight hour work day and better working conditions in the 1930s and 1940s.The Economic & General Welfare Program was established by the NYSNA’s House of Delegates in 1957 to represent RNs for collective bargaining.

Benefits of NYSNA Membership

Being a member of the New York State Nurses Association comes with a lot of benefits. The association offers a variety of useful services to nurses.

The Economic & General Welfare (E&GW) Program provides collective bargaining services to members of NYSNA. There are over 160 local bargaining units currently.

The Education, Practice and Research (EPR) Program provides assistance with education, practice, and research issues related to nursing.

In 1992 NYSNA created their Statewide Peer Assistance for Nurses (SPAN) program to provide help to nurses with potential alcohol and/or drug problems. In 2000 the State of New York passed a law establishing the program for all RNs and LPNs which is operated by NYSNA.

Members of NYSNA can also join Practice Focus Groups (PFG). The Board of Directors has approved five such PFGs:

  • Gerontological Health PFG
  • Adult Health PFG
  • Family/Maternal Child Health PFG
  • Public Health PFG
  • Behavioral Health PFG

There are many more benefits to being a member of NYSNA.

Contact Information

Find out more about New York State’s largest professional association for RNs or join NYSNA today. Their contact information is as follows:

New York State Nurses Association
11 Cornell Road
Latham, NY 12110

Phone: (518) 782-9400 ext. 279
FAX: (518) 782-9530
Hours: 8:30am – 5:00pm

www.nysna.org