Hospitalists and Collective Bargaining

Although nursing and other unions have included advanced practice nurses (APNs) in collective bargaining units, there is a universal and often un-discussed perception that nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and nurse midwives are not especially well served by collective bargaining units. In response to these contentions, as well as to address presumptions related to APN need, we have developed a series of communications to review nursing practitioner issues and needs best addressed through the collective bargaining process.

Note: While the focus is on the role of the nurse practitioner as part or the lead of the hospitalist team, many hospitals also use critical care registered nurses as part of the hospitalist team and their rights should be protected through the collective bargaining process.