Led by the 1199SEIU Nurse Council, groups of RNs and LPNs recently gathered at three in-person nurse meet-ups in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties to build connections and foster leadership, engagement and power in their workplaces in 2026.

Hosted by 1199SEIU, the nurses shared experiences; discussed critical matters in their facilities; and set priorities that impact their jobs, patients and families; all while enjoying delicious lunch at restaurants in the area.

An important element of the event was to help 1199SEIU nurses from across employer groups meet face-to-face, bond and let one another know that they are there in support while facing many of the same issues.

“It’s important know and hear that someone understands your challenges and that they have your back,” said Linda Smith, an RN at HCA Florida Northwest Hospital. “There are common threads we’re all dealing with from short-staffing, to facilities giving us less so they can make more, and pressure take shortcuts that would risk our licenses. Our voice is stronger when we stand up and speak up together.”

Shekeyma Joseph, an RN at UHealth Tower in Miami, said the gathering was a great opportunity to air common problems and share mutual priorities. “The meetup matches my purpose of becoming a union member in the first place: to stand up for each other and make our workplaces better.  Where we’re treated and paid fairly and we can’t be bullied.”

RNs and LPNs at the meetups also discussed 1199SEIU nurse budgets, brainstormed ideas and themes such as “protecting our license” for a June nurse retreat, and tested future ideas such as self-care for future meet-ups and much more.

The meet-ups are part of the revamped 1199SEIU Florida Nurse Council and its mission to hold facilities accountable on current issues such as safe staffing, license protection, workplace safety, best practices, government legislation and others.

“Our nurse leaders ran an extremely insightful, supportive and productive first round of meet-ups for 2026,” said Roxey Nelson, 1199SEIU Executive Director of the Office of Organization Development, who moderated the events. “We look forward to even more great discussions and growing engagement in upcoming meetings and other efforts to strengthen the jobs and lives our nurse members throughout the year and beyond.”

Details on the June retreat, future meet-ups and other nurse news will be shared with 1199SEIU Florida RN and LPN members in upcoming weeks.