A talented contingent of 1199SEIU nurse members gathered in the Florida Keys for a intensive yet invigorating retreat to discuss developing new nurse leaders, tackling workplace challenges and building an even stronger sense of community among the committed union nursing professionals.

The annual three-day nurse retreat featured various learning and social activities at scenic waterside venues in the Marathon area.

After a welcome dinner featuring fun ice-breaker activities and branded welcome gifts on the opening evening, the nurse leaders delved into serious topics on days two and three.  Planning and breakout sessions included:

n  Protecting our License & Patients – Knowledge, Tools & Practice

n  Building Nurse Power

n  Nurse Leadership Development

n  Nurse Chapter Building Report

n  Florida Nurse Council

n  Politics, Communication and more

“The retreat was great to meet and get to know nurses from other facilities and share many of the same challenges we face from employer to employer,” said Christine Vaccaro, an RN at a Tamarac hospital. “There were so many excellent ideas discussed to make our jobs better, including bringing more caregivers into our union.”

Elizabeth Jazon, an RN in Miami, said the retreat was a perfect balance of enjoyment and important business.  “The setting in The Keys is so beautiful and instantly relaxing, but that seems to help open everyone’s mind to share deeper insights and develop solutions to so many challenges we have on the job.”

“Nurses are essential leaders on their facility care teams and members of the most trusted profession in the nation, so they have an especially compelling voice,” said Roxey Nelson, Executive Director of the Office of Organization Development for 1199SEIU unionwide. “Coming together in person built a sense of community through each other’s company, created a dynamic exchange of ideas to nurturer and support nurse leaders, and took a big step to strengthen our nurse program across Florida.”