Date of Award

1981

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Arlene Taich

Second Advisor

Joseph Lipofsky

Third Advisor

Helen A. Ogle

Abstract

The problem discussed in this paper is whether the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) will need to unionize as a direct result of the activities of the Registered Nurse (RN) in order to insure financial solvency? If unionization is the answer to the CRNAs financial security, then what kind of a bargaining unit should the CRNA be associated with?

The methodology utilized in this paper was: an extensive reading of the history of the nursing profession and its professional organization; the history of nurse anesthetists and the functions of their professional organization; a review of the development of labor legislation and its appropriateness in health care facilities; and an analysis of the judicial decisions affecting the CRNAs personal financial security. To demonstrate the validity of my findings with the nurse professionals, an exploratory survey was conducted and some conclusions are offered.

Through my research, I found there are some obvious differences between the CRNA and the RN. These differences include such things as differences in their education; job responsibilities are unlike; there is a ratio disparity between these professionals in any hospital situation; they are members of different professional organizations; there is a variance in the method of procuring adequate financial remuneration; and who serves as their representative in labor negotiations. There have been instances when the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has acknowledged these differences between these professionals; but in a large majority of the judicial rulings, the Board has continued to group these health professionals into one collective bargaining unit.

The final answer from my research is not clear. Each group of CRNAs and each individual nurse anesthetist will need to face this problem and decide what is best for themselves. The problem is sure to present itself in the next decade if the economic picture stays the same.

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