Vaccine Mandate

TO THE NURSING COMMUNITY OF JFL & SRMC HOSPITALS 

An unfortunate miscommunication has occurred from which it appears as though the VIRGIN ISLAND STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION (VISNA) has abandoned its membership in favor of the recent mandate penned by the Territorial  Health and Hospital Facilities Corporation.

As professionals we are patient/client advocates first and foremost . Nurses have been voted for several years as the most trusted professionals. VISNA promotes that more than ever in this current pandemic,; nurses must be in the forefront of the battle to save lives. We are cognizant of the fact that nurses are at their breaking point and towards this end VISNA supported the AMERICAN NURSES ASSOCIATION’s (ANA) position on mandatory vaccination for all healthcare workers. VISNA does not support or knew of the mandates put in place by the Territorial Board. We knew the same time as everyone else.

Having seen the Board’s mandate we are submitting a rebuttal letter to the Chairman Mr. Christopher Finch asking that employees who do not wish to be vaccinated be given the option to have weekly COVID testing for a defined period of time without submitting exemptions. We are aware that there are employees that fall under the exemption mandate; that termination language be removed at this time until data demonstrates that low vaccine rates have increased patient/client/employee risks; that there be documented ongoing education about vaccine efficacy and safety; that all union representatives be invited to a round table discussion to come to a win-win meeting of the minds. Termination was the last thing  VISNA expected to see in the mandate, but we will try to work and resolve this. VISNA hears you and is always ready to work with you so let’s unite as one . To the members of VISNA, CBU and RNLU who were on the call on August 7th, we promise to work to restore your trust and confidence in the professional organization; we are the leading force of Health Care in the territory and we will continue to do so. 
Please feel free to comment on this post. Stay safe and let us do what is best for ourselves, family and community. We understand that there are hurt feelings and mistrust but working together we will get through this . I encourage you to go on the website of ANA,( nursing world.org) to read the statement put out by the ANA board and other up to date information on the COVID Vaccine and the pandemic.

Evet Rivera

President