National Nurses United, the nation's largest union of registered nurses, today announced their endorsement of Ruta Jouniari for election as State Representative for Florida’s 72nd District in the special election scheduled for December 5, 2017.

National Nurses United cited her support for single payer Medicare for all and RN-to-patient ratios, as well as her opposition to fracking, as some of the reasons for the endorsement.

“Ruta supports nurses and knows firsthand how nurses caring for patients saves lives. She’s been a long time advocate for Medicare for All and for nurse-to-patient ratios to guarantee safe quality care for our patients,” said Susan Coakley, RN and member of National Nurses United. 

“It has been great getting to know Ruta Jouniari during this campaign where she has been a tireless advocate for nursing values,” said Michelle Nungester, RN, and member of National Nurses United. “We look forward to having a member of the Florida House of Representatives who will stand for caring, compassion and community.”

"As a long-time advocate for Medicare for All, I am honored to have the support and endorsement of National Nurses United," said Jouniari.  "I stand with them in the call for a single payer system that covers all Americans as well as a system that honors nurses -- the men and women who take care of us in our moments of need.  Together, we will work for a system that increases patient safety and creates the best opportunities for nurses to do their jobs," said Jouniari.

NNOC/FL is affiliated with National Nurses United, the largest and fastest growing union of RNs in the nation. NNU has won landmark health and safety protections for nurses and patients in the areas of staffing, safe patient handling, infectious disease and workplace violence protection.