Manhattan, NY—New York State United Teachers recognized Maria Scudiero, a registered nurse at NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn, as the union’s Healthcare Professional of the Year.
A member of the United Federation of Teachers, Scudiero was honored in Manhattan at NYSUT’s 52nd Representative Assembly.
In addition to her lifesaving work as a registered nurse for 22 years, Scudiero has also been an active union member, serving as a negotiator and grievance rep. She has fought to enforce proper nurse-to-patient staffing ratios that are critical to patient safety by filing 2,000 grievances with her team. Scudiero established a weekly meet-up for new nurses to help provide them with the mentorship and support so essential at the beginning of this demanding career. This mother of four completed nursing school and her postgraduate requirements all while balancing the 24/7 demands of motherhood.
“I don’t know if I chose nursing or nursing chose me. I don’t remember ever wanting to be anything else,” Scudiero said. “I think if you’re just focused on your goal and don’t focus on the obstacles, you get there.”
NYSUT President Melinda Person praised Scudiero as a tremendous asset to her union, her colleagues and her patients. “Maria’s proven commitment to putting patients first is a shining example of public service. Her dedication to mentoring new nurses and advocating to support them in the workplace is a true demonstration of our core union values. NYSUT is proud to represent her.”
