Nurse Case Managers employed at St. Charles’ Hospitals in Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond have overwhelmingly voted to join the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) - an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).  The 19 Registered Nurse (RN) Case Managers are joining ONA’s Bargaining Unit at St. Charles Bend, which already represents more than 1,100 Front-Line Nurses at the Private, Non-Profit Health Care Company's flagship hospital. These Workers serve a critical role in their hospitals and in Central Oregon’s broader community health.  RN Case Managers partner with patients, family members and Caregivers to help them navigate the Health Care System, coordinate different medical services, take the lead in patient education about health management and provide assistance with follow-up care after discharge. By joining ONA, these new Union Members are aiming to raise health care standards and secure better wages, benefits and working conditions.