The 2,220 members in the home-care chapter of the United Federation of Teachers provide the nursing care that allows many New York City residents to remain in their homes and in congregate-care settings.

Alicia Schwartz monitors the heart rate of a patient.

Schwartz brings the backpack of her medical equipment along the streets of upper Manhattan with an escort. The UFT was successful in getting escorts for nurses traveling in specified areas.

 Checking medications is a big part of the job. Cynthia McDaniel checks out the medication to be placed in daily planners for patients.

Diane Lapp checks the route to a patient's home through the computer. Photos by Betsy Sandberg and Miller Photography