Howard Sandau
United Federation of Teachers
Howard Sandau was inspired to become a nurse after working as a caregiver to a patient with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, for 15 years. From this patient and his wife, Howard learned a great deal about compassion and patience. As a registered nurse, he works in the Surgical/Trauma Intensive Care Unit at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, providing outstanding and compassionate nursing care to patients who are in critical condition and require constant monitoring and care. Howard is passionate about his union work for the Federation of Nurses/UFT. He serves as a delegate, grievance chair and lobbyist. As president of the Student Nurses, Howard ensures nursing students are included in his local's conferences and in their union program. He wants nursing students to understand the importance of participation in the professional organization as a vital aspect of the nursing profession. Howard is actively involved in several initiatives supporting social justice issues. He orchestrated the collection of more than 3,000 books and sent them to Africa to support a literacy program. He facilitates a women's HIV support group and is a member of an organization for people with Lou Gehrig's disease.