The Washington State Nurses Association is the collective and leading voice, authority,
and advocate for the nursing profession in the state of Washington.
As a dynamic, democratic organization, WSNA gives members a powerful voice in the
future of the nursing profession and in their own careers. We also provide nurses
the confidence and comfort of knowing that a powerful partner is working with them
and on their behalf every single day. With conviction and knowledge, WSNA speaks
for nurses across this state and we know how to make sure your voice is heard.
WSNA is the largest and oldest professional organization and union for registered
nurses in Washington and has the resources, expertise and experience to be an effective
and powerful advocate for nurses and the nursing profession.
Elected RN leaders in the Local Units and on WSNA’s boards, cabinets and councils
work in partnership with staff to drive WSNA’s mission. We work collaboratively
and across departments to meet the diverse needs of nurses in Washington. Our seasoned
staff includes RN specialists in nursing practice, education, research, government
affairs, health and safety, labor relations, and health policy along with attorneys,
communications staff, other specialists and exemplary support staff.
Nursing Practice, Research & Education
Our staff of RN experts in practice, policy and education is firmly committed to
the continued quality of nursing practice and the professional development of RNs
in today's workforce. We interpret the complexities of the Nurse Practice Act, assure
the quality of nursing education, represent your workplace and practice interests
with state and national agencies including the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission,
and provide input on proposals that affect your workplace safety and your practice.
Legislative & Health Policy
Each year there are hundreds of proposed regulations and legislative bills introduced
in Olympia that greatly impact nurses, nursing, patient advocacy, and your ability
to deliver exceptional care. As an individual nurse, it's nearly impossible to monitor
and track all of the issues that affect your practice and livelihood. WSNA is dedicated
to exclusively representing the interests of registered nurses with our legislative
and regulatory staff of lobbyists, attorneys, labor, practice, and health and safety
specialists.
Collective Bargaining & Workplace Advocacy
As the only union dedicated exclusively to registered nurses in Washington State,
WSNA has the knowledge, experience, power and authority to make a real difference
in the workplace. WSNA works on the local level through local units, negotiating
labor contracts to address issues that are unique to each facility. As your union,
we ensure that all units meet the industry standards we have established through
a half century of bargaining RN contracts in Washington State. WSNA local units
provide leadership and professional development opportunities, facilitate resolution
of workplace issues through the collective agreement, and assist members in their
role as a patient advocate.
Vision, Mission & Goals
Purposes
The Purposes of the Washington State Nurses Association shall be:
- To work for the improvement of health standards and the availability of health care
service for all people.
- To foster high standards of nursing.
- To stimulate and promote the professional development of nurses and advance their
economic and general welfare.
These purposes shall be unrestricted by considerations of age, color, creed, disability,
gender, health status, life style, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation.
Vision
The Washington State Nurses Association is the collective and leading voice, authority,
and advocate for the nursing profession in the State of Washington.
Mission
The Washington State Nurses Association provides leadership for the nursing profession
and promotes quality health care for consumers through education, advocacy, and
influencing health care policy in the State of Washington.
Goals
- Nurses in Washington State will be informed on issues and trends that affect their
professional practice.
- The Washington State Nurses Association will lead the profession wherever decisions
are made affecting nursing and health care.
- The Washington State Nurses Association will anticipate and respond to the changing
needs of the profession and nurses.
- The Washington State Nurses Association will maintain and strengthen nursing’s
role in client advocacy for consumer safety and quality health care.
- The Washington State Nurses Association will be responsive to cultural diversity
needs of its members and to the consumers of health care.
- The Washington State Nurses Association will promote the professional development
and advance the economic and general welfare of all nurses.
