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Nurses at St. Joseph Medical Center Hold ‘Rally for Respect’ to Raise Concerns Over Proposed Changes to Patient Care 12/1/2011 Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing over 700 registered nurses at St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, is holding a rally today at Bellingham City Hall from noon to 1 p.m. to highlight issues critical to patient safety and nurse retention.
Registered Nurses at Skagit Valley Hospital Hold Informational Picket During Stalled Contract Negotiations 6/21/2011 Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing over 440 registered nurses at Skagit Valley Hospital, is holding an informational picket today to highlight issues critical to patient safety and nurse retention. Over the course of the day, nearly 300 nurses and community members gathered in front of Skagit Valley Hospital to speak out and educate the public about key concerns including changes to overtime, the ability to retain experienced nurses and drastic wage cuts.
Registered Nurses at Skagit Valley Hospital Hold Rally During Stalled Contract Negotiations 6/2/2011 Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing over 440 registered nurses at Skagit Valley Hospital, held a rally today to highlight issues critical to patient safety and nurse retention. Over 250 nurses and community members gathered at the Skagit County Courthouse to support the nurses and learn about key concerns including the ability to take uninterrupted rest breaks, drastic wage cuts, and changes to overtime.
Registered Nurses Warn that Layoffs at Seattle King County Public Health Will Impact Thousands 1/13/2011 Representing more than 300 registered nurses at Public Health - Seattle & King County, WSNA is expressing grave concern over announced layoffs of public health nurses. In total, 64 nurses will be laid off which constitutes nearly a third of the public health nursing staff, not including those working in the jails. The majority of the cuts will be made to the Maternity Support Services (MSS) program which helps pregnant women and new mothers have healthy babies.
Washington State Nurses Association Files Lawsuits Around the State For Adequate Rest Breaks for Registered Nurses, Improving Working Conditions and Patient Safety 10/14/2010 Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 16,000 registered nurses in Washington State, has filed lawsuits against four hospitals around the state for failing to provide nurses with rest and meal breaks.
Registered Nurses Win Victories in Washington State for Patient Safety 8/27/2010 Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 16,000 registered nurses in Washington State, has won two landmark decisions for patient safety on the issue of missed breaks for registered nurses. Cases decided in Seattle and Spokane both affirm the employer’s responsibility to provide uninterrupted rest breaks to nurses.
Washington State Nurses Association Wins Victory for Safety in Legal Battle Over Missed Rest Breaks for Nurses at Sacred Heart Medical Center 8/27/2010 Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 1,600 registered nurses at Sacred Heart Medical Center, won a landmark victory in the Spokane County Superior Court regarding missed breaks by registered nurses with the judge ruling that the hospital must pay nurses overtime for missed rest breaks resulting in overtime hours.
Registered Nurses at Yakima Regional Medical Center Hold Informational Picket to Highlight Patient Safety Concerns During Stalled Contract Negotiations 4/26/2010 The Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing nearly 250 registered nurses at Yakima Regional Medical Center, is holding an informational picket today to highlight issues critical to patient safety.
Registered Nurses from Public Health - Seattle & King County Hold Informational Picket to Highlight Public Safety Concerns 2/19/2010 Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 300 registered nurses at Public Health - Seattle & King County, held an informational picket today to highlight issues critical to public health and safety. During stalled contract negotiations, public health nurses are deeply concerned that the administration’s new limitations on work schedules will reduce the ability to meet the needs of patients and clients.
Sacred Heart Medical Center Cited for Violation of Safety Standards in H1N1 Prevention 2/18/2010 Sacred Heart Medical Center was cited and fined $8,000 for failing to adhere to state and national H1N1 influenza safety standards.The findings were in response to a complaint by the Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), filed in October of 2009, against Sacred Heart and its infection control policies regarding the use of N-95 respirators in treating suspected or diagnosed H1N1 patients. The N-95 respirators are recommended by the CDC for use when healthcare personnel are within 6 feet of suspected or confirmed H1N1 patients. Sacred Heart nurses were reporting difficulty accessing properly fit-tested N-95 masks in these circumstances.
Registered Nurses at Sacred Heart Medical Center Hold Informational Picket to Highlight Patient Safety Concerns During Stalled Contract Negotiations 2/2/2010 Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 1,500 registered nurses at Sacred Heart Medical Center, held an informational picket today to highlight issues critical to patient safety. Contract negotiations have stalled over several key issues including the ability to take uninterrupted rest breaks, inadequate nurse staffing levels, and changes to retirement benefits.
Registered Nurses at UW Medical Center Reach Tentative Agreement With Hospital That Maintains Patient Safety 10/3/2008 In mediation session that lasted well into the night, Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 1,200 nurses at the University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC), reached a tentative agreement with hospital administration.
Registered Nurses at UW Medical Center Hold Candlelight Vigil to Highlight Concerns for Quality and Safe Patient Care 9/14/2008 Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 1,200 nurses at the University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC), held a candlelight vigil to demonstrate the nurses’ concerns for safe patient care over stalled contract negotiations.
Registered Nurses at UW Medical Center Picket to Demand Fair Contract for Quality and Safe Patient Care 9/2/2008 Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 1,200 nurses at the University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC) took to the streets outside the Hospital to voice their concerns for safe patient care as contract negotiations have stalled with mediation pending.
Washington State Legislature Passes First-in-the-Nation Ban on Toxic Flame Retardants 4/3/2007 Measure Passes Senate 41 to 8, Goes to Governor for Signature
Nurses Echo Concerns of Inmate Health Care in King County Jails Due to Inadequate Nurse Staffing 12/11/2006 Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 350 nurses in the Seattle King County Public Health District including approximately 80 registered nurses (RN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) in King County jails, expressed serious concerns about the health care provided to inmates in jails due to a significant shortage of nursing staff.
Patient Care Jeopardized with Decision by NLRB to Deny Union Rights to Nurses 10/16/2006 The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)’s ruling of the case -- Oakwood Healthcare Inc. -- will compromise quality patient care by reclassifying some registered nurses as supervisors.
Victory for Nurses in Rest Break Arbitration Decision Against Sacred Heart Medical Center 6/1/2006 The Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), who represents nearly 1300 registered nurses at Sacred Heart Medical Center (SHMC), won an arbitration decision against SHMC for not providing 15 minute rest breaks for the nurses. The collective bargaining agreement clearly provides for 15 minutes of rest every four hours. Due to the recent restructure and inadequate staffing at SHMC, the nurses have not been getting their rest breaks.
Nurses Prevail - Virginia Mason Hospital Charged with Unfair Labor Practice by the National Labor Relations Board 5/1/2006 The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) agreed with the Washington State Nurses Association and issued a complaint and notice of hearing to the Virginia Mason Medical Center (VMMC) for engaging in unfair labor practices against the registered nurses.
Nurses Celebrate Passage of Legislation to Prevent and Reduce Musculoskeletal Injuries in Hospital 3/7/2006 The Washington State Legislature today passed legislation (House Bill 1672) to promote safe patient handling and prevent workplace injuries amongst registered nurses and health care workers.
ANA Protests Narrow Focus of Bush's Health Care Proposals, Calls for Comprehensive Health Care Reform 2/1/2006 Association also urges Congress not to slash Medicaid funding
Nurses Charge Virginia Mason for Retaliation Against Nurses for Exercising Their Right to Refuse Flu Vaccination 1/26/2006 Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 600 registered nurses at Virginia Mason Medical Center (VMMC), has filed an unfair labor practice charge against VMMC with the National Labor Relations Board.
Departments of Ecology and Health Urge Ban on Widely Used Toxic Flame Retardant (PBDEs) 1/20/2006 Nurses, Doctors, and Environmental Health Groups Call on Legislature to Pass Bill
ANA Calls on Policymakers to Act On Nurse Staffing Legislation 1/10/2006 Cites New Study that Shows More RN Staff Improve Safety and Quality of Patient Care
Nurses Win Federal Court Decision on Virginia Mason's Mandatory Flu Vaccination Policy 1/7/2006 The United States District Court ruled in favor of the Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 600 registered nurses at Virginia Mason Medical Center (VMMC), in upholding the arbitrator's decisions against VMMC which stopped the hospital from forcing RNs to receive flu shots.
Nursing Organizations and Elected Officials Speak Out Against Medical Malpractice Initiatives 10/18/2005 A broad spectrum of nursing organizations representing 15,000 Washington nurses today gathered to urge the public to vote against the two medical malpractice initiatives on the November ballot, Initiative 330 (I-330) and Initiative 336 (I-336).
AMERICAN NURSES ASSOCIATION SPEAKS OUT AGAINST PROPOSED CUTS TO MEDICAID BUDGET 9/22/2005
I-330 Ad Misleading in Portrayal of Nursing Support 8/29/2005
Nurses Win Decision Against Virginia Mason’s Mandatory Flu Vaccination Policy 8/10/2005
Registered Nurses Ratify Union Contract with Southwest Washington Medical Center 7/13/2005
ALL WASHINGTON HOSPITALS COMMIT TO 100k LIVES CAMPAIGN Saving Lives Through Hospital Quality Improvement 6/21/2005
NATIONAL MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH GROUPS SUE EPA TO PREVENT FUTURE MERCURY EXPOSURE 6/14/2005
ANA UNVEILS RENEWED PUSH FOR SYSTEMIC, AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE REFORM 6/13/2005
Victory for Nurses in Unfair Labor Practice Decision against Sacred Heart Medical Center 4/13/2005
Nurses Outraged at Proposed Cuts in Nursing Staff by Sacred Heart Medical Center 2/16/2005

Nurses at St. Joseph Medical Center Hold ‘Rally for Respect’ to Raise Concerns Over Proposed Changes to Patient Care 12/1/2011

Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing over 700 registered nurses at St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, is holding a rally today at Bellingham City Hall from noon to 1 p.m. to highlight issues critical to patient safety and nurse retention.

Registered Nurses at Skagit Valley Hospital Hold Informational Picket During Stalled Contract Negotiations 6/21/2011

Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing over 440 registered nurses at Skagit Valley Hospital, is holding an informational picket today to highlight issues critical to patient safety and nurse retention. Over the course of the day, nearly 300 nurses and community members gathered in front of Skagit Valley Hospital to speak out and educate the public about key concerns including changes to overtime, the ability to retain experienced nurses and drastic wage cuts.

Registered Nurses at Skagit Valley Hospital Hold Rally During Stalled Contract Negotiations 6/2/2011

Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing over 440 registered nurses at Skagit Valley Hospital, held a rally today to highlight issues critical to patient safety and nurse retention. Over 250 nurses and community members gathered at the Skagit County Courthouse to support the nurses and learn about key concerns including the ability to take uninterrupted rest breaks, drastic wage cuts, and changes to overtime.

Registered Nurses Warn that Layoffs at Seattle King County Public Health Will Impact Thousands 1/13/2011

Representing more than 300 registered nurses at Public Health - Seattle & King County, WSNA is expressing grave concern over announced layoffs of public health nurses. In total, 64 nurses will be laid off which constitutes nearly a third of the public health nursing staff, not including those working in the jails. The majority of the cuts will be made to the Maternity Support Services (MSS) program which helps pregnant women and new mothers have healthy babies.

Washington State Nurses Association Files Lawsuits Around the State For Adequate Rest Breaks for Registered Nurses, Improving Working Conditions and Patient Safety 10/14/2010

Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 16,000 registered nurses in Washington State, has filed lawsuits against four hospitals around the state for failing to provide nurses with rest and meal breaks.

Registered Nurses Win Victories in Washington State for Patient Safety 8/27/2010

Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 16,000 registered nurses in Washington State, has won two landmark decisions for patient safety on the issue of missed breaks for registered nurses. Cases decided in Seattle and Spokane both affirm the employer’s responsibility to provide uninterrupted rest breaks to nurses.

Washington State Nurses Association Wins Victory for Safety in Legal Battle Over Missed Rest Breaks for Nurses at Sacred Heart Medical Center 8/27/2010

Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 1,600 registered nurses at Sacred Heart Medical Center, won a landmark victory in the Spokane County Superior Court regarding missed breaks by registered nurses with the judge ruling that the hospital must pay nurses overtime for missed rest breaks resulting in overtime hours.

Registered Nurses at Yakima Regional Medical Center Hold Informational Picket to Highlight Patient Safety Concerns During Stalled Contract Negotiations 4/26/2010

The Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing nearly 250 registered nurses at Yakima Regional Medical Center, is holding an informational picket today to highlight issues critical to patient safety.

Registered Nurses from Public Health - Seattle & King County Hold Informational Picket to Highlight Public Safety Concerns 2/19/2010

Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 300 registered nurses at Public Health - Seattle & King County, held an informational picket today to highlight issues critical to public health and safety. During stalled contract negotiations, public health nurses are deeply concerned that the administration’s new limitations on work schedules will reduce the ability to meet the needs of patients and clients.

Sacred Heart Medical Center Cited for Violation of Safety Standards in H1N1 Prevention 2/18/2010

Sacred Heart Medical Center was cited and fined $8,000 for failing to adhere to state and national H1N1 influenza safety standards.The findings were in response to a complaint by the Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), filed in October of 2009, against Sacred Heart and its infection control policies regarding the use of N-95 respirators in treating suspected or diagnosed H1N1 patients. The N-95 respirators are recommended by the CDC for use when healthcare personnel are within 6 feet of suspected or confirmed H1N1 patients. Sacred Heart nurses were reporting difficulty accessing properly fit-tested N-95 masks in these circumstances.

Registered Nurses at Sacred Heart Medical Center Hold Informational Picket to Highlight Patient Safety Concerns During Stalled Contract Negotiations 2/2/2010

Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 1,500 registered nurses at Sacred Heart Medical Center, held an informational picket today to highlight issues critical to patient safety. Contract negotiations have stalled over several key issues including the ability to take uninterrupted rest breaks, inadequate nurse staffing levels, and changes to retirement benefits.

Registered Nurses at UW Medical Center Reach Tentative Agreement With Hospital That Maintains Patient Safety 10/3/2008

In mediation session that lasted well into the night, Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 1,200 nurses at the University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC), reached a tentative agreement with hospital administration.

Registered Nurses at UW Medical Center Hold Candlelight Vigil to Highlight Concerns for Quality and Safe Patient Care 9/14/2008

Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 1,200 nurses at the University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC), held a candlelight vigil to demonstrate the nurses’ concerns for safe patient care over stalled contract negotiations.

Registered Nurses at UW Medical Center Picket to Demand Fair Contract for Quality and Safe Patient Care 9/2/2008

Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 1,200 nurses at the University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC) took to the streets outside the Hospital to voice their concerns for safe patient care as contract negotiations have stalled with mediation pending.

Washington State Legislature Passes First-in-the-Nation Ban on Toxic Flame Retardants 4/3/2007

Measure Passes Senate 41 to 8, Goes to Governor for Signature

Nurses Echo Concerns of Inmate Health Care in King County Jails Due to Inadequate Nurse Staffing 12/11/2006

Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 350 nurses in the Seattle King County Public Health District including approximately 80 registered nurses (RN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) in King County jails, expressed serious concerns about the health care provided to inmates in jails due to a significant shortage of nursing staff.

Patient Care Jeopardized with Decision by NLRB to Deny Union Rights to Nurses 10/16/2006

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)’s ruling of the case -- Oakwood Healthcare Inc. -- will compromise quality patient care by reclassifying some registered nurses as supervisors.

Victory for Nurses in Rest Break Arbitration Decision Against Sacred Heart Medical Center 6/1/2006

The Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), who represents nearly 1300 registered nurses at Sacred Heart Medical Center (SHMC), won an arbitration decision against SHMC for not providing 15 minute rest breaks for the nurses. The collective bargaining agreement clearly provides for 15 minutes of rest every four hours. Due to the recent restructure and inadequate staffing at SHMC, the nurses have not been getting their rest breaks.

Nurses Prevail - Virginia Mason Hospital Charged with Unfair Labor Practice by the National Labor Relations Board 5/1/2006

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) agreed with the Washington State Nurses Association and issued a complaint and notice of hearing to the Virginia Mason Medical Center (VMMC) for engaging in unfair labor practices against the registered nurses.

Nurses Celebrate Passage of Legislation to Prevent and Reduce Musculoskeletal Injuries in Hospital 3/7/2006

The Washington State Legislature today passed legislation (House Bill 1672) to promote safe patient handling and prevent workplace injuries amongst registered nurses and health care workers.

ANA Protests Narrow Focus of Bush's Health Care Proposals, Calls for Comprehensive Health Care Reform 2/1/2006

Association also urges Congress not to slash Medicaid funding

Nurses Charge Virginia Mason for Retaliation Against Nurses for Exercising Their Right to Refuse Flu Vaccination 1/26/2006

Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 600 registered nurses at Virginia Mason Medical Center (VMMC), has filed an unfair labor practice charge against VMMC with the National Labor Relations Board.

Departments of Ecology and Health Urge Ban on Widely Used Toxic Flame Retardant (PBDEs) 1/20/2006

Nurses, Doctors, and Environmental Health Groups Call on Legislature to Pass Bill

ANA Calls on Policymakers to Act On Nurse Staffing Legislation 1/10/2006

Cites New Study that Shows More RN Staff Improve Safety and Quality of Patient Care

Nurses Win Federal Court Decision on Virginia Mason's Mandatory Flu Vaccination Policy 1/7/2006

The United States District Court ruled in favor of the Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 600 registered nurses at Virginia Mason Medical Center (VMMC), in upholding the arbitrator's decisions against VMMC which stopped the hospital from forcing RNs to receive flu shots.

Nursing Organizations and Elected Officials Speak Out Against Medical Malpractice Initiatives 10/18/2005

A broad spectrum of nursing organizations representing 15,000 Washington nurses today gathered to urge the public to vote against the two medical malpractice initiatives on the November ballot, Initiative 330 (I-330) and Initiative 336 (I-336).

AMERICAN NURSES ASSOCIATION SPEAKS OUT AGAINST PROPOSED CUTS TO MEDICAID BUDGET 9/22/2005

I-330 Ad Misleading in Portrayal of Nursing Support 8/29/2005

Nurses Win Decision Against Virginia Mason’s Mandatory Flu Vaccination Policy 8/10/2005

Registered Nurses Ratify Union Contract with Southwest Washington Medical Center 7/13/2005

ALL WASHINGTON HOSPITALS COMMIT TO 100k LIVES CAMPAIGN
Saving Lives Through Hospital Quality Improvement 6/21/2005

NATIONAL MEDICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH GROUPS SUE EPA TO PREVENT FUTURE MERCURY EXPOSURE 6/14/2005

ANA UNVEILS RENEWED PUSH FOR SYSTEMIC, AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE REFORM 6/13/2005

Victory for Nurses in Unfair Labor Practice Decision against Sacred Heart Medical Center 4/13/2005

Nurses Outraged at Proposed Cuts in Nursing Staff by Sacred Heart Medical Center 2/16/2005

Press Contacts

Please direct inquiries to:

Anne Tan Piazza
Assistant Executive Director of Governmental Affairs & Operations
apiazza@wsna.org
(206) 575-7979, Ext. 3006

Lillie Cridland
Communications Specialist
lcridland@wsna.org
(206) 575-7979, Ext. 3043

About WSNA

Founded in 1908, the Washington State Nurses Association is the professional organization representing more than 16,000 registered nurses in Washington State. WSNA effectively advocates for the improvement of health standards and availability of quality health care for all people; promotes high standards for the nursing profession; and advances the professional and economic development of nurses.