News

Taking on the nurse staffing crisis

The public is becoming increasingly aware of a problem nurses have known about for a long time: the nurse staffing crisis that is dangerously depleting our hospitals. The COVID-19 pandemic has both highlighted and accentuated this crisis.

Standing together for real staffing solutions

WSNA and the other two primary health care unions in Washington state call for a sustain­able, account­able commit­ment to safe staffing in every depart­ment of every hospital in the state.

Disaster preparedness: Start the new year prepared

The start of a new year is the perfect time to ensure your disaster supplies are up to date. While disaster planning isn’t usually at the top of everyone’s to-do list, a small amount of planning now can make a big difference when you’re faced with a natural disaster or emergency.

Meet David Keepnews

David Keepnews has a long track record and distinguished career as a nurse, labor proponent, professor, policy specialist and advocate for our practice. He joins WSNA at a critical time for our members, our union and our profession. David is already bringing his experience, skills and passion to the job.

WSNA in Olympia – Legislative Session Week 1

This was a busy week of hearings on policy bills and WSNA was well repre­sented with several members providing testi­mony on key bills. As a reminder, all hearings and meetings with legis­la­tors are taking place over Zoom and are being aired on TVW.

In memoriam: Martha Galvez

Martha Alicia Cortés Galvez passed away peacefully at home the morning of Jan. 8, 2022, just in time to see her final sunrise, her favorite time of day. A loving mother, wife and friend, she left behind a legacy of compassion and strength.

In memoriam: Dr. Joyce Valborg Zerwekh

Dr. Joyce Valborg Zerwekh passed away on Dec. 20. She taught many students over the years at the University of Washington, Seattle University, Pacific Lutheran University, and helped found Hospice of Seattle.

Comments to NINR concerning 2022-2026 Strategic Plan Framework

"We do not believe that NINR intended to exclude research on health care equity; the health equity lens appears to be defined broadly enough to include health care equity. However, because some definitions distinguish between health equity and health care equity, this should be clarified."

Washington State Nurses Association supports Kaiser strikers

WSNA stands with 32,000 nurses and health professionals including members of our AFT-affiliated nurses at Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals who intend to begin their strike at Kaiser Permanente locations in Washington, Oregon and California starting November 15.

WSNA responds to Nursing Commission statement

In September, the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission put out a statement on COVID-19 misinformation. WSNA sent a letter to the Commission expressing concerns with the statement.

Passing the baton

Thank you to the nurses who ran for office in the 2021 WSNA election — leaders like YOU are essential to keeping members’ voices at the forefront of WSNA. Thanks, also, to all of you who exercised your right to vote in the election.