Updated strategic priorities call out ratios legislation, strengthening political presence, and responsible use of AI
The WSNA Board of Directors approved 6 strategic priorities that reflect the realities nurses are facing today.
News
There’s still time to complete survey on AI in the workplace
Complete this survey to help the labor movement and policymakers better understand all workers’ experience with AI — and whether they differ by background or identity.
Make your voice heard this November
Decisions made at the ballot box affect nurses, our patients, and the future of healthcare. Make sure your voice is heard by voting early.
Making your staffing complaint count
Every effectively documented complaint helps identify gaps in the current law and strengthens our advocacy for change through the legislative and collective bargaining processes.
By Megan Kilpatrick, MSN, RN, Education Director and Gloria Brigham, EdD, MN, RN, Director of Nursing Practice
Press release
Virginia Mason nurses raise red flags ahead of staffing law implementation
Nurses cite Virginia Mason’s failure to meet minimum staffing standards set out in state law, while also cutting support positions required under the hospital’s staffing plan and expecting nurses to fill in.
Primary election outcomes and shaping the future of policy in Olympia
WSNA will continue to work with legislators from both parties to pass legislation that improves the working lives of nurses and outcomes for patients.
By Sami Bailey, MPH, Political Advocacy Specialist and Jessica Hauffe, Director of Government Affairs
Did you lose your Temporary Protected Status? Act now.
If you are a nurse who is in danger of losing your work authorization because of changes to your Temporary Protected Status, you may have a chance to qualify for permanent employment sponsorship, which could mean a path to citizenship.
How I got $158,000 in student debt forgiven
"We give so much to our patients, our families, and our communities. It is ok to let someone give back to you. You’ve earned it!"
By Jen Morgan, nurse with Public Health – Seattle & King County
In Memoriam: Kathi Landon
Kathi was a quintessential nurse rep, unfailingly supportive colleague, and a positive presence in every room she entered.
Meet the 2026 scholarship recipients — and the stories behind them
Thank you to WSNF’s generous donors who helped make it possible to support so many nursing students.
Thank you for helping your fellow WSNA members
The WSNF Nurses Emergency Assistance Grant Fund has issued nearly 100 grants to members who lost their homes or were forced to evacuate due to the Spokane Complex wildfires.
Remembering Barbara Nichols, barrier breaker
Barbara Nichols, the first Black president of the American Nurses Association, moved nursing forward in the U.S. and globally. She was a visionary leader, trusted colleague, and loyal friend.
By David Keepnews, PhD, JD, RN, FAAN
Initiative 645 threatens critical programs for Washingtonians
Initiative 645 would do far more than repeal Washington's Millionaires Tax. Its provisions also threaten paid leave, unemployment benefits, long-term care, education, and healthcare.
By Sami Bailey, MPH, Political Advocacy Specialist
Building a worker-focused economy in Washington state
At the state labor convention in Wenatchee, WSNA delegates helped advance a resolution to restore unions’ standing to represent their members in court and shaped debates over healthcare, immigration, and AI at work.
The path to a breakthrough public health contract
King County's 11-step pay scale made a career in public health nursing hard to sustain, until nurses organized and held out to win a contract with 21-steps and much more.
Interview with April Sims on impact of Initiative 645 on working families
Jessica Hauffe, WSNA director of government affairs, sat down with April Sims, president of the Washington State Labor Council, to discuss the impacts to working families if Initiative 645 passes.
When summer becomes a health hazard
Wildfire smoke and extreme heat are raising health risks across Washington, especially for people with chronic conditions or medications affected by heat, dehydration, or poor air quality.
By Megan Kilpatrick, MSN, RN, Education Director
AFT Convention: Fighting for a better life for all
The 2026 AFT convention brought together thousands of union members, including ten WSNA delegates, to strategize and advance priorities for nurses and health professionals nationwide.
Statement
WSNA statement on executive order targeting childhood vaccine schedule
The science supporting the safety and efficacy of immunizations has not changed, and neither has our commitment to protecting the health of our communities.
Statement
Washington State Nurses Association statement on the Spokane wildfires
We encourage everyone across Washington to look out for one another, check in on neighbors and loved ones, and continue following updates from emergency management officials as conditions evolve.
Nursing graduate degrees designated “professional” — for now
A federal judge blocked the implementation of new Department of Education loan caps. MSN, DNP, and DNAP students can currently take out federal loans of up to $50,000 a year, or $200,000 in aggregate.
District Court: State inspectors must be allowed into detention center
“Everyone deserves basic health and safety, and this is a resounding win to protect the people held at the detention center."
Immigrant rights: How you can help protect your patients, families, and communities
With reports of ICE arrests and detentions increasing, immigrants once again are facing greater uncertainty and may be reluctant to seek medical care. Nurses have an important role to play.
ANA Membership Assembly: Legislation, inclusion, action
LPNs can now join ANA, and WSNA helped pass resolution urging the ANA-PAC to strengthen member engagement and promote more visible nonpartisan candidate support.
By Justin Gill, DNP, APRN, RN, FNP-C, President, WSNA
