ANA, AFT pass resolutions on racial justice
The American Nurses Association and the American Federation of Teachers both passed resolutions last week calling for racial justice and action to combat racism.
News
WSNA calls for re-opening of inpatient psychiatric ward at UW Medical Center
Now is no time to make it harder for those in psychiatric distress to get the care they need, or to disrupt the lives of the nurses who dedicate themselves to serving these patients.
Racism is a public health emergency
A letter from Lynnette Vehrs, MN, RN, WSNA President, and Julia Barcott, RN, Chair of the WSNA Cabinet on Economic and General Welfare.
Congratulations to 2020 Nurses of Influence Banquet Awardees
WSNA congratulates the 2020 Nurses of Influence Banquet Awardees, including five WSNA members. The awards are given by the University of Washington School of Nursing to outstanding graduates and other exceptional individuals in the greater nursing community.
WSNA statement calling for an end to systemic racism, racial violence and police brutality
WSNA stands in solidarity with all those who are calling for an end to systemic racism, racial violence and police brutality. We also are calling on our profession to look hard at the many ways racism manifests itself in our health care system and in patient care. We must do better.
WSNA calls for reopening of UWMC inpatient psych unit
The University of Washington Medical Center has shut down the in-patient psychiatric unit, without committing to a timeline to reopen it. At a time when the coronavirus pandemic is raising concerns about the psychological well-being of so many of our residents, the UW is denying needed care by shutting down this unit.
WSNA statement on Governor’s proclamation reopening non-urgent medical and dental procedures
"WSNA is pleased to see the thoughtful, collaborative, data-driven proclamation on the safe restart of health care surgeries and procedures issued by Governor Jay Inslee today," said Sally Watkins, WSNA executive director.
Coalition of UW employees holds Unity Break for staff safety
This afternoon, a coalition of UW employees held a Unity Break to show the UW that workers stand strong and united against the UW’s lack of commitment to the safety of their staff.
Recognizing YOU during National Nurses Month
Today, we face an unprecedented crisis as the COVID-19 pandemic tests every part of our society and culture. Nurses like you have risen to the moment. Now more than ever it’s easy to see just how much of a difference nurses make.
Governor Jay Inslee proclaims May as Nurses Month in Washington state
Thank you, Governor Jay Inslee for recognizing May 2020 as Nurse Month."I encourage all people in our state to join me in honoring the nurses of Washington, especially recognizing the critical and live-saving role that registered nurses have filled around our state, country, and world through the current coronavirus pandemic.
Major win to prohibit use of carcinogen for PPE sterilization
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries today issued a Hazard Alert prohibiting the use of ethylene oxide for cleaning of face masks, including N95s. This alert is a result of WSNA’s efforts to raise the alarms and advocate for the safety of our members.
A message from WSNA President Lynnette Vehrs
"Know that WSNA is fighting for your safety and your needs through the coronavirus pandemic—with federal and state partners, public health, and employers," says WSNA President Lynnette Vehrs.
WSNA calls for PPE solution before elective procedures restart
As hospitals nationwide develop plans to reopen elective surgeries and other procedures suspended during the COVID-19 crisis, it is essential to resolve the problem of inadequate Personal Protective Equipment first.
I lost visits with my kids because I’m a nurse
Instead of 10 days with my kids, I’m now alone, separated from them indefinitely because a judge agreed with my ex-husband that my job as a nurse puts my kids at risk, and granted an emergency order barring me from seeing my own children.
Gov. Inslee issues memo on workers compensation and proclamation on high-risk workers
On April 10, Gov. Inslee sent a memorandum clarifying how L&I should handle workers compensation claims for COVID-19. On April 13, he issued a proclamation protecting high-risk employees.
Hotel rooms for nurses and health care workers available in Seattle and Bellevue
WSNA is pleased to announce, in partnership with King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, free hotel rooms for nurses and health care workers.
Unions demand hazard pay for health care workers
Frontline health care workers are putting their lives on the line to save the lives of others. In view of these extraordinary circumstances, WSNA, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW and UFCW 21 issued a joint statement demanding hazard pay for health care workers as they face this pandemic.
Life as a critical care nurse in the age of COVID-19
We’re doing everything we can. But if we can’t flatten this curve, our entire system will be overwhelmed. And if we can’t get proper PPE to the frontline workers—not just nurses, but everyone from doctors to janitorial staff—who keeps our hospitals running, caregivers will start getting sick and then we’re in real trouble.
Now is the time to speak up, because #SilenceKills
"As nurses and health care providers, we should not be expected to face this pandemic without PPE," says Adam Halvorsen, a registered nurse in Washington state and WSNA board member. "Now is the time to speak up, because #SilenceKills."
WSNA demands transparency in COVID-19 response
Nurses, health care workers, and first responders need the right tools to defeat this pandemic—including accurate, transparent information about PPE and testing as well as clear direction on appropriate leave when sick and accommodation for vulnerable workers.
COVID-19 Healthy Workplace Survey
WSNA needs more detail about what registered nurses are facing daily on their units and in their facility during this COVID-19 crisis.
WSNA statement on firing of Dr. Ming Lin and silencing of nurses and doctors
As the union representing 900 nurses at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, WSNA is appalled by the hospital administration’s response to the very real concerns being raised by frontline caregivers at the hospital.
COVID-19 petition demanding safe working conditions for nurses and health care workers
WSNA, UFCW 21 and SEIU Healthcare 1199NW are coming together to demand our employers and our government provide the resources, support and safe working conditions we need to keep our members safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cloth masks don’t protect nurses
Homemade masks will not meet criteria for the state stockpile and procurement standards – and should not be used by health care providers in lieu of approved PPE.