WSNA offers many opportunities for members to get involved in considering issues, making decisions and representing the work of the association.
October 5, 2020
WSNA offers many opportunities for members to get involved in considering issues, making decisions and representing the work of the association. You are WSNA, and volunteer, elected leaders like you are essential to keeping members’ voices at the forefront.
At this time, the WSNA and Economic and General Welfare search committees are seeking nominations for elected offices. Descriptions of available offices appear below. Except as noted, terms for all offices are two years. For more information about each position, refer to the WSNA Handbook for Cabinet, Council and Committee members (PDF).
All members in good standing are eligible for office; however, only those members represented for collective bargaining by WSNA and who meet the WSNA Bylaws definition of Staff Nurse may be candidates for the Cabinet on Economic and General Welfare, the Economic and General Welfare Nominating/Search Committee, or Delegates and Alternates to the 2022 AFT Convention.
Nominate yourself by filling out a “Consent to Serve” form. Note that the Consent to Serve form also includes the opportunity to express interest in appointed positions.
The Consent to Serve form is available online. You may complete the form electronically, or you may download and print it. Send completed printed forms by mail to: Washington State Nurses Association, 575 Andover Park West, Suite 101, Seattle, WA, 98188.
The deadline for receipt of nominations for printing the spring issue of The Washington Nurse magazine, where we will introduce the candidates, is Jan. 31, 2021. If you wish to be included in the issue, please be sure to include a short candidate statement when completing the Consent to Serve form.
Members who want to self-declare their candidacy for an elected office, or express interest in appointed positions, may do so by submitting a Consent to Serve form by 5 p.m. on April 28, 2021 (the day of General Assembly) or by being nominated from the floor at the General Assembly. However, these nominations will not be printed in the Spring 2021 issue of The Washington Nurse due to advance time required for printing.
The names of all candidates, regardless of time and method of nomination, will appear on the mailed election ballot, to be sent out following the April 28, 2021 General Assembly. Additionally, write-in candidates are allowed.
Board members are elected to represent the membership of the WSNA. Board members have the legal, ethical and fiduciary responsibility for all Association activities and act as trustees of the organization on behalf of all Association members.
Three to four one-day meetings per year; may also be appointed to other work groups such as the WSNF board of trustees, etc.
11 members
Note: the chairs of the Cabinet on Economic and General Welfare, Legislative and Health Policy Council, and Professional Nursing and Health Care Council are elected separately and also serve as full members of the WSNA Board of Directors by virtue of their offices.
Nominations / Search Committee members request nominations for office and review all completed Consent to Serve forms. They prepare the slate of qualified candidates and recommend chairpersons and members for special committees.
Two to three one-day meetings per biennium (every other year).
Six members (four elected, two appointed)
The PNHCC forecasts trends, promotes continuing education programs, addresses issues on nursing practice, collaborates with other nursing and specialty organizations, and develops resources on issues relating to nursing practice, education, human rights and access to health care.
Three one-day meetings per year; some committee work outside of meetings is also typical.
11 members (seven elected, four appointed)
Council members serve in a politically nonpartisan capacity to recommend a state legislative agenda to the WSNA Board of Directors; review proposed legislation and recommend responses; educate and assist the WSNA membership in understanding WSNA’s legislative priorities; and assist in providing information to legislators and the public.
Three one-day meetings per year, with the addition of Advocacy Camp and Nurse Legislative Day; weekly phone conference calls while the Washington State Legislature is in session (usually Jan. through March or April).
Seven members (four elected, three appointed)
13 delegates (one is the President; others elected)
Offices for the following three bodies are restricted to members represented by WSNA for collective bargaining.
Cabinet on Economic and General Welfare (E&GW)
The Cabinet sets priorities for WSNA labor relations functions and activities and is charged with developing and reviewing policies and procedures for the conduct of the E&GW program and collective bargaining. The Cabinet also establishes standards and rules for Local Units.
Four to six one-day meetings and six to eight conference calls per year; additional work outside of meetings.
10 members
Economic and General Welfare Nominating / Search Committee
Researches and requests names of candidates and prepares slate for election to Cabinet and Nominating / Search Committee, and delegates and alternates to the governing body of any national or international labor organization with which WSNA is affiliated.
Two to three one-day meetings per biennium.
Three members
2020 AFT Convention
Delegates must be members in good standing of WSNA and AFT. Delegates attend and participate in AFT’s four-day convention. All expenses are paid by WSNA.
The WSNA Board of Directors has added new appointed positions this year. If you’re looking for additional ways to serve, please indicate your interest for the below positions on the Consent to Serve Form.
Washington Center for Nursing (WCN) Staff RN Board position
The WCN is a nonprofit, statewide nursing organization that addresses nursing shortages and builds a robust and diverse nursing workforce to support a healthier Washington. The Board meets quarterly, at minimum, in addition to an offsite strategic planning session. Board members are encouraged to participate on various committees or subcommittees.
Community and Long-Term Care Committee
The Community and Long-Term Care Committee identifies and addresses issues of importance to nurses working in community and long-term care settings; increases awareness within WSNA and the broader nursing community about viable employment opportunities in these settings; and strengthens transitional care processes between these settings and acute care.
Three one-day meetings per year; additional work outside of meetings.
Seven members (including one Chair)
