Seattle Children’s case managers ratify vote to join the WSNA union

A group of 31 nurses in case management, utilization management, and transitional longitudinal care (TLC) at Seattle Children’s Hospital have voted to join the Washington State Nurses Association, strengthening their collective voice for improved working conditions and professional recognition.

The vote, ratified July 22, marks the first time these specialized teams have come together under a union.

Case managers play a critical role in ensuring patients and families have everything they need after leaving the hospital, from arranging medical equipment to educating parents on administering medication.

Utilization management nurses ensure medical procedures are approved and reimbursed by insurance providers. They provide proof of why a procedure is necessary, charting accuracy, and they make sure everything makes sense before moving ahead.

Meanwhile, TLC nurses handle long-term, hands-on care for patients with chronic or complex conditions.

Growing concerns about their voices being overlooked and structural changes in their department pushed the group toward collective action.

“We want a stronger voice in how our department operates and how decisions are made,” one nurse said, reflecting a sentiment shared by many during the organizing campaign.

With this vote, the case management teams join a growing number of nurses represented by WSNA, which has advocated for fair wages, safe staffing, and nurse-led decision-making since 1908. WSNA now represents 21,000 registered nurses across Washington — a 19.72% increase since March 2023.