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.
The WSNA Board of Directors has approved six strategic priorities to guide WSNA’s work over the next two years.
Final approval of the strategic priorities came after an inclusive process to get perspectives and input from a broad range of member leaders including your local unit officers, board, council and committee members.
“We felt that it was important to change our process and receive broad input from member leaders throughout the state,” said WSNA President Justin Gill. “This process gave us insights into what is most important to our members, and what issues they are facing on the ground. It strengthened the strategic planning process and directly influenced the priorities that the Board approved.”
Surveys, with ample space to write in comments, went out to members of WSNA’s Board of Directors, Labor Executive Council, and elected leaders serving on our councils and other leadership bodies.
Safe staffing remains the Board’s top priority, with a stated goal of passing nurse-to-patient ratios legislation. The Board updated other priorities, including one on strengthening our political presence, and added a new priority about advancing the responsible use of AI.
“The 2026–2028 priorities reflect the realities nurses are facing today, from hospitals skirting the 2023 Safe Staffing law to the increasing presence of artificial intelligence in our facilities,” said Edna Cortez, chair of WSNA’s Labor Executive Council.
2026-2028 WSNA Strategic Priorities
Champion Safe Staffing
Advance safe nurse staffing standards by advocating for nurse-to-patient ratio legislation, enforcing accountability under the 2023 Hospital Staffing Law, and strengthening contract language.
Address workplace violence and moral injury associated with chronic understaffing through advocacy, prevention, and employer accountability.
Strengthen Political Presence and Impact
Grow nurses’ political power by involving members in non-partisan election engagement and advocacy on issues that impact the nursing profession such as safe staffing, universal access to care, and protections against corporatization while increasing PAC resources and nurses in public office.
Increase Organizational Vitality & Growth
Foster a culture of transparency and stewardship while optimizing the use of human and financial resources.
Focus on continued membership expansion through organizing, recruitment, and retention while developing leaders with a focus on historically underrepresented groups.
Increase Collaboration with Labor, Nursing, and Health Care Professional Organizations
Strengthen professional partnerships with the labor movement, nursing, and health care professional organizations through strong, practical coalitions to win concrete gains in staffing standards, all person safety, working conditions, and access to care.
Advance a Culture of Inclusivity
Embed principles of equity, antiracism, and inclusion across the association by expanding pathways for diverse leaders, protecting nurses against any form of discrimination, and advocating for diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice within health care.
Advance the Responsible Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nursing
Advance the responsible integration of technology, including artificial intelligence in nursing, by promoting nurse leadership in AI governance, and ensuring AI complements, not replaces, the expertise, critical thinking, and professional judgment of registered nurses.
Promote practical guardrails to protect patients and nursing practice from harm related to the use of technology, including AI. Advocate for technology that is ethical, transparent, accountable, and centered on patient safety, care quality, and equitable care.