WSNA welcomes Gerard Friesz as executive director
As director of operations and labor advisor at WSNA, Friesz has worked to help turn vision into action.
News
Take survey on the use of AI in the workplace
We encourage you to take this survey from Washington State Labor Council, UW Harry Bridges Center, and Coalition for Black Trade Unionists (Puget Sound). The survey seeks to better understand labor leaders’ and workers’ experiences with and perspectives on AI.
WA joins lawsuit over student loan limits on graduate nursing programs
A coalition of 24 states challenge Department of Education’s final rule limiting access to student loans for nursing and other post-baccalaureate degrees
Statement
WSNA statement on Children’s Hospital helicopter restrictions
WSNA supports efforts to ensure that all children in need of immediate care will receive it without undue restriction or second-guessing.
Happy Nurses Week!
We hope you’ll enjoy this short video honoring all of you for showing up for your patients, for your profession, and for each other.
Statement
WSNA supports state’s lawsuit to allow health inspections at NW ICE center
For nurses, this moment is not only about legal authority—it is about human dignity, ethical responsibility, and the protection of fundamental human rights.
Nurses tackle health in a changing climate
Virtual book launch on Earth Day for 'Taking Action: Top 10 Priorities for Nurses to Protect Health in a Changing Climate'
PeaceHealth barred from threatening to take healthcare from striking workers
WSNA filed a charge of unfair labor practice and won. This win protects all employees in the health system, union represented or not.
By Ruth Schubert, APR, Director of Marketing and Communications
An insider’s guide to this year’s legislative session
WSNA’s Director of Government Affairs Jessica Hauffe offers her look at the successes and big challenges ahead. Spoiler alert: 2027 could be rough.
By Bobbi Nodell, Marketing and Communications Manager
Washington joins World Health Organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network
Washington State Gov. Bob Ferguson made the announcement on April 1 and said the network strengthens Washington’s preparedness for emerging threats and future pandemics.
Raising money for nursing scholarships!
The Washington State Nurses Foundation raised $4,450 at the Hall of Fame Gala and is participating in GiveBIG May 5. All donations go directly to nursing scholarships.
Transforming communities
Our five Hall of Fame winners remind us of the power of nursing to transform communities. In this short video, we get a window into their achievements and snippets from their acceptance speeches.
Press release
WSNA appoints Gerard Friesz as new Executive Director
Friesz, whose appointment begins May 1, will succeed David Keepnews, who is retiring.
Honoring the 2026 Hall of Fame inductees
These exceptional nurses were inducted into the Washington State Nurses Hall of Fame on March 19, 2026.
Justin Gill stands up for science
"Nurses rely on science and evidence to guide our decisions. We advocate for our patients, and we will continue to protect them from harmful policy decisions."
Q&A with Edna Cortez, chair of the WSNA Labor Executive Council
“I will stand behind you, in front of you, or carry you on my shoulders to help guide you and to help give you strength.“
Q&A with Justin Gill, WSNA president
"If there was ever a moment to get involved, it’s now."
Julia Barcott at Seattle Women's March
"Together we are unstoppable."
Saying goodbye to Moxi, the AI-powered robot
The robot is survived by human nurses in comfortable shoes.
By Bobbi Nodell, Marketing and Communications Manager
Sorry AI, you can’t call yourself a nurse
Washington State Legislature passes bill to restrict nursing titles to licensed human professionals.
By Bobbi Nodell, Marketing and Communications Manager
Tacoma General per diem nurses join WSNA
A unit of more than 100 per diem nurses voted overwhelmingly in favor of joining the union.
Top 10 reasons to attend WSNA’s Union Leadership Conference
When nurses lead, workplaces change.
Stronger together: WSNA annual report
In a year that tested the healthcare system and the profession alike, WSNA members met the moment – organizing, advocating, and shaping the future of nursing in Washington.
Week 8 in Olympia: Worker protections bill passes, title protection signed by Gov and more
In this week’s update – an overall recap of the week, updates on each of WSNA’s four legislative priorities this year, other bills we’re watching, and more.
