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.
Make your voice heard this November
Decisions made at the ballot box affect nurses, our patients, and the future of healthcare. Make sure your voice is heard by voting early.
Primary election outcomes and shaping the future of policy in Olympia
WSNA will continue to work with legislators from both parties to pass legislation that improves the working lives of nurses and outcomes for patients.
By Sami Bailey, MPH, Political Advocacy Specialist and Jessica Hauffe, Director of Government Affairs
In Memoriam: Kathi Landon
Kathi was a quintessential nurse rep, unfailingly supportive colleague, and a positive presence in every room she entered.
Thank you for helping your fellow WSNA members
The WSNF Nurses Emergency Assistance Grant Fund has issued nearly 100 grants to members who lost their homes or were forced to evacuate due to the Spokane Complex wildfires.
Initiative 645 threatens critical programs for Washingtonians
Initiative 645 would do far more than repeal Washington's Millionaires Tax. Its provisions also threaten paid leave, unemployment benefits, long-term care, education, and healthcare.
By Sami Bailey, MPH, Political Advocacy Specialist
Interview with April Sims on impact of Initiative 645 on working families
Jessica Hauffe, WSNA director of government affairs, sat down with April Sims, president of the Washington State Labor Council, to discuss the impacts to working families if Initiative 645 passes.
Statement
Washington State Nurses Association statement on the Spokane wildfires
We encourage everyone across Washington to look out for one another, check in on neighbors and loved ones, and continue following updates from emergency management officials as conditions evolve.
Nursing graduate degrees designated “professional” — for now
A federal judge blocked the implementation of new Department of Education loan caps. MSN, DNP, and DNAP students can currently take out federal loans of up to $50,000 a year, or $200,000 in aggregate.
ANA Membership Assembly: Legislation, inclusion, action
LPNs can now join ANA, and WSNA helped pass resolution urging the ANA-PAC to strengthen member engagement and promote more visible nonpartisan candidate support.
By Justin Gill, DNP, APRN, RN, FNP-C, President, WSNA
Stronger together: Photos and video from Seattle Pride
Thank you for standing up for dignity, safety, respect, and belonging!
WSNA PAC endorsements for 2026 elections
The WSNA PAC endorses candidates for state office who prioritize nursing, patient safety, healthcare and labor issues.
Farewell letter from David Keepnews
I’m deeply grateful to every one of our members for all that you do. Even those who don’t think of yourselves as active members—you are WSNA.
By David Keepnews, PhD, JD, RN, FAAN
Press release
Nurses afraid overcrowding, understaffing at Mary Bridge NICU could lead to missed care
MultiCare can and must do more to improve staffing levels immediately
WSNA PAC interviews dozens of state candidates for endorsement in 2026
The primary election is Aug. 4, and the general election is Nov. 3. An endorsement by nurses goes a long way with voters. Find out how your legislator voted on nursing issues and see the running list of WSNA PAC endorsements.
By Jessica Hauffe, Director of Government Affairs
Lessons learned from the AI summit
WSNA President Justin Gill was a panelist at the Northwest Summit to Reimagine AI in Nursing and Health Care (RAIN), held at the University of Washington on May 15. Here are his Top 5 takeaways.
By Justin Gill, DNP, APRN, RN, FNP-C, President, WSNA
Statement
WSNA responds to sexual assault of a patient at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham
Nurses repeatedly raised concerns about patients without appropriate long-term behavioral health resources.
Statement
WSNA statement on tragic industrial accident in Longview, WA
We send heartfelt support to all those who have been affected by this accident.
WSNA 2026 Leadership Conference Award recipients
Outstanding leaders whose passion, courage, and commitment are making a difference across Washington were honored at WSNA’s Union Leadership Conference, held in Wenatchee April 26-28.
New items in the WSNA store
We’ve added a dad hat, trucker hat, “Union Strong Nurse” T-shirt, polo shirt and Pride T-shirt.
Press release
Nurses at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup to picket May 27 over staffing, racial justice concerns
Nurses say MultiCare proposes to eliminate previously won staffing protections; use of phrase “colored nurses” sparks outrage
Firsthand accounts of WSNA labor history
A Western Union telegram reading “Give them hell,” a threat of mass resignations in 1967, and a near strike in 1971 are lived history shared by former WSNA Executive Director Judy Huntington.
By Bobbi Nodell, Marketing and Communications Manager
Statement
WSNA statement in support of lawsuit against Providence
We wholeheartedly support this effort to make Providence, the largest healthcare provider in Washington state, do its legal and moral duty to support pregnant workers and their babies.
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.
