'We can't keep doing this'
WSNA nurses share firsthand accounts of understaffing from the front lines.
COVID-19 and Infectious diseases and Nursing practice and Union
Taking on the nurse staffing crisis
The public is becoming increasingly aware of a problem nurses have known about for a long time: the nurse staffing crisis that is dangerously depleting our hospitals. The COVID-19 pandemic has both highlighted and accentuated this crisis.
Standing together for real staffing solutions
WSNA and the other two primary health care unions in Washington state call for a sustainÂable, accountÂable commitÂment to safe staffing in every departÂment of every hospital in the state.
Press release / Statement
Symptomatic health care workers must not be forced to work
We call on employers to clarify their policies, and we call on the state to ensure workers cannot be forced to return while sick, or disciplined for refusing to work while symptomatic with COVID.
Press release
Washington state health care workers call on hospitals to mitigate the staffing crisis
Nurses and other frontline workers are calling on hospitals to use the tools and resources they have available to finally begin mitigating this crisis for workers and patients.
Washington hospitals on the brink of unprecedented crisis
The reality cannot be overstated: Washington hospitals are on the brink of a crisis, and without immediate and impactful action to retain and attract critical workers the state’s health care system could face an unprecedented collapse in capacity and care.
WSNA responds to governor’s COVID-19 vaccination order
Because Governor Inslee has issued this mandate, health care employers – public and private – have to abide by the mandate. However, all employers still have to bargain with WSNA over the effects of the mandate.
Press release / Statement
Union statement on vaccination requirement for health care workers
As unions repreÂsenting nurses and health care workers in Washington state, WSNA, SEIU HealthÂcare 1199NW and UFCW21 support science-based public health direcÂtives on COVID-19 vacciÂnaÂtion requireÂments for frontÂline health care workers, with medical and religious exempÂtions.
Letter from Governor Inslee to hospital administrators: Listen to workers for COVID-19 vaccine rollout
"I strongly encourage you to work closely with the health care workers and their unions in your facilities as you are developing your COVID vaccine distribution and prioritization plan," wrote Governor Jay Inslee in a letter to hospital administrators on Dec. 15.
Press release
Unions praise Governor Inslee for addressing concerns of frontline workers in new proclamation
Representing more than 64,000 nurses and frontline health care workers, the Washington State Nurses Association, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW and UFCW 21 applaud Governor Jay Inslee for listening to and addressing the concerns of our members.
WSNA statement on COVID surge and frontline nurses
Nurses will continue to step up and take care of patients through this pandemic; state health officials and hospitals need to step up and make sure nurses have what they need to stay safe and healthy
Press release
AFT, AFSCME, WSNA, and UNAC/UHCP sue Trump admin for shelving standard that would protect America’s healthcare workers from exposure to infectious diseases
Unions representing 500k+ nurses, health professionals demand Trump’s OSHA stop unconscionable delay and issue workplace protections against COVID-19, influenza, Ebola, and more.
Health care unions statement on COVID-19 outbreak at St. Michael Hospital
The leaders of WSNA and SEIU Healthcare 1199NW today called on state officials to address the serious shortcomings in oversight and transparency that we believe contributed to the severe outbreak of COVID-19 among staff and patients at St. Michael Hospital in Bremerton.
Confronting COVID-19: Nurses on the front lines
Nurses across the state have stepped up and cared for COVID-19 patients under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. From the first chaotic days when guidance and protocols seemed to change on a daily basis, through extreme shortages of PPE and a lack of testing, you have served, and you have cared.
WSNA calls for reopening of UWMC inpatient psych unit
The University of Washington Medical Center has shut down the in-patient psychiatric unit, without committing to a timeline to reopen it. At a time when the coronavirus pandemic is raising concerns about the psychological well-being of so many of our residents, the UW is denying needed care by shutting down this unit.
Press release
WSNA statement on Governor’s proclamation reopening non-urgent medical and dental procedures
"WSNA is pleased to see the thoughtful, collaborative, data-driven proclamation on the safe restart of health care surgeries and procedures issued by Governor Jay Inslee today," said Sally Watkins, WSNA executive director.
Coalition of UW employees holds Unity Break for staff safety
This afternoon, a coalition of UW employees held a Unity Break to show the UW that workers stand strong and united against the UW’s lack of commitment to the safety of their staff.
Major win to prohibit use of carcinogen for PPE sterilization
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries today issued a Hazard Alert prohibiting the use of ethylene oxide for cleaning of face masks, including N95s. This alert is a result of WSNA’s efforts to raise the alarms and advocate for the safety of our members.
A message from WSNA President Lynnette Vehrs
"Know that WSNA is fighting for your safety and your needs through the coronavirus pandemic—with federal and state partners, public health, and employers," says WSNA President Lynnette Vehrs.
WSNA calls for PPE solution before elective procedures restart
As hospitals nationwide develop plans to reopen elective surgeries and other procedures suspended during the COVID-19 crisis, it is essential to resolve the problem of inadequate Personal Protective Equipment first.
Press release
Unions demand hazard pay for health care workers
Frontline health care workers are putting their lives on the line to save the lives of others. In view of these extraordinary circumstances, WSNA, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW and UFCW 21 issued a joint statement demanding hazard pay for health care workers as they face this pandemic.
Press release / Statement
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, nurses and healthcare workers call on Trump administration to drive coordinated, transparent response to protect healthcare workers, patients and communities
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and frontline healthcare workers from SEIU 775, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, UFCW 21 and WSNA today called on the Trump administration to show the leadership the country needed since before this crisis began, and ensure all healthcare workers have the personal protective equipment they need to safely care for their patients and elderly clients.
Now is the time to speak up, because #SilenceKills
"As nurses and health care providers, we should not be expected to face this pandemic without PPE," says Adam Halvorsen, a registered nurse in Washington state and WSNA board member. "Now is the time to speak up, because #SilenceKills."
WSNA demands transparency in COVID-19 response
Nurses, health care workers, and first responders need the right tools to defeat this pandemic—including accurate, transparent information about PPE and testing as well as clear direction on appropriate leave when sick and accommodation for vulnerable workers.
