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 / Statement
Nurses and health care workers call for action for PPE and hazard pay
Washington State Nurses Association, UFCW 21 and SEIU Healthcare 1199NW today reiterated their call for hazard pay for nurses and frontline health care workers in the face of ongoing shortages of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
I lost visits with my kids because I’m a nurse
Instead of 10 days with my kids, I’m now alone, separated from them indefinitely because a judge agreed with my ex-husband that my job as a nurse puts my kids at risk, and granted an emergency order barring me from seeing my own children.
Gov. Inslee issues memo on workers compensation and proclamation on high-risk workers
On April 10, Gov. Inslee sent a memorandum clarifying how L&I should handle workers compensation claims for COVID-19. On April 13, he issued a proclamation protecting high-risk employees.
Hotel rooms for nurses and health care workers available in Seattle and Bellevue
WSNA is pleased to announce, in partnership with King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, free hotel rooms for nurses and health care workers.
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.
Life as a critical care nurse in the age of COVID-19
We’re doing everything we can. But if we can’t flatten this curve, our entire system will be overwhelmed. And if we can’t get proper PPE to the frontline workers—not just nurses, but everyone from doctors to janitorial staff—who keeps our hospitals running, caregivers will start getting sick and then we’re in real trouble.
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.
COVID-19 Healthy Workplace Survey
WSNA needs more detail about what registered nurses are facing daily on their units and in their facility during this COVID-19 crisis.
Press release / Statement
WSNA statement on firing of Dr. Ming Lin and silencing of nurses and doctors
As the union representing 900 nurses at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, WSNA is appalled by the hospital administration’s response to the very real concerns being raised by frontline caregivers at the hospital.
COVID-19 petition demanding safe working conditions for nurses and health care workers
WSNA, UFCW 21 and SEIU Healthcare 1199NW are coming together to demand our employers and our government provide the resources, support and safe working conditions we need to keep our members safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cloth masks don’t protect nurses
Homemade masks will not meet criteria for the state stockpile and procurement standards – and should not be used by health care providers in lieu of approved PPE.
WSHA PPE checklists for CDC contingency and crisis capacity use of Personal Protective Equipment
These checklists from WSHA simplify directions on how to use PPE when we have a shortage requiring either Contingency or Crisis level intervention.
Press release / Statement
Unions push back on Labor Relations Board’s anti-democracy decision
Labor organizations across Washington State today are expressing outrage in reaction to the National Labor Relations Board (Board) postponing of all union recognition elections until at least April 2.
Health care unions reach agreement with MultiCare
WSNA is working hard with our partners at UFCW21 and SEIU Healthcare 1199NW to keep our members safe. We reached an agreement this weekend with MultiCare that addresses paid time off during COVID-19 as well as floating within and outside of home facilities.
Lessons learned from the front lines: Washington State Nurses Association’s recommendations for other states
Our members have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis in the United States. As we work to manage a public health crisis unlike any of us has ever seen, it is our duty to share the key lessons we are learning on the ground.
Press release
Unions representing nurses and health professionals applaud steps to focus on safety
Unions representing nurses, health professionals, and health care service and maintenance workers today responded to Gov. Inslee’s emergency declaration on health and safety rules.
ANA met with President Trump to discuss coronavirus prevention strategies
Today, ANA Chief Nursing Officer Debbie Hatmaker met with President Donald J. Trump to urge the administration to provide a sufficient supply of appropriate personal protective equipment for nurses and to share the need for creative staffing strategies to sustain the nursing workforce so they can continue to provide care during this pandemic.
Nurses facing abnormally dangerous patient care assignments
You may have to make a decision about accepting an assignment involving abnormally dangerous conditions that pose an imminent risk to your safety and health, and could potentially cause serious injury or death.
State resources for workers who miss work due to COVID-19
We believe that hospitals should provide employees affected by COVID-19 with paid administrative leave but in the absence of those benefits, there are state resources available.
POSTPONED: Nightingale musical due to COVID-19 pandemic
Upcoming performances of "Nightingale: A Musical Regarding the Life & Passion of Miss Florence Nightingale" have been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The shows will be rescheduled later in 2020.
