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.
Press release
Virginia Mason nurses raise red flags ahead of staffing law implementation
Nurses cite Virginia Mason’s failure to meet minimum staffing standards set out in state law, while also cutting support positions required under the hospital’s staffing plan and expecting nurses to fill in.
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.
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.
Stronger together: Photos and video from Seattle Pride
Thank you for standing up for dignity, safety, respect, and belonging!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.“
