Jun 5, 2020
Racism is a public health emergency
A letter from Lynnette Vehrs, MN, RN, WSNA President, and Julia Barcott, RN, Chair of the WSNA Cabinet on Economic and General Welfare.
COVID-19 #
As Washington state confront the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, WSNA is working around the clock to advocate for your safety at all levels – with federal leaders and partners, with the Governor, state and local health officials, and directly with health care facilities.
We’re doing our best to keep this page updated on an ongoing basis. You’ll find answers to some top questions as well as links to key sources of the most up-to-date information.
Frequently asked questions #
Personal protective equipment (PPE) #
- Should the general public wear facemasks?
- What is the CDC recommendation for cleaning a facemask?
- What is the time period that the air inside an examination room (occupied by a patient with confirmed or suspected COVID-19) remains potentially infectious?
- What is the best way to clean my disposable N‑95 mask?
- Are there FDA-approved methods to clean N‑95 facemasks?
- Do cloth masks offer any protection? Since there are no surgical facemasks available, should I wear a cloth mask?
- Should I wear a homemade mask over my mask (e.g., surgical facemask or N‑95 respirator) to keep it clean?
- When will Washington state get more supplies/what is the status of getting supplies from the National Stockpile?
- There is a severe shortage of personal protective equipment. Organizations are using a variety of strategies to preserve PPE. What are the CDC recommendations?
- Can PAPRs be cleaned without eventually destroying their integrity?
Assignments #
- Can an employer force a nurse to work on a designated“COVID-19” floor? Management is denying us masks saying they are not needed when we have to take care of symptomatic patients, what are my rights?
- When can I refuse an assignment based on personal health circumstance (pregnant, auto immune disorder, etc.)?
- What will happen now that my hospital is closing units and stopping elective surgeries?
Staffing #
Benefits/Low Census #
Illness #
If I am sick with a high fever and my employer tells me I have to go into work, what should I do?
Other
#
If I have a COVID related complaint, how do I go about having my voice heard?
Resources #
General resources #
Healthcare Provider Recommendations/Resources | WA DOH | |
2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak | WA DOH | https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus |
Corona Virus Response | WA State | |
Information for Healthcare Professionals | CDC | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/index.html |
Coronavirus Technical Guidance | WHO | |
Coronavirus Disease | ANA | |
Resources on Coronavirus | AFT | |
HEAL-WA Literature Search Engine | WA RN Library | |
HCP: Current Medical Information | WA RN Library | Dynamed.com; Assistance available: Kathryn.lebo@wsu.edu. |
The DOH has established a call center to address questions from the public. If you have questions about what is happening in Washington state, how the virus is spread, and what to do if you have symptoms, please call the DOH at 1−800−525−0127 and press #.
The Washington State Department of Health is recruiting volunteer health practitioners #
The time is now for nurses to do what we do. We get involved. We don’t sit on the sidelines while our communities suffer. We get things done. This pandemic will not subside without the dedication and effort of our nation’s nurses.
Updates #
May 27, 2020
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.
May 18, 2020
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.
May 15, 2020
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.
May 1, 2020
Governor Jay Inslee proclaims May as Nurses Month in Washington state
Thank you, Governor Jay Inslee for recognizing May 2020 as Nurse Month."I encourage all people in our state to join me in honoring the nurses of Washington, especially recognizing the critical and live-saving role that registered nurses have filled around our state, country, and world through the current coronavirus pandemic.
Apr 29, 2020
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.
Apr 24, 2020
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.
Apr 22, 2020
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.
Apr 15, 2020
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.
Apr 13, 2020
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.
Apr 10, 2020
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.
Apr 8, 2020
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.