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Safe staffing
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Safe nurse staffing

Ensuring safe nurse staffing is a top priority for WSNA.
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We know, and research confirms, that inadequate nurse staffing leads to medical errors, poorer patient outcomes, nurse burnout and injuries to nurses.

Our approach to improving nurse staffing is multifaceted, encompassing legislation and policy, staffing committee tools, education and the latest research.

Key Resources

Nursing Practice Staffing committee resources Discover essential tools and resources designed to empower hospital staffing committees in implementing the 2023 safe staffing law. Read more
News Stories Responses to commonly asked questions on the 2023 staffing law WSNA will educate our members and staff on the new staffing law. We will also be working with our coalition partners to provide joint education through the Washington Safe+Healthy coalition. Read more
Nursing Practice Staffing law The 2023 staffing law significantly advances safer nurse staffing standards across Washington state. Read more
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Legislation and Policy

2023 staffing law

In 2023, WSNA worked closely with our partners in the WA Safe + Healthy Coalition to help pass a more effective safe staffing bill, SB 5236.

About the law
Committee resources
Table of contents

Continuing Education

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Latest News

  1. WSNA position on staffing

    Gloria Brigham, EdD, MN, RN

    By Gloria Brigham, EdD, MN, RN, Director of Nursing Practice

    WSNA supports full implementation and enforcement of Washington’s hospital staffing laws and adherence to approved staffing plan requirements for the entirety of each shift.

    1 minute to read

    WSNA position on staffing

  2. Nurses afraid overcrowding, understaffing at Mary Bridge NICU could lead to missed care

    Press release

    MultiCare can and must do more to improve staffing levels immediately

    2 minutes to read

    Nurses afraid overcrowding, understaffing at Mary Bridge NICU could lead to missed care

  3. Small, rural hospitals must start reporting meal, rest break compliance July 1

    Gloria Brigham, EdD, MN, RN

    By Gloria Brigham, EdD, MN, RN, Director of Nursing Practice

    Civil penalties begin for large hospitals whose compliance rates fall below 80%.

    1 minute to read

    Small, rural hospitals must start reporting meal, rest break compliance July 1

  4. Staffing plan noncompliance? How to file an effective staffing complaint

    Gloria Brigham, EdD, MN, RN

    By Gloria Brigham, EdD, MN, RN, Director of Nursing Practice

    This article explains the complaint process and essential complaint details in accordance with the staffing law.

    2 minutes to read

    Staffing plan noncompliance? How to file an effective staffing complaint
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Media Coverage

Union warns of under-staffing in infant critical care unit at Tacoma Mary Bridge

June 24
Tacoma News Tribune

Kadlec nurses hold informational picket over safety concerns, contract negotiations

Jan. 26
KVEW TV

More Mary Bridge providers unionize. Nurses plan Tacoma picket in separate action

Jan. 20
Tacoma News Tribune
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The leading voice and advocate for nurses in Washington

WSNA provides representation, education and resources that allow nurses to reach their full professional potential and focus on caring for patients. WSNA has represented nurses in our state since 1908, leveraging our collective voice to successfully advocate with employers, state agencies and the state Legislature for better working conditions, safe staffing, fair compensation and patient safety. For more than 110 years, WSNA has championed issues that support nurses, advance professional standards and improve the health of individuals and families in Washington.

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