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Safe nurse staffing

Ensuring safe nurse staffing is a top priority for WSNA. #

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.

Legislation and policy #

We work with the Washington State Legislature, regulatory agencies and the Governor’s Office to advance stronger laws and policies on safe nurse staffing.


We're currently working on:

During the 2022 Regular Session, which runs Jan. 10 to March 10, our allies in Olympia introduced bipartisan safe staffing legislation in the House (HB 1868) and Senate (SB 5751) that would protect health care workers, improve care for patients and begin to address the staffing crisis.

As we watch these two bills progress in their chambers, legislators need to hear from you about what nurses need to stay on the job. Contact your state lawmakers to show your support.


Past achievements include:

The 2017 Staffing Transparency and Accountability Act, which amends the 2008 staffing law to hold hospitals accountable for nurse staffing plans the work of the staffing committee.

Research #

Research consistently confirms that safe nurse staffing is critical to quality of care and patient safety.

We’ve compiled the most significant research supporting safe staffing that you can use to make the case for safe staffing in your hospital and with policymakers.

Explore research

Resources #

Staffing committees only work well when nurses get involved and understand their role and responsibilities.


Get information and work samples to help registered nurses serving on staffing committees.

Explore tookit


WSNA Lobby Day 2023

WSNA nurses from across the state visited Olympia on Feb. 2 to advocate for their profession and fight for safe staffing standards.







WSNA staff contacts