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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.

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Take Action

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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
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Continuing Education

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Latest News

  1. 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.

    3 minutes to read

    Updated strategic priorities call out ratios legislation, strengthening political presence, and responsible use of AI 

  2. Making your staffing complaint count

    Gloria Brigham, EdD, MN, RN

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

    Every effectively documented complaint helps identify gaps in the current law and strengthens our advocacy for change through the legislative and collective bargaining processes.

    4 minutes to read

    Making your staffing complaint count 

  3. Virginia Mason nurses raise red flags ahead of staffing law implementation

    Press release

    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.

    2 minutes to read

    Virginia Mason nurses raise red flags ahead of staffing law implementation

  4. 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
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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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