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Step Up and Get Involved

We’re building a strong team of leaders—and it takes all of us to make it happen. Right now, we especially need someone to attend new employee orientation every other Monday for about an hour. It’s a small commitment, but a powerful way to welcome new nurses and strengthen our union.

If you’re interested in getting more involved in union leadership, connect with a local officer or Nurse Rep Jaclyn at jsmedley@wsna.org today! The level of commitment you can give is up to you. All are welcome!

📝 ADOs – Document Unsafe Conditions

Assignment Despite Objection (ADO) forms are one of our most effective tools. If you find yourself in a situation that creates unsafe conditions for patients or staff, complete a Staffing Complaint/ADO Form as soon as possible.

Why file?

• Makes the problem known to management and creates opportunities for resolution.

• Documents facts that may help protect you if there’s a negative outcome.

• Helps WSNA track problems across the facility, identify patterns, and push for solutions through your staffing and conference committees.

Examples of when to file:

• Short staffed? File an ADO.

• Patient acuity too high? File an ADO.

• Broken scanner? File an ADO.

➡️ Staffing-related ADOs must be addressed by the Hospital Staffing Committee within 90 days.

➡️ ADOs related to safety, security, or equipment issues go directly to leadership.

⚠️ It is illegal for management to retaliate against you for filing. If you face intimidation or retaliation, contact an officer or Nurse Rep Jaclyn immediately at jsmedley@wsna.org.

👉 Bookmark and launch the online ADO form here

🍴 Meals and Rest Breaks

Last week, the Department of Labor & Industries reaffirmed our rights to meal and rest breaks. Every nurse should know:

• A rest break should occur for every 4 hours worked.

• A meal break should occur for every 5 hours worked.

• Second meal break may be waived, but you can revoke the waiver anytime—even mid-shift. It’s up to you!

• Breaks must be uninterrupted (unless there is a rare, unforeseeable, emergency)

• Employers cannot coerce you into waiving breaks, it’s your choice to waive or not to waive.

• Employers must report break compliance to L&I quarterly.

• Missed meal or rest breaks = paid time.

At Skagit, “break buddies” also violates the staffing plans. Safe breaks are your legal right and a contractual right.

Our ask for you:

1. Report every missed break. Logging them ensures accountability and payment.

2. Speak with staffing committee members about why breaks are missed on your unit.

3. If management won’t fix ongoing issues, a complaint may need to be filed with DOH. (DOH complaint form here)

Reporting breaks correctly isn’t just important—it’s critical. The data you provide now will shape staffing standards for years to come.

Our strength comes from standing together. Every ADO filed and every break logged builds our case for safe staffing and fair working conditions.

👉 View the recently ratified MOU on breaks and waivers here

🎓 Free WSNA Online Courses

Enhance your professional competency and earn CNE contact hours with WSNA’s free online, self-paced courses. Topics include:

• Cultural Humility

• Telehealth Assessment

• Workplace Violence Prevention

• …and more.

Expand your skills and stay current with nursing best practices.

👉 Visit cne.wsna.org today!

👕 WSNA Gear is HERE!

Express your unity, strength, and professional pride with new WSNA Gear. Our online store was created by member request—now you can show your support for nurses and your union anytime.

👉 Shop WSNA Gear here

Have other questions or concerns? We are here for you! Contact a local unit officer or Nurse Rep by using the contact information in the bar at the top of this page.