After a successful campaign and subsequent negotiations with administration, your WSNA bargaining team of registered nurses is ready to take this MOU to include the Evergreen Cardiovascular Imaging Center RNs in the Collective Bargaining Agreement to a vote by the membership. There will be three voting sessions on this same day in an effort to ensure the most RNs possible can participate:

When: Tuesday, August 27
Where: Red Auditorium (Red 1 – 551)
Voting Times:
6:30 - 8 a.m.
2:30 - 4 p.m.
6:30 - 8 p.m.

We are proud to have these RNs become members of WSNA and stand side by side with their RN colleagues for improved wages, hours and working conditions.

Your bargaining team recommends a yes vote.

Congratulations and welcome Evergreen Cardiovascular Imaging Center (ECIC) RNs!

Questions? Contact WSNA Nurse Representative Ed Zercher at ezercher@wsna.org or 206-575-7979, ext. 3022.

Your WSNA bargaining team of registered nurses spent all day on Wednesday, August 7, with Evergreen administrators and management bargaining the inclusion of the CVIC RNs into the WSNA bargaining unit.

We were able to reach a Tentative Agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the terms of their addition to the bargaining unit.

These RNs will be receiving a number of benefits immediately upon a "Yes " vote by the membership. This MOU represents a group that is a mere 3 RNs currently, but is still subject to a vote of the entire membership.

A summary of the terms of this agreement will be available on the WSNA website starting Wednesday August 14. We will be conducting a vote of the entire membership on Tuesday August 27, so stay tuned for time and location.

We are proud to have these RNs become members of WSNA and stand side by side with their RN colleagues for improved wages, hours and working conditions.

In Unity,

Your WSNA Bargaining Team members:

Clarise Mahler RN, ICU
Holly Baker RN, E.D.
Ed Zercher RN, WSNA Nurse Representative
David Campbell WSNA Special Counsel

Questions? Contact WSNA Nurse Representative Ed Zercher at 206-575-7979, ext. 3022 or ezercher@wsna.org.

As part of our negotiated contract agreement, all RNs working at EvergreenHealth on the date of ratification (June 20, 2019) will be entitled to a Ratification Pay bonus equal to 3% of their total income earned between January 1, 2019 and June 29, 2019. This pay is slated to show up on your August 2 paycheck. This delay is due to the amount of calculations required to determine each payout and the ability to get this on to the next pay check cycle. Thanks for your patience!

This bonus was the result of a long-fought battle with management over money your team felt strongly all registered nurses were entitled to as a result of our drawn-out negotiations.

It is also important to note that you will be receiving a 3% raise increase as of June 30, 2019. This too will be reflected in the first full pay period following this date. For questions or concerns about this raise and how it impacts your wages, please contact WSNA Nurse Representative Ed Zercher at ezercher@wsna.org

In the wake of new laws that bolster hospital staffing committees around the state, WSNA is working hard to make a difference at EvergreenHealth. Your team will soon consist of representatives from all of the units around the hospital. All representatives must be WSNA members in good standing.

Look for Nomination forms to be sent out over the next several weeks that allow you to nominate yourself or a colleague. The goal of this committee is to review staffing ratios around the house, make recommendations to the CEO for acceptance or change, and review all staffing complaint forms to ensure that the employer is committed to resolving these rather than just categorizing each one as an anomaly.

This is a two-hour montly meeting that is paid time for all RNs in attendance.

Once we have a full compliment of nominations from all the units, the WSNA LU leadership will elect an RN from each unit.

Be on the lookout for a nomination form coming soon.

Get involved today and make a difference!

For RNs working in EvergreenHealth Home Health and Hospice, you are likely familiar with the RWAs.

RWA stands for “Reduced Work Assignment” form that allows an RN working beyond their regular shift on any given day, to request those hours be credited as time off on another day. The employer has two weeks to arrange the time off before having to pay that time worked beyond the regularly scheduled shift at overtime rate of pay (time plus one half).

This RWA form is now available to both Part Time and Full Time RNs working in Home Health and Hospice.

It is important to fill out an RWA request every time that you work additional hours beyond your regularly scheduled shift on any given day. Failing to do so will only pay you those hours as straight time worked. It is vital to fill out an RWA and an ADO (this is the WSNA form titled Assignment Despite Objection/Staffing Complaint Form) every time you miss a break, miss a lunch or find yourself in a position where staffing is inappropriate. These forms are discussed during our Conference Committee meeting.

You can fill out and submit an ADO online.

HEALWA monthly educational webinar - HEALWA is hosting FREE monthly webinars in 2019. Learn how to set up your free access to the HEALWA collection, observe best practices for finding reliable and current evidence-based information in HEALWA’s databases, e-books and full-text journals—all while earning 1 CNE credit! Next sessions are July 10 and August 15.

Take the mandatory Suicide Prevention Course hosted by the Seattle Children's Hospital. Jul 15, 2019, 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. or October 21, 2019, 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. . More information is available on the WSNA education page.

Take the TrachSafe Emergency Airway Management course - This five-hour course will educate healthcare professionals to prepare, practice and prevent airway emergencies in a child with a tracheostomy.

Thanks again to all the RNs that turned out to vote on a great contract that will be in effect until October 31, 2021!

Questions? Contact WSNA Nurse Representative Ed Zercher at ezercher@wsna.org or 206-575-7979, ext. 3022.

When: Friday, July 19 from noon-2:30 p.m.
Where: Bellevue Brewing Company, 1820 130th Ave N.E., Bellevue, 98005

This event is for you if:

1. You are a WSNA elected officer or grievance officer who has not yet had this training (officers will learn how to attend investigatory meetings).
2. You have already had grievance officer training and would like a refresher.
3. You have lots of experience with the grievance process and are willing to share your knowledge and experience with those new to the role.
4. You have an interest in advocating for your colleagues in investigations and would like to learn more.

Your colleagues need your advocacy and support!

RNs from multiple facilities will be attending and space is limited. You must preregister for this training.

Register today with WSNA Nurse Rep Ed Zercher at ezercher@wsna.org. Include your name, contact info and where you work.

Please be on time as we have a lot to cover!

Questions? Contact Ed Zercher at 206-575-7979, ext. 3022 or ezercher@wsna.org.

Your new WSNA contract with EvergreenHealth was voted on and approved by the overwhelming majority of registered nurses who were able to attend yesterday, June 20.

We had a great turn out throughout the day from nurses and their families.

Your WSNA team of registered nurse colleagues donated hundreds of hours of their own time towards this unified effort to fight off take-aways and improve benefits and working conditions.

The summary of changes can be found here.

The complete, revised contract, will be available in the Contracts & Documents section of the EvergreenHealth web site at wsna.org in the following weeks.


Congrats on a successful contract….. and if you see one of your bargaining team members, be sure to tell them “Thank You!” for their time and dedication.

In solidarity!

Your WSNA Bargaining Team:

Clarise Mahler, Chair (CCU); hapilark@gmail.com
Debbie Pronk, Grievance Officer (PACU); dppbee@gmail.com
Jomay Ruiz, Secretary/Treasurer (FMC); ruiz.jomay@gmail.com
Linda Snyder, Membership Officer (7 Silver); lsnyder1@eastern.edu
Val Artamonova, Membership Officer (Home Hospice); valeriya.art@gmail.com
Jessica Taylor – 6 Silver; Holly Baker – ED; Lexi Overa – ED; Beth Selander – OR;
Caine Ballew – Float Pool; Charina Alvarez – PACU; Theresa Blazer – FMC;
Ed Zercher, RN, WSNA Nurse Rep (ezercher@wsna.org);
and Terri Williams, MSN, RN, WSNA Nurse Rep (twilliams@wsna.org)

Questions? Contact Ed Zercher at 206-575-7979, ext. 3022 or ezercher@wsna.org.

Show up and vote on your WSNA contract!

When and where?

Thursday, June 20
6 to 8:30 a.m. - Tan 250 (Board Room)
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Tan 250 (Board Room)
6 to 8:30 p.m. - Tan 140

A full contract summary can be found in the Contracts & Documents section of this site.
Evergreen Vote Summary 2019

Members of your WSNA Bargaining Team will be on hand along with the WSNA Attorney and Nurse Representative in order to answer all of your questions.

You must be a member in good standing to vote but it is not too late to join.
For membership questions or applications, please contact WSNA Organizer Tara Barnes at tbarnes@wsna.com.

Bring a colleague and drop in for 5 minutes to vote…..because your voice matters.

Your WSNA Bargaining Team recommends a YES vote!

Questions? Contact Ed Zercher at 206-575-7979, ext. 3022 or ezercher@wsna.org.

Show up and vote on your WSNA contract!

When and where?

Thursday, June 20

6 to 8:30 a.m. - Tan 250 (Board Room)

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Tan 250 (Board Room)

6 to 8:30 p.m. - Tan 140

A full contract summary can be found the Contracts & Documents section of this site.

Members of your WSNA Bargaining Team will be on hand along with the WSNA Attorney and Nurse Representative in order to answer all of your questions.

You must be a member in good standing to vote but it is not too late to join.

For membership questions or applications, please contact WSNA Organizer Tara Barnes at tbarnes@wsna.com.

Bring a colleague and drop in for 5 minutes to vote.

Your WSNA Bargaining Team recommends a YES vote!

Questions? Contact Ed Zercher at 206-575-7979, ext. 3022 or ezercher@wsna.org.

We, the WSNA officers at Evergreen and WSNA community, welcome the recognition and inclusion of the Cardiovascular Imaging Clinic RNs Dani Bigby, Tori Frisk and Chris Colvin into the WSNA Bargaining Unit at EvergreenHealth!

These RNs unanimously selected WSNA as their exclusive bargaining representative!

We are excited to have these RNs be represented by the WSNA Collective Bargaining Agreement and are working with the employer to set dates to bargain the terms and conditions of this recognition in the upcoming weeks.

Every RN deserves to have the security of a contract and the opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with their colleagues in the name of hours, wages and working conditions.

In the interim, the employer has been directed to make no changes to working conditions. Congrats again Cardiovascular Imaging RNs!

In Solidarity,

Clarise Mahler, BSN, RN, CCRN, Local Unit Chair
Jomay Ruiz, BSN, RN, Local Unit Secretary/Treasurer
Deborah Pronk, BSN, RN, Local Unit Grievance Officer
Valeriya Artamonova, BSN, RN, Local Unit Membership Officer
Linda Snyder, BSN, RN, Local Unit Membership Officer
Ed Zercher, BSN, RN, WSNA Nurse Representative, ezercher@wsna.org

After 16 sessions (4 with the assistance of a Public Mediator), our team has reached a tentative agreement that we confidently recommend.

Our Team FOUGHT OFF several Employer proposed take-aways such as:

• Decreased compensation for work performed that qualifies for “Rest Between Shifts” premium
• Forced Dress Code
• Decrease in Per Diem Hourly wage
• Limits on WSNA’s access to Hospital’s premises
• Extension of probationary periods
• Discontinuation of standby pay once a nurse is called back into work

We secured a number of gains in wages and working conditions:

• Wage increases of 3% starting June 30, 2019, 4% starting January 1, 2020 and 3% starting November 1, 2020
• New Step 30.
• Ratification Pay of 3% of total compensation (includes overtime, etc.) since January 1st for every WSNA RN

We also made significant gains in the areas of staffing and workplace violence.

A full summary of changes will be posted at wsna.org by end of day on Friday, June 13.

In light of reaching this agreement, our Overpass Action set for Tuesday, June 11 has been cancelled.

Your WSNA team of Registered Nurses Recommends a “YES” vote on this contract.

Voting information:

Date and location to be determined….stay tuned!

Only WSNA members in good standing can vote but it is not too late to join WSNA today and have a voice.
For membership information, call Tara Barnes at 206-575-7979, ext. 3027 or send her an email at tbarnes@wsna.org.


Clarise Mahler, Chair (CCU); hapilark@gmail.com
Debbie Pronk, Grievance Officer (PACU); dppbee@gmail.com
Jomay Ruiz, Secretary/Treasurer (FMC); ruiz.jomay@gmail.com
Linda Snyder, Membership Officer (7 Silver); lsnyder1@eastern.edu
Val Artamonova, Membership Officer (Home Hospice); valeriya.art@gmail.com
Jessica Taylor – 6 Silver; Holly Baker – ED; Lexi Overa – ED; Beth Selander – OR;
Caine Ballew – Float Pool; Charina Alvarez – PACU; Theresa Blazer – FMC;
Ed Zercher, RN, WSNA Nurse Rep (ezercher@wsna.org);
and Terri Williams, MSN, RN, WSNA Nurse Rep (twilliams@wsna.org)

Questions? Contact Ed Zercher at 206-575-7979, ext. 3022 or ezercher@wsna.org.

After 16 bargaining sessions, both sides have agreed on a contract we can bring to vote.

More details to come on Monday, June 10.

The vote will take place on Thursday, June 20. Stay tuned - details to follow.

The full summary will be posted on the WSNA website next week.

Your WSNA team of registered nurses recommends a YES vote.

Congratulations to all of the Evergreen registered nurses
and thanks for all you do!

In Unity,
Your WSNA bargaining team:
Clarise Mahler, Chair (CCU); hapilark@gmail.com
Debbie Pronk, Grievance Officer (PACU); dppbee@gmail.com
Jomay Ruiz, Secretary/Treasurer (FMC); ruiz.jomay@gmail.com
Linda Snyder, Membership Officer (7 Silver); lsnyder1@eastern.edu
Val Artamonova, Membership Officer (Home Hospice); valeriya.art@gmail.com
Jessica Taylor – 6 Silver; Holly Baker – ED; Lexi Overa – ED; Beth Selander – OR;
Caine Ballew – Float Pool; Charina Alvarez – PACU; Theresa Blazer – FMC;
Ed Zercher, RN, WSNA Nurse Rep (ezercher@wsna.org);
and Terri Williams, MSN, RN, WSNA Nurse Rep (twilliams@wsna.org)

Questions? Contact Ed Zercher at 206-575-7979, ext. 3022 or ezercher@wsna.org.

On Tuesday, May 28, your WSNA team of registered nurses met with Evergreen Administrators and Management for our 15^th bargaining session. This was the 3^rd session that included the assistance of a Federal Mediator.

In fact, we bargained for 14 hours straight! We made further progress, but there is still work to be done on several important issues. Here are a few such issues:

• We spent much of the day (and night) working hard to ensure that nurses will receive a competitive wage package that takes into account the time spent negotiating this contract.
  
  
• We have also stressed to Management the importance of having meaningful, substantive staffing language and more voice in staffing decisions. While we have made progress, Management needs to do more so that there is proper staffing.
  
  
• We continue to propose language that would help ensure that we have effective measures in place to protect nurses from workplace violence.

Be sure to show up on Thursday, June 6, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for an Ice Cream Social that is being hosted by your WSNA negotiations team in the Red Auditorium 1551.

Your team is scheduled to meet with Administration for our next Mediation session on Friday, June 7.

United we bargain, divided we beg!

In unity, your WSNA team of registered nurses,

Clarise Mahler, Chair (CCU); hapilark@gmail.com
Debbie Pronk, Grievance Officer (PACU); dppbee@gmail.com
Jomay Ruiz, Secretary/Treasurer (FMC); ruiz.jomay@gmail.com
Linda Snyder, Membership Officer (7 Silver); lsnyder1@eastern.edu
Val Artamonova, Membership Officer (Home Hospice); valeriya.art@gmail.com
Jessica Taylor – 6 Silver; Holly Baker – ED; Lexi Overa – ED; Beth Selander – OR; Caine Ballew – Float Pool; Charina Alvarez – PACU; Theresa Blazer – FMC;
Ed Zercher, RN, WSNA Nurse Rep (ezercher@wsna.org); and Terri Williams, MSN, RN, WSNA Nurse Rep (twilliams@wsna.org)

Questions? Contact Ed Zercher at 206-575-7979, ext. 3022 or ezercher@wsna.org.

• Tuesday - 5/28 - Negotiation meeting with mediator - Wear WSNA blue/buttons for solidarity.
• Thursday - 6/6 - Power Ice Cream Social 3.0 - Q & A.
• Friday - 6/7 - Negotiation meeting with mediator.
• Tuesday - 6/11 - I-405 Overpass Action

Our next bargaining session includes a Federal Mediator today, May 28. We remain fully committed to achieving a contract that we all deserve. We hope to continue making progress today and, perhaps, reach agreement. We ask that you please wear any WSNA swag and buttons today if you have them. Wear WSNA blue to work to show solidarity with your negotiation team. Show management we are united and invested in the contract.

Next up is the Power Ice Cream Social 3.0 on Thursday, June 6.
Where and when: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Red Auditorium 1551 and 9 to 11 p.m. by roving cart on night shift. (We will come to you!)

Why attend this June 6 event? In addition to fabulous ice cream and building unity, nurses will have a contract mediation update with Q & A. Then, we need all nurses to help spread the word with updates and the plan to win a FAIR contract with peers. Show up for 15 minutes and bring an RN colleague.

If we are not able to reach a settlement today, we will be reconvening for a subsequent mediation session on Friday, June 7.

The following Tuesday, June 11, we will be having an Overpass Action during rush hour on 405. We will have banners and be informing the public regarding our difficulties in bargaining. If we reach a Tentative Agreement on June 6, then this event will become an opportunity to celebrate.

We will not stop until we achieve the contract Evergreen RNs deserve!

What can you do?

Encourage peers to wear WSNA swag and/or buttons on May 28 and June 6. Organizers will be rounding and handing out WSNA swag prior to these dates.

And...

Prior to the Ice Cream Power Social 3.0, please contact Nurse Organizer Tara Barnes at 206-713-2241 or a negotiation team member to connect with us if you would like to help. Many hands make light work and have a much greater impact!

In solidarity,

Your WSNA Negotiation Team:

Clarise Mahler, Chair (CCU); hapilark@gmail.com
Debbie Pronk, Grievance Officer (PACU); dppbee@gmail.com
Jomay Ruiz, Secretary/Treasurer (FMC); ruiz.jomay@gmail.com
Linda Snyder, Membership Officer (7 Silver); lsnyder1@eastern.edu
Val Artamonova, Membership Officer (Home Hospice); valeriya.art@gmail.com
Jessica Taylor – 6 Silver; Holly Baker – ED; Lexi Overa – ED; Beth Selander – OR; Caine Ballew – Float Pool; Charina Alvarez – PACU; Theresa Blazer – FMC;
Ed Zercher, RN, WSNA Nurse Rep (ezercher@wsna.org); and Terri Williams, MSN, RN, WSNA Nurse Rep (twilliams@wsna.org)

Questions? Contact Ed Zercher at ezercher@wsna.org or 206-575-7979, ext. 3022.

Your WSNA team of registered nurses met with EvergreenHealth administration for our 14^th session. This represented the 2^nd session that was assisted by a Federal Mediator. Both parties exchanged desired changes and ideas but little progress was realized at the end of the day.

We agreed to meet again for a full day session on May 28. Your negotiation team of WSNA registered nurses continues to dedicate their expertise and experience to the process. They also are volunteering their time without any compensation for their hundreds of hours of efforts.

The priorities that remain for our team include fair wages that retain and recruit excellent nurses, better staffing language and more complete workplace violence language.

Stay tuned on how you might be able to help out in attaining a fair and comprehensive contract. For updates, log on to wsna.org.

In Solidarity,

Your WSNA Negotiation Team:
Clarise Mahler, Chair (CCU); hapilark@gmail.com
Debbie Pronk, Grievance Officer (PACU); dppbee@gmail.com
Jomay Ruiz, Secretary/Treasurer (FMC); ruiz.jomay@gmail.com
Linda Snyder, Membership Officer (7 Silver); lsnyder1@eastern.edu
Val Artamonova, Membership Officer (Home Hospice); valeriya.art@gmail.com
Jessica Taylor – 6 Silver; Holly Baker – ED; Lexi Overa – ED; Beth Selander – OR; Caine Ballew – Float Pool; Charina Alvarez – PACU; Theresa Blazer – FMC;
Ed Zercher, RN, WSNA Nurse Rep (ezercher@wsna.org); and Terri Williams, MSN, RN, WSNA Nurse Rep (twilliams@wsna.org)

Questions? Contact Ed Zercher at ezercher@wsna.org or 206-575-7979, ext. 3022.

Due to protracted negotiations and the employer’s unwillingness to recognize the hard work of RNs here at Evergreen and treat them with the respect they deserve, your WSNA Bargaining Team is taking action.

Your bargaining team of registered nurses will be making contact with attendees at the April 27 Gala at Marymoor Park to inform them of the employer’s unwillingness to offer fair wages and a safe working environment for registered nurses. Some 25 RNs from around the hospital will be convening at Marymoor Park and leafletting arriving attendees, along with answering any questions they may have regarding our difficult negotiations. Physicians and donors should know how Administration is treating their RNs.

Our teams are set to meet on Friday, April 26, for our first session with a mediator but mountains will have to move in order to stave off this action.

We do not need the involvement of the entire membership at this time but stay tuned for how you can contribute to attaining a fair contract for all RNs working at Evergreen Medical Center.

In Solidarity,

Your WSNA Bargaining Team of registered nurses:

Clarise Mahler, Chair (CCU); hapilark@gmail.com

and Terri Williams, MS, RN, WSNA Nurse Rep (twilliams@wsna.org)

Questions? Contact WSNA Nurse Representative Ed Zercher at ezercher@wsna.org or (206)575-7979, ext. 3022.

Your EvergreenHealth WSNA local unit leaders are sponsoring ten (10) nurses to attend the Washington State Nurses Convention, May 1-3, 2019 at the Tulalip Resort Casino.

Don’t miss amazing speakers, great professional development and a full year of CNEs!

We’ll cover your registration fee of $450 so you can attend this fun and educational event. If you’re interested in this great opportunity, reach out to us today.

The scholarship also includes reimbursement for a 2-night stay, mileage and meals.

You can find more information, including the full convention agenda, at rnconvention.org.

Please note:

• The Thursday evening banquet is included in the registration fee.
• The scholarship does not include the $150 optional Suicide Prevention training on Friday.

To reserve your spot, please contact one of your WSNA Local Unit Officers:

Clarisse Mahler - hapilark@gmail.com

Jomay Ruiz - Ruiz.jomay@gmail.com

Deborah Pronk - dppbee@gmail.com

Not getting your breaks? Working short staffed? Floating to areas without proper orientation? Fill out a Staffing Complaint / Assignment Despite Objection form today.

WSNA is excited to announce that online ADO forms are finally here!

• Nurses are standing together for safe staffing andcompleting a Staffing Complaint/ADO form is the first step.
• This new online form can be accessed through your phone making it simple and quick.
• Copies of the submitted online form will automatically be sent to you, your local unit chair, co/vice chair, staffing committee co-chairs, WSNA nurse rep and manager (if you designate).

You can find the online form at wsna.org/ADO. For any questions, your nurse representative is here to help. Contact WSNA Nurse Rep Ed Zercher, BSN, RN at ezercher@wsna.org or at 206-575-7979, ext. 3022.

Your WSNA Team of Registered Nurses met with Evergreen Administration and Management for the 12^th bargaining session on Tuesday, March 12. The employer offered a proposal that made slight movement in wages but fell short of the mark in other areas that are of great importance to our bargaining team, such as safe staffing. WSNA is pressing to reach an agreement on improved workplace violence language in addition to protecting Per Diem rights and benefits. Recognizing the hurdles on both sides, we have mutually agreed to seek the assistance of a PERC Mediator and will schedule our next session as soon as is possible for all parties.

We encourage all Evergreen RNs to stay involved and let us know if you have ongoing questions or concerns.

Your priorities are the driving force behind our negotiations and we are striving to persist until we reach an agreement that is fair and deserving.

Your WSNA Bargaining team:

Clarise Mahler, Chair (CCU); hapilark@gmail.com
Debbie Pronk, Grievance Officer (PACU); dppbee@gmail.com
Jomay Ruiz, Secretary/Treasurer (FMC); ruiz.jomay@gmail.com
Linda Snyder, Membership Officer (7 Silver); lsnyder1@eastern.edu
Val Artamonova, Membership Officer (Home Hospice); valeriya.art@gmail.com
Jessica Taylor – 6 Silver; Holly Baker – ED; Lexi Overa – ED; Beth Selander – OR; Caine Ballew – Float Pool; Charina Alvarez – PACU; Theresa Blazer – FMC; Ed Zercher, RN, WSNA Nurse Rep (ezercher@wsna.org); and Terri Williams, MS, RN, WSNA Nurse Rep (twilliams@wsna.org)

Your WSNA team of registered nurses met on Tuesday, March 5 with the Evergreen administration and management for our 11^th contract bargaining session.

Both teams exchanged proposals and we made significant movement in order to achieve employer buy-in. Unfortunately, we made no tentative agreements and remain highly divided on wages and other areas that are very important to our team.

Our next meeting is set for Tuesday, March 12. We will look to see movement from the employer towards recognizing the value of registered nurses at EvergreenHealth.

We will keep you posted of any advancements we are able to make and potential actions needing to be taken moving forward.

We value all of the ongoing input and will strive to capture the contract you deserve.

Your WSNA Negotiation Team,

Clarise Mahler, Chair (CCU); hapilark@gmail.com
Debbie Pronk, Grievance Officer (PACU); dppbee@gmail.com
Jomay Ruiz, Secretary/Treasurer (FMC); ruiz.jomay@gmail.com
Linda Snyder, Membership Officer (7 Silver); lsnyder1@eastern.edu
Val Artamonova, Membership Officer (Home Hospice); valeriya.art@gmail.com
Jessica Taylor – 6 Silver; Holly Baker – ED; Lexi Overa – ED; Beth Selander – OR; Caine Ballew – Float Pool; Charina Alvarez – PACU; Theresa Blazer – FMC; Ed Zercher, RN, WSNA Nurse Rep (ezercher@wsna.org); and Terri Williams, MS, RN, WSNA Nurse Rep (twilliams@wsna.org)

Your team of WSNA registered nurses from Evergreen Hospital & Medical Center met with the administration for our tenth session on Monday, Feb. 27.

Both parties exchanged proposals and reached tentative agreements in areas such as residency probationary period, personal holidays and vacation scheduling.

We also had lengthy discussions around issues that remain unresolved that include:

• Fair wages and benefits
• Rest between shift takeaways the employer proposed
• Differential and Premium increases proposed by WSNA
• Staffing committee responsibility and structure and how it aligns with new laws
• Workplace violence language proposed by WSNA
• Cuts in the Per Diem Premium the employer proposed
• And more...

We will be meeting for our next bargaining session with the administration on Tuesday, March 5 in an effort to make additional movement towards a mutually acceptable contract.

We appreciate all of the support from all of the registered nurses that have reached out and demanded a fair contract and safe working conditions. These principles will continue to be the driver behind our priorities as a team.

In solidarity,

Clarise Mahler, Chair (CCU); hapilark@gmail.com
Debbie Pronk, Grievance Officer (PACU); dppbee@gmail.com
Jomay Ruiz, Secretary/Treasurer (FMC); ruiz.jomay@gmail.com
Linda Snyder, Membership Officer (7 Silver); lsnyder1@eastern.edu
Val Artamonova, Membership Officer (Home Hospice); valeriya.art@gmail.com
Jessica Taylor – 6 Silver; Holly Baker – ED; Lexi Overa – ED; Beth Selander – OR; Caine Ballew – Float Pool; Charina Alvarez – PACU; Theresa Blazer – FMC; Ed Zercher, RN, WSNA Nurse Rep (ezercher@wsna.org); and Terri Williams, MS, RN, WSNA Nurse Rep (twilliams@wsna.org)

Your WSNA team of registered nurses met with management for the ninth contract bargaining session on Thursday, Jan. 31.

We reached a Tentative Agreement on language regarding our Sick Leave article which added Washington Paid Sick Leave provisions.

Some of the outstanding issues we’re continuing to work on include:

• Per Diems: The Employer wants to increase the minimum monthly work requirements and decrease the associated premium pay.
• Workplace violence: The Employer does not agree with certain parts of our proposal. We are working to hold the employer accountable to ensure our safety in the workplace.
• Wages: WSNA offered a fair counterproposal and we are waiting for management’s response.
• Rest between shifts: Management's proposal is to pay us less when we work without the contractually agreed time off between shifts. WSNA considers this a safety issue related to fatigue due to long shifts.
• Rest breaks: WSNA believes that each RN is able to determine when it’s safe to take a break. The Employer wants to force us to take breaks when they tell us to.
• Staffing: We continue to press our proposal to enhance staffing and to ensure meaningful involvement in staffing decisions.

We feel we have gained some momentum and plan to keep that going at our next planned session on Feb. 25.

In solidarity,

Clarise Mahler, Chair (CCU); hapilark@gmail.com
Debbie Pronk, Grievance Officer (PACU); dppbee@gmail.com
Jomay Ruiz, Secretary/Treasurer (FMC); ruiz.jomay@gmail.com
Linda Snyder, Membership Officer (7 Silver); lsnyder1@eastern.edu
Val Artamonova, Membership Officer (Home Hospice); valeriya.art@gmail.com
Jessica Taylor – 6 Silver; Holly Baker – ED; Lexi Overa – ED; Beth Selander – OR; Caine Ballew – Float Pool; Charina Alvarez – PACU; Theresa Blazer – FMC; Ed Zercher, RN, WSNA Nurse Rep (ezercher@wsna.org); and Terri Williams, MS, RN, WSNA Nurse Rep (twilliams@wsna.org)

We held our seventh session with management in negotiations and were very pleased to post all the support notes and encouragement notes from all of you – our colleagues – prominently for all to see. Thank you for supporting us at the table as we continue in our fight for all of us at Evergreen!

We had some good dialogue and exchanged some proposals throughout the day. However, we still have some considerable work to do around key issues.

1. Wages. Throughout the negotiations, we have proposed wages that would lessen the wage gap between our nurses and those of nearby Overlake Hospital. However, management has rejected our proposals and responded with wages that we do not think will attract and retain nurses.
2. Management proposed to reduce the amount of 1.5x pay to nurses who do not receive adequate rest between shifts. We feel strongly this is not in the best interest of nurses or of the patients we serve.
3. Management also proposed that nurses would not be able to refuse when offered a break. We strongly feel that this provides no consideration, regard or respect for a nurse utilizing critical thinking and clinical judgment. This was voiced strongly by all of us at the table explaining that a nurse who has been with the patient all day would know best when to take a break and the primary nurse would also know what information needs to be passed on to the break relief nurse to help provide a safe patient handoff. We also stressed that there needs to be someone available who is qualified and competent to relieve nurses for breaks without altering the staffing matrix. Management feels that if a break is offered, the nurse would not be able to refuse to take the break at that moment.
4. Management continues to insist on increasing the work requirements of Per Diems while also proposing to reduce their premium pay.
5. We have improved staffing language. Unfortunately, we are continuing to receive pushback from management on this issue.

We continue in our negotiations and our fight for the best contract that will improve our working conditions, wages and hours for all of us at Evergreen. Please continue to support our team and stay tuned for additional actions all of us can take to ensure that management is aware of our commitment to each other and to the patients and community we serve every day.

In unity,

Your WSNA Negotiation Team:

Clarise Mahler, Chair (CCU); hapilark@gmail.com
Debbie Pronk, Grievance Officer (PACU); dppbee@gmail.com
Jomay Ruiz, Secretary/Treasurer (FMC); ruiz.jomay@gmail.com
Linda Snyder, Membership Officer (7 Silver); lsnyder1@eastern.edu
Val Artamonova, Membership Officer (Home Hospice); valeriya.art@gmail.com
Jessica Taylor – 6 Silver; Neelam Kaur – 4 Silver; Holly Baker – ED; Lexi Overa – ED; Beth Selander – OR; Caine Ballew – Float Pool; Charina Alvarez – PACU; Theresa Blazer – FMC; Alicia O’Neal - Hospice Care Center; and Sue Dunlap, RN, WSNA Nurse Rep (sdunlap@wsna.org)

We are offering two opportunities on Jan. 23, 2019 for negotiation updates and the plan to win the best contract for Evergreen nurses and patient care:

12:30 to 2:30 p.m. in Tan 134

or

6 to 8:30 p.m. in Red Auditorium 1551

Drop in at either session to talk with team members and Nurse Rep Ed Zercher!

Important next steps include all of us. There will also be refreshments hosted by your Leadership team!

RSVP to tbarnes@wsna.org or one of your Evergreen bargaining team members.

Your team met with management on Friday, Jan. 4.

While we have made some substantive progress in negotiations, we still have a lot of work ahead of us. We are pleased to report that we succeeded in getting management to drop its proposal to be able to force nurses to be on standby when they have had the start of his or her shift delayed.

We have continued to stress the fact that Evergreen nurses’ wages are below the wages of many of our fellow WSNA nurses at Overlake and in Seattle. Your WSNA bargaining team has made proposals to close this wage gap.

We continue to propose language that will improve staffing and allow nurses meaningful involvement in staffing decisions. Management responded that they would include some general language regarding staffing commitments, but then insisted that any violation of this language could not be grieved! Such a proposal is not reflective of a serious commitment to address staffing issues.

We continue to press for enhanced benefits and a comprehensive approach to deal with workplace violence.

Our next session is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 14.

Here is how you can help the team negotiate a strong contract:

• Talk with at least three nurses about this update.
• Be informed! Read all WSNA emails and flyers to be the most up to date. Consistently visit this page often to see how strong, unified and active Evergreen nurses have been!
• Wear WSNA buttons, stickers, representational rights badge buddies and others to show unity – wear them with pride!

We, your negotiation team and Contract Action Team members, will be asking all nurses to participate in many more actions to support this important work. Answer your team's call to action by saying YES!

Contact a team member or WSNA Nurse Organizer Tara Barnes, RN to learn how you can support us in moving management on the proposals that matter to the nurses, their families and safe patient care.

In Solidarity!

Your Negotiations Team and WSNA Nurse Rep Terri Williams, MS, RN (twilliams@wsna.org)

On Nov. 20 at the Board of Commissioners open meeting, in support of the Evergreen Nurses bargaining team, the Board acknowledged the delegation as truly representative of all areas of Evergreen Health.

Please welcome WSNA Nurse Representative Ed Zercher, BSN, RN. Beginning Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, Ed will be taking over all new issues as they arise at EvergreenHealth. I will finish up most of the outstanding matters to their conclusion and assist Ed in the coming months, as needed.

Ed can be reached at ezercher@wsna.org or 206-575-7979, ext. 3022.

It has been a pleasure working with all of the EvergreenHealth RNs for the past three and a half years. I am continuing my work here at WSNA as a nurse representative with a few new assignments. I will miss the Evergreen nurses but know you will be in good hands with Ed.

All my best to you,

Terri Williams, MS, RN
WSNA Nurse Rep
206-575-7979, ext. 3058
twilliams@wsna.org

Our team met with management on Oct. 31 and Nov. 7. While we made some progress on several issues, there is still much to be done. We successfully fought off management’s proposals to limit WSNA’s access to Evergreen premises and to require nurses to wear blue scrubs.

However, management is still insisting that it be able to force nurses to be on standby when they notify the nurse that the start of his or her shift will be delayed. Currently, nurses have the option of taking low census or being placed on standby.

We are still far apart on wages. We have let management know that Evergreen nurses are paid much less than their fellow WSNA nurses at Overlake and in Seattle. Your WSNA bargaining team has made proposals to close this wage gap.

WSNA has heard your concerns about safe staffing. We have made substantive proposals to address these concerns and would require Evergreen to:

1. Maintain staffing ratios and levels during meal and rest breaks to maintain quality patient care;
2. Maintain staffing levels that take into consideration the acuity of patients and that ensure safe patient care and the safety of the nurses; and,
3. Maintain staffing levels so that nurses receive meal and rest breaks and are able to utilize available time off from work.

We have also proposed to enhance the staffing committee so that nurses have a greater voice in staffing decisions, including nurses in Home Health and Hospice who face significant staffing issues.

To date, management has rejected each and every one of these proposals and has offered no substantive contractual proposal that would address these staffing concerns.

We will continue to fight on behalf of our fellow nurses! But we need your help.

We are working with the employer to set additional dates to bargain. Stay tuned.

We met with the Employer on Friday, Oct. 26 for our third negotiation session.

We have presented management with multiple proposals. Management has done the same. Proposals have included economics, benefits, workplace violence, staffing committee, low census, holiday pay and more.

The Hospital gave us their economic proposal and we are far apart on wages. We are working hard to assure the Employer is able to retain and attract nurses to care for our patients and to lessen the disparity in the amount of pay compared to other facilities in the area.

We proposed a comprehensive staffing proposal which adds strength to the new State Staffing law and (1) includes guaranteed safeguards to force management to vote with nurses on staffing issues and (2) requires that staffing be adequate to assure breaks, vacations, patient safety and health and nurse safety and health.

The Employer has proposed that nurses who are placed on low census on their regularly scheduled shift will be placed on Standby, rather than the nurse being given the opportunity to mutually agree. The team does not agree with Mandatory Standby.

We still have many open proposals and discussion items. Our next negotiation dates are Oct. 31 and Nov. 7.

In solidarity,

Clarise Mahler, Chair (CCU); hapilark@gmail.com
Debbie Pronk, Grievance Officer (PACU); dppbee@gmail.com
Jomay Ruiz, Secretary/Treasurer (FMC); ruiz.jomay@gmail.com
Linda Snyder, Membership Officer (7 Silver); lsnyder1@eastern.edu
Val Artamonova, Membership Officer (Home Hospice); valeriya.art@gmail.com
Jessica Taylor – 6 Silver; Neelam Kaur – 4 Silver; Holly Baker – ED; Lexi Overa – ED; Beth Selander – OR; Caine Ballew – Float Pool; Charina Alvarez – PACU; Theresa Blazer – FMC; Alicia O’Neal - Hospice Care Center; and Terri Williams, MS, RN, WSNA Nurse Rep (twilliams@wsna.org)

We, your negotiation team, invite you to join us in solidarity at the public comment period of the next Hospital board meeting. We are moving forward in negotiations and are calling upon the support of the Hospital Board in a big way for a quality and fair contract that recruits and retains nurses. Our community is counting on us to advocate for safe patient care. Let's bring this message – together. Show that we are united and mean business!

Can we count on you to join us from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 20 in Tan 250? Invite a colleague to join you!

The public comment period is from 6:30 to 7 p.m.

In unity,

Your WSNA Negotiation Team

Questions? Contact WSNA Nurse Organizer Tara Barnes at 206-713-2241 or at tbarnes@wsna.org for more information.

We are in the beginning stages of the negotiation process and have received the employer’s initial proposal. While we are only in the initial stages of bargaining, we have our work cut out for us. We are up for the challenge!

Some of the bigger issues are staffing, benefits and compensation. A few other issues include rest breaks, transport nurse and Per Diem scheduling and availability. Our next session is Friday, Oct. 26, stay tuned for further updates.

Unity is power—the more active WSNA members we have, the stronger we are at the negotiating table. Join WSNA today and get involved in supporting our contract negotiations. Together, we win.

In solidarity,

Clarise Mahler, Chair (CCU); hapilark@gmail.com
Debbie Pronk, Grievance Officer (PACU); dppbee@gmail.com
Jomay Ruiz, Secretary/Treasurer (FMC); ruiz.jomay@gmail.com
Linda Snyder, Membership Officer (7 Silver); lsnyder1@eastern.edu
Val Artamonova, Membership Officer (Home Hospice); valeriya.art@gmail.com
Jessica Taylor – 6 Silver; Neelam Kaur – 4 Silver; Holly Baker – ED; Lexi Overa – ED; Beth Selander – OR; Caine Ballew – Float Pool; Charina Alvarez – PACU; Theresa Blazer – FMC; Kathy Silvas – NICU/Peds; Ryan O’Neill-Hawkins – CCU; Alicia O’Neal - Hospice Care Center; Rebecca Roop-Kharasch – Home Health; and Terri Williams, MS, RN; WSNA Nurse Rep (twilliams@wsna.org)

As you may know, WSNA has filed an Association Grievance which covers Per Diem nurses and, among other issues, the question of scheduling. We understand the nurses in Home Health and Hospice, and most other areas of the hospital, are given choices of dates in a month thatare based on holes in the schedule – after those with FTEs have been placed on the schedule. Negotiations for your Collective Bargaining Agreement are underway and the issues of Per Diems are on the table again.

Please complete the 10-question survey to assist our work for this grievance and to help at the negotiation table. We would appreciate your response by the end of the week.

We presented proposals which include language promoting safe and effective staffing, and a wage increase which is competitive and encourages recruitment and retention. Our next bargaining session is on Tuesday, Oct. 16. It’s time to bust out your WSNA swag – WSNA water bottles, buttons, badge pulls, etc.!

If you or your unit would like to find out how to support your negotiation team, please contact one of us at any time!

In Solidarity,

Clarise Mahler, Chair (CCU); hapilark@gmail.com
Debbie Pronk, Grievance Officer (PACU); dppbee@gmail.com
Jomay Ruiz, Secretary/Treasurer (FMC); ruiz.jomay@gmail.com
Linda Snyder, Membership Officer (7 Silver); lsnyder1@eastern.edu
Val Artamonova, Membership Officer (Home Hospice); valeriya.art@gmail.com
Jessica Taylor – 6 Silver; Neelam Kaur – 4 Silver; Holly Baker – ED; Lexi Overa – ED; Beth Selander – OR; Caine Ballew – Float Pool; Charina Alvarez – PACU; Theresa Blazer – FMC; Kathy Silvas – NICU/Peds; Ryan O’Neill-Hawkins – CCU; Alicia O’Neal - Hospice Care Center; Rebecca Roop-Kharasch – Home Health; and Terri Williams, MS, RN; WSNA Nurse Rep (twilliams@wsna.org)

It’s that time again! Are you ready?

Our negotiation team is in place and ready to meet with the employer to make sure we continue to have a strong contract with all of the rights and benefits we deserve. The team has taken part in two prep sessions, one of them with WSNA Attorney Mike Sanderson, who will be our spokesperson at the table.

Our priorities have been set by your responses to the negotiations survey and ongoing feedback regarding issues and concerns about our current contract. We will continue to work for a safe working environment and conditions that allow RNs to deliver the safest and effective patient care.

Our first session at the table is Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. Stay tuned for updates as each session continues. The following is a list of our fellow RNs who have volunteered to represent us all on the negotiation team:

7 Silver – Ortho/Spine/Neuro: Linda Snyder
6 Silver – ONC: Jessica Taylor
5 Silver – Cardiovasc. & 4 Silver – PCU: Neelam Kaur
ED – Kirkland: Holly Baker, Lexi Overa
OR: Beth Selander
PACU: Debbie Pronk, Charina Alvarez
FMC: Theresa Blazer, Jomay Ruiz
NICU/PEDS: Kathy Silvas
CCU: Clarise Mahler, Ryan O’Neill-Hawkins
Hospice Care Center: Alicia O’Neal
Home Health: Rebecca Roop-Kharasch
Hospice: Val Artamonova
Float Pool: Caine Ballew

Who is CAT?

Contributed by WSNA Nurse Organizer Sue Dunlap, MS, RN

The answer simply is every one of us! CAT is an acronym for Contract Action Team. Every nurse at Evergreen is represented at the negotiations table by a team of co-workers. CAT makes communication between the negotiations table, and each of us, timely and seamless. Which allows all of us to be involved and support our team.

Each unit has key people who have volunteered to relay messages from the negotiations team to all nurses. Think of this like a phone tree. You should anticipate hearing from CAT and plan on sharing information and participating in activities. For example, CAT may ask everyone to wear a button one day at work to show support for the team. You may be asked to sign a petition or show up to support our team at a board meeting.

Likewise, you can share concerns and/or encouragement with CAT and it will be passed on to the negotiation team.
We are all in this together to obtain the best contract, provide the best patient care and make Evergreen the place to work. Stay tuned for communication from CAT!

The following RNs have volunteered to for the CAT:

8 Silver – Med Surg: Manju Ghimire, Nancy Wilkie
7 Silver – Ortho/Spine/Neuro: Anissa Byers, Mike Raymond, Lindsay Dandridge, Louisa Babadilla
6 Silver – ONC: Ashley Speece, Sheila Lanuza, Rebecca Woo
Float Pool: Natasha Schultz, Caine Ballew, Jessie McCann
4 Silver – PCU: Balla Sarr, Jessa Labasan, Karin Ng, Sheryl Olsen, Sandy Fleming
ED – Kirkland: Cathy Belusci, Karen Sloan
ED – Redmond: Carol Flaming
CCU: Ryan O’Neill-Hawkins, Jennifer Copeland
Hospice Care Center: Lisa Atwell
Home Health: Bea Abbott, Kevin Gleed, Joni Scott, Susan Wainer, Becky Brandt
Home Hospice: Karen Lasota, Kim Keithley, Misty Touglas, Andrew Ehlers, Carol Hile, Thomas Sanguino
HH/HO Admin: Kay Broadgate, Cate Royston
PACU: Julie Harder

We are strong!

If you are not already a member of WSNA, when was the last time you considered joining our union and professional nurses association? Our membership numbers are already high. Close to 75% of EvergreenHealth nurses are proud members of our local unit. Many of those who aren't members are often unsure what labor unions do, why someone would join or simply don’t want to pay dues, i.e. fair share. A strong and united membership is never more important than when you are in contract negotiations!

The reasons why nurses join their union cannot be reduced to any single, uncomplicated statement. Unionized workers have more power as a cohesive group than by acting individually. Through collective bargaining, nurses negotiate wages, staffing ratios, health and safety issues, benefits and working conditions with management via our union. Another important reason workers join a union is to ensure fair treatment in the workplace.
The nature of nursing is changing. Employers are trying to shed responsibility for many benefits for their employees. As a union member, you have a strong collective voice for negotiating with employers regarding pay and wages, work hours, benefits –including retirement plans, health insurance, vacation and sick leave, tuition reimbursement, etc. The higher the number of paying members, the better we as nurses fair in our contract negotiations.

If you are a paying member in good standing and in solidarity with our colleagues –great! If you are not, please take this chance to join now at wsna.org/membership/application. You will be glad you became a proud member of our EvergreenHealth local unit.

The rights of members in good standing include, but are not be limited to:

1. The right to attend membership meetings and participate in the business;
2. The right to be a candidate for office;
3. The right to vote for contract ratifications, in referendums, and in the elections of Officers.

Questions? Contact one of the local unit officers or our WSNA Nurse Rep Terri Williams at twilliams@wsna.org.

Fun facts

Clarise Mahler, CCU – Local Unit Chair

1. I feel very fortunate to be a nurse, I love helping people and as such I want to help us all have the best working conditions possible; that always equates to our patients best healing conditions.
2. I passionately enjoy my days off; gardening, hiking running, knitting, traveling, being politically active.
3. I have a voice: I am able to speak the truth, and with age its clearer, stronger and willing to risk.

Debbie Pronk, RN – Local Unit Grievance Officer

1. My husband of 40 years and I have enjoyed cruises in recent years. 9 cruises including the Panama Canal and the Mediterranean Sea.
2. My first 4-year degree was in Sociology at UCLA 41 years ago. Went into nursing as a second career 15 years later.
3. I am an avid reader and enjoy mysteries and action adventures. A nice break from work!
4. I’ve been a Grievance Officer for several years and have seen first-hand what the union does to solve problems and issues in our working conditions. WSNA gives us a strong voice when communicating and working with management.

Val Artamonova , RN ­– Local Unit Membership Officer

1. One daughter, 3 years old
2. Reiki master/teacher
3. Favorite hobby is camping/hiking/being out in nature

Jomay Ruiz, BSN, RN – Local Unit Secretary/Treasurer

1. Dog mom to the cutest pup with special needs.
2. I’m passionate about food and my plants.
3. I love watching basketball, especially Kevin Durant!

Linda Snyder, RN – Local Unit Membership Officer

1. I bake a lot of pies.
2. I’m an avid hiker and cofounded a backpacking company “Cascade Trekking Co.” this year.
3. I went to school in Pennsylvania.

Tara Barnes, RN – WSNA Organizer

1. I knew I wanted to be a nurse in first grade and told my mother.
2. I competed as an Irish dancer until the age of 15.
3. I was a Rainbow girl and learned many skills about working as a team in the community.
4. I have kissed the Blarney Stone in Ireland and survived!
5. I worked at Evergreen for 12 years and served as an officer and on bargaining team 3 times.
6. Now I follow my passion to help build unity and strength with Nurses as staff. It is such an honor.

Sue Dunlap, MSN, RN, COS-C – WSNA Organizer

1. I’m the token alien as I’m a Canadian citizen.
2. I’ve been a nurse for 33 years in almost every area possible.
3. I just left Evergreen this year after 15 years of service because I have a passion for improving the profession for all nurses and felt WSNA would provide the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the profession.
4. I am happily married x 15 years with 1 daughter and 2 stepsons plus 2 very spoiled feline and 1 fish who actively supports and watches the Seahawks.

Terri Williams, MS, RN – WSNA Nurse Representative

1. I became an RN at age 49 (4^th career).
2. I’ve officiated over 200 weddings since 2001.
3. I’m a Healing Touch practitioner.
4. I was a WSNA unit representative at Virginia Mason before becoming a WSNA nurse representative.

Update on staffing issues

Originally posted on Evergreen webpage on March 28, 2018

Nursing care requires continuous patient assessment, critical thinking, expert nursing judgment, advocating on behalf of our patients and educating patients and their families. These activities are the essence of nursing care and are critical factors in avoiding preventable complications, injuries and avoidable deaths.

When staffing levels are too low, RNs are frequently forced to compromise the care they give to their patients. Unsafe nurse staffing (including support staff) is a dangerous practice that leads to medical errors, poorer patient outcomes, nursing injuriesand burnout. Ensuring safe nurse staffing must continue to be a top priority for all nurses.

In 2017, the Washington state legislature passed the Patient Safety Act, addressing this top issue of safe staffing. The bill creates greater transparency and accountability for nurse staffing plans and the work of nurse staffing committees in hospitals. The new bill holds hospitals more accountable for staffing in order for you to deliver safe, high-quality care to our patients.

Among other amendments and additions to the law, the following additions require the RNs to take part in this accountability. The law now requires the Employer to:

• Allow a nurse to report to, and file a complaint with, the staffing committee any time the nurse personnel assignment is not in accordance with the adopted staffing plan;
• Allow nurses who may disagree with the shift-to-shift adjustments in staffing levels to submit a complaint to the staffing committee;
• Require staffing committees to develop a process to examine and respond to submitted complaints, and to determine if a complaint is resolved or dismissed based on unsubstantiated data.

The Assignment Despite Objection (ADO) form (wsna.to/ADOForm) is the accepted form for the “process” mentioned above. We strongly suggest that you complete an (ADO) form regarding any staffing concerns and issues. These are utilized for real-time tracking efforts by WSNA and the Employer. ADOs are discussed with management at both the monthly Staffing Committee and Conference Committee.
To read more regarding other aspects of the new Staffing Law that affect you, visit wsna.org/nursing-practice/safe-nurse-staffing.

If you have any questions, please contact one of the local unit officers or our WSNA Nurse Rep Terri Williams at twilliams@wsna.org.

Evergreen officer, Debbie Pronk and Beth Selander will serve with Charina Alvarez (Charina not pictured) as bargaining team members.

All pose proudly after recommitting to membership and discussing department specific issues to bring their voice to 2018 negotiations this fall!

Home Health and Home Hospice are unique in that patient health information (PHI) is often included in emails. This is somewhat understandable since the nature of your work is in the field but HIPAA requires that hospitals take reasonable steps to protect against sharing of PHI. When sending these emails to staff, management should keep this issue in mind in order to lessen the chances of nurses unintentionally forwarding PHI to WSNA.

Recently, a few emails sent to your WSNA Nurse Rep unintentionally contained PHI. The nurses were reaching out to WSNA, utilizing their right to contact the Union regarding issues within the Contract. The PHI was not included in the body of the nurses’ emails but was in an email further down the thread from managers or other nurses. In one case, neither the nurse nor the WSNA Rep knew the PHI was on the thread until it was brought to the nurses’ attention by management.

In the future, we want HH & HO nurses to continue to feel comfortable contacting your nurse rep by email. Therefore, we are suggesting that you follow these suggestions when doing so:

• If you forward an email that contains one or more emails down the thread, read those emails to be sure there is no PHI within them; if there is:
  • Redact the PHI before sending the email; or:
  • Consider if that email is important, if not, don’t keep it in the thread.

The Employer has a LMS module regarding HIPAA, in addition to Policies regarding this subject.

In Solidarity!

Your Local Unit Officers:

Tom recommitted to membership and shared his home for Home Health and Home Hospice nurses to come together and build community and strength for peers and clients. This is part of an ongoing series of regional gatherings for this specialized group as preparations for 2018 contract negotiations.

Home Health and Home Hospice Nurses!

Did you miss the meetings in June? Did you miss completing the pre-negotiations survey? Your voice is critical! We need to hear from you regarding what is working, what isn’t working, and how to effectively address the following agenda items. Good News! We are continuing the drop in style meetings at new locations near you!

Agenda:

• Scheduling: Issues with caseloads, daily schedules and assignments, per diem requirements, etc.
• Missed breaks/working over 8 hours a day.
• Electronic format for reporting concerns: Better than Safelinq and recognized as the notification of safety events for nurses.
• Impact of staffing and new staffing law: Yes, there is a venue for raising your voice to impact schedules and the care your patient receives.
• Standing strong together: How we can support each other and present a unified force at the bargaining table to protect ourselves, our families and our patients and to preserve the job we love.
• Nurses managed by non-nurses: Update on your rights and responsibilities as a licensed professional RN.
• Pre-negotiations survey: Take the survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Evergreen2018NegotationHH

Meeting Schedule:

• Wednesday, July 11 – Host: Thomas Sanquino, Hospice RN 4717 149^th Ave SE, Bellevue, 98006 – 5 to 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 18 – Looking Glass Coffee 801 1^st Street, #201, Snohomish, 98290– 5 to 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 25 – The Den Coffee Shop 10415 Beardslee Blvd, Bothell, 98011– 5 to 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, August 8 – Peets Coffee 6850 E. Green Lake Way N., Seattle, 98115– 5 to 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, August 29 – Soulfood Coffee House 15748 Redmond Way, Redmond 98052– 5 to 7 p.m.

RSVP – and/or call if any questions.

twilliams@wsna.org 206-575-7979 ext 3058

tbarnes@wsna.org cell 206-713-2241

sdunlap@wsna.org cell 425-263-0522

When you provide your manager with your “available” dates to work on your next schedule, if you are not needed on any of those dates, you do not need to provide any additional dates. You have fulfilled your contractual obligation when you give your initial availability. If you want to volunteer for other dates to work, that is your option, but it is not mandatory. The actual contract language is below:

Addendum 3: Per Diems

…Per diem nurses are required to be available to work at least twenty-four (24) hours per calendar month, with the understanding that per diem nurses shall not be required to make themselves available to work more than twenty-four (24) hours per month .

Addendum 1: Evergreen Home Care Services – Per Diems
17. Per Diem Nurses (Addendum 3) Per diem nurses are required to be available to work at least forty (40) hours per calendar month, including two (2) weekend shifts within those forty (40) hours.

WSNA Nurse Representative Terri Williams, MS, RN
206.575.7979, ext. 3058
twilliams@wsna.org

As preparation for contract negotiations, ALL Evergreen Home Health and Home Hospice nurses are invited to meet with your local WSNA unit officers and WSNA organizers. We can win needed changes on the issues you’re facing if we all come together. Starting now. Please choose and commit to the meeting that works the best for you and your schedule.

AGENDA:

1. SCHEDULING: Issues with caseloads, daily schedules and assignments, per diem requirements etc.
2. MISSED BREAKS / WORKING OVER 8 HOURS A DAY: Did you know you can be terminated for falsifying a timecard? That includes NOT clocking that you missed a break and worked over your time but did not charge for it.
3. ELECTRONIC FORMAT FOR REPORTING CONCERNS: Better than Safelinq and recognized as THE notification of safety events for nurses.
4. IMPACT OF STAFFING AND NEW STAFFING LAW: Yes, there is a venue for raising YOUR voice to impact schedules and the care your patient receives.
5. RECENT LEGAL WIN BY YAKIMA HOME HEALTH AND HOSPICE: Go to: https://www.wsna.org/news/2018/yakima-regional-home-health-hospice-nurses-win-nearly-2-9-million-for-unpaid-work-hours for details and how this impacts your daily work.
6. STANDING STRONG TOGETHER: How we can support each other and present a unified force at the bargaining table to protect ourselves, our families and our patients and to preserve the job we love.
7. NURSES MANAGED BY NON-NURSES: Update on your rights and responsibilities as a licensed professional RN.

Wednesday, June 6 - Silver Cup Coffee
2707 Colby Ave B, Everett, WA 98201
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Wednesday, June 13 – Third Place Books
17171 Bothell Way NE in Lake Forest Park in the common eating area
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Wednesday, June 20 – The Commons – coffee, tea or wine!
14481 Redmond-Woodinville Rd NE, Woodinville, WA 98072
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Wednesday, June 27 - Starbucks near Southcenter
333 Strander Blvd, Tukwila, WA 98188 located in Southcenter Plaza
5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

RSVP – and/or call if any questions.

Tara Barnes - tbarnes@wsna.org, cell 206-713-2241
Sue Dunlap - sdunlap@wsna.org, cell 425-263-0522
Terri Williams - twilliams@wsna.org, 206-575-7979 ext 3058

Evergreen Nurses came together to continue the discussion and work to launch your 2018 contract negotiations and the Union Strength campaign to recommit to membership. These new and current activists are really engaging their peers. Together we win!

Watch for your negotiation survey coming out in June and complete it so your voice can be heard, and learn more about the recommit to membership campaign your peers will be asking you about at wsna.org/union-strong.

Nursing care requires continuous patient assessment, critical thinking, expert nursing judgment, advocating on behalf of our patients and educating patients and their families. These activities are the essence of nursing care and are critical factors in avoiding preventable complications, injuries and avoidable deaths. When staffing levels are too low, RNs are frequently forced to compromise the care they give to their patients. Unsafe nurse staffing is a dangerous practice that leads to medical errors, poorer patient outcomes and nursing injuries as well as burnout. Ensuring safe nurse staffing continues to be a top priority for all nurses.

In 2017, the Washington state legislature passed the Patient Safety Act, addressing this top issue of safe staffing. The bill creates greater transparency and accountability for nurse staffing plans and the work of nurse Staffing Committees in hospitals. The new bill holds hospitals more accountable for staffing in order for you to deliver safe, high quality care to their patients.

Among other amendments and additions to the law, the following three require the RNs to take part in this accountability. The law now requires the Employer to:

• Allow a nurse to report to, and file a complaint with, the staffing committee any time the nurse personnel assignment is not in accordance with the adopted staffing plan;
• Allow nurses who may disagree with the shift-to-shift adjustments in staffing levels to submit a complaint to the staffing committee;
• Require staffing committees to develop a process to examine and respond to submitted complaints, and to determine if a complaint is resolved or dismissed based on unsubstantiated data.

The complaint process mentioned above is the Assignment Despite Objection (ADO) form. We strongly suggest that you complete an (ADO) form regarding any and all staffing concerns and issues. These are utilized for real-time tracking efforts, in addition to discussing them with management at the monthly Staffing Committee and the Conference Committee.

To read more regarding other aspects of the new Staffing Law that affect you, click here.

There is no language in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (Contract) regarding the Safe Staffing Committee, as the Employer has not agreed to place the language in the Contract when it has been negotiated. Regardless, the law has been strengthened and must be followed by the Employer.

If your unit does not have a designated RN to represent you at the monthly Staffing Committee, please let us know if you are interested in being that RN Rep. If you have any questions, please contact one of your Local Unit Officers or your WSNA Nurse Rep.

In Solidarity!

Clarise Mahler, BSN, RN, CCRN; Secretary and (Acting Chair); CCU; hapilark@gmail.com

Merry Doty, RN; Grievance Officer; Float Pool merrydoty@gmail.com

Debbie Pronk, BSN, RN: Grievance Officer; PACU dppbee@gmail.com

Linda Snyder, BSN, RN; Membership Officer; OSN; lsnyder1@eastern.edu

Val Artamonova, RN; Membership Officer; Hospice Home Care; valeriya.art@gmail.com

Melissa Hager, BSN, RN; Membership Officer; Oncology; hagermelissa62@gmail.com

And Terri Williams, MS, RN; WSNA Nurse Rep; twilliams@wsna.org 206-575-7979x3058/Fax 206-575-1908