Thanks to all of you who signed a pledge saying you'd stand together with other WSNA nurses in a Town Hall meeting with CEO Elise Cutter. WSNA sent an invitation to CEO Cutter asking for a Town Hall meeting to be held on October 23. CEO Cutter did not respond to us. Instead CNO Jennifer Graham responded that as she is wrapping up her first 3 months at Island Hospital, she is looking to learning her team and building structures to support professional practices. Jennifer will be hosting Nursing Listening Sessions.  See the schedule below.  While we are disappointed that we won't be allowed a forum to speak directly with CEO Cutter, we look forward to having a voice at the upcoming Nursing Listening Sessions. Jennifer states that she feels that we all share the goal of creating the best place to work and practice.

Once we get the date for the CEO's next Inside Scoop Session which takes place 3 times per year (next expected Late November) we will get the word out to you. At these sessions, she shares updates and information with staff, as well as takes open questions.

WSNA Grievance: Double Time Bonus Incentive Pay

Were you offered Double Time Incentive Pay to work an extra shift? Did you receive what you were promised?

WSNA filed a grievance on October 6 due to nurses not receiving the DT pay. Many only received 1.5X pay.

We are hopeful that management and payroll are working to resolve this. Be sure to report to your manager if you were paid incorrectly.

If not resolved, please contact one of your WSNA officers or WSNA Nurse Representative.

Your Representational Rights. What should you do when your manager asks to meet with you?

If your manager approaches you to meet with you, you have the right to ask if the meeting is "Investigatory" and if it may lead to discipline.  State, "If this discussion could in any way lead to my discipline or termination, I request a Union Representative be present. Unless I have this representation, I respectfully choose not to participate in this discussion."

Do not be afraid or intimidated to request union representation. It is your Weingarten or Representational Rights per the National Labor Relations Act.

You should then reach out to one of your WSNA officers or call the WSNA Nurse Representative to arrange a meeting date/time.

You may ask your manager what the meeting is about and they are required to give you the General Topic of the meeting.

If any nurse receives disciplinary action, do not hesitate to notify your WSNA nurse representative immediately to discuss the possibility of filing a grievance. Your timeline is 15 days, so don't delay.

Staffing Complaint Forms - ADOs (Assignment Despite Objection)

Did you know you can use an online ADO form to document any unsafe working condition. That includes: missed breaks, equipment malfunction, inadequate nurse to patient ratios for patient acuity, inadequate support staff, workplace violence... and more! Click on this link to document your situation.

Report your staffing concerns in real time to management to give them an opportunity to correct the situation; then fill out the ADO to keep your union informed of the issues.  ADOs are reviewed at the monthly Hospital Staffing Committee meetings.

Membership Matters 

Show support for your Union by becoming a dues paying member. Together we are Stronger.

Here's the quick and easy online application.

Your WSNA Officers,
Mari Stewart, Christen Siedler, Ron Brutton, Kris Browne, Andrea Toth

Your WSNA Nurse Representative
Janet Stewart  jstewart@wsna.org