What’s in this newsletter:

• Work on Day off
• Hospital Staffing Committee
• Nominations for Officers
• Mask Fit Test notification
• Lauren’s Lap

Work on Day Off

The KVH nurses bargained new language as part of the new contract  under 9.12  addressing the problems experienced with filling shifts when needed. 

 The CNO has communicated with the Officers and WSNA the following message: “We understand that many nurses continue to voluntarily sign up for open shifts once the schedule is posted (often waiting minutes after schedule is posted) expecting double time.  That was not how Section 9.12 was intended, but rather, the intent to pay double time under Section 9.12 was to be “Called in on day off”. If a nurse wants to sign up for open shifts minutes after schedule is posted then they would be entitled to get time and a half.”

We are not in alignment with this message, however, while we work through this with the employer, we expect that nurses should receive pay under 9.12 as it is titled “work on day off”

9.12 Work on Day Off. Full-time nurses who are at least .9 FTE and work an innovative schedule, and those part-time nurses working eighty (80) hours per two-week period, called in on their day off shall be paid at double (2x) time for additional hours worked. Regularly scheduled nurses working less than .9 FTE who are called in on their day off shall be paid at time-and-one-half (1 1/2x) for their hours worked. Nurses must work their regularly scheduled shifts during the same workweek to qualify for the work on day off premium. Use of pre-scheduled PTO, protected leave, voluntary low census, and pre-approved education hours shall qualify as hours worked for the purposes of this section. 

9.12.1 Any nurse called in under either of the above provisions shall receive a minimum of three (3) hours pay at the premium rate.

Hospital Staffing Committee: 

The ED has been experiencing the bulk of short staffing, increased census, and acuity.   The ED director reported that she is officially adding both the 10-10 RN shift and the 12-12 PCT shift back into the matrix. They will hire and schedule a third night nurse but that position will not be in the staffing matrix and wants to add a 3rd RN for nightshift. 

An issue identified for nurses in HHH being scheduled patients when on call. This leads to nurses working 6 days in a row. There are 2 travel nurses hired and 2 Per Diem positions posted. There is a potential to use a nurse triage company. This is an outside agency that employs non-bargaining unit nurses. If this process will ease the over burden that the HHH nurses are experiencing WSNA is open to having a discussion on this.

ADOs:

Between January 17, 2026, and February 16, 2026, Emergency Department Registered Nurses submitted twelve (12) Assignment Despite Objection (ADO) forms documenting significant staffing and operational concerns. These reports consistently described challenging working conditions, including inadequate RN staffing, insufficient patient technician coverage, high patient volumes, elevated patient acuity, charge nurses being required to assume patient assignments and therefore unable to effectively fulfill charge responsibilities, and missed meal and rest breaks.

The committee has maintained these ADOs while awaiting a meaningful action plan to address the identified concerns and prevent future occurrences. With the recent appointment of a new Emergency Department Director and the development of plans to recruit and hire additional staff, the committee recognizes the organization's commitment to addressing these issues.

After review and discussion, the committee voted to resolve these ADOs as dismissed with acknowledgment, recognizing both the documented concerns raised by staff and the ongoing efforts to implement corrective measures aimed at improving staffing, workload management, and patient care conditions within the Emergency Department.

New ADOs:

5/9 ED A sick call for the 1500-0300 shift. Unable to backfill leaving the staffing plan unmet.

5/18 HHH has been experiencing for multiple weekends in which as nurse has been scheduled for taking call only and is being scheduled to take patients. The only per diem nurse is working almost fulltime and the other per diem took a clinical supervisor position. This nurse experiences not getting days off and when they do, there is constant messages from administration or other staff. This is mandatory OT which is unacceptable.

Officer Nomination and Upcoming Election:

It’s time to nominate your WSNA KVH Officers

Step Forward. Lift Others. Lead the Way.

Nurses are the heart of our profession—and our voices matter. One of the most powerful ways to shape our future is through participation in our bargaining unit leadership.

If you’ve ever thought, “Things could be better,” or “I want to help make a difference,” this is your moment.

We encourage you to:

• Nominate yourself—your experience, insight, and passion are exactly what we need.
• Nominate a colleague—recognize someone who leads with integrity, compassion, and strength.

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about caring enough to step up, listen, and advocate. Every perspective matters, and every nurse has something valuable to contribute.

By serving as an officer, you help:

• Strengthen our collective voice
• Advocate for safe, supportive working conditions
• Uphold the standards of our profession
• Support and empower your peers

Together, we can build a stronger, more unified future for nurses and for the communities we serve.

Be the voice. Be the change. Nominate today.

Officers shall serve a term of no more than (3) years.

Officers may succeed themselves.

A term of office begins upon verification of the election.

The vote will occur in July as the term of our wonderful Officers in August.

Submit your nomination with the link below!

WSNA/KVH OFFICER NOMINATIONS – Collaboration

Mask Fit Test:

WSNA has been provided with the following information regarding an upcoming compliance requirement. Effective August 10th KVH will require all applicable employees to be current on Mask Fit Testing to remain on the schedule. 

We have the expectation that KVH leadership will follow the CBA.

We are looking for 12 nurses to volunteer with us on Saturday October 17, 2026. This is our third year partnership with the Lauren McCluskey Foundation to provide basic first aid and water stations on their racecourse. This event focuses on increasing campus safety awareness related to domestic violence reporting in honor of Lauren McCluskey. All supplies will be provided including T-shirts and a free lunch! Commitment is roughly 9 am-1 pm.

Take a moment and indicate your interest here so we can continue supporting this vital community event.

Sign me up!

In Solidarity,

KVH Officers:
Kara Henderson, ED, Chair
Donna McCune, FBP, Co-Chair
Hanni Johnson, ED, Secretary
Erik Berkas, ED, Treasurer
Anji Bryant, SOP, Grievance Officer
Jordan Simon, ED, Membership Officer

Questions/Concerns Contact Laurie Robinson, Nurse Representative,  lrobinson@wsna.org.

For more information on how you can get involved contact Jenny Galassi, Nurse Organizer, jgalassi@wsna.org.