WSNA Union Leadership Conference

Why You Belong There

The WSNA Leadership Conference isn't just for people with titles. It’s for the nurse who is tired of feeling powerless. It’s for the advocate who knows our profession deserves better. It’s for you.

By attending, you aren't just taking a break from the floor, you’re gaining the tools to fix the floor. You’ll leave with:

• Advanced Advocacy Skills: Learn how to navigate grievances, Investigatory Meetings, and staffing committees.
• Policy Insights: Get the latest on the legislative battles happening in Olympia.
• A Support Network: Connect with a brotherhood and sisterhood of nurses who have your back.

Don’t just wish for change. Lead it.

Date: April 26-April 28 at the Wenatchee Convention Center.

*If you are interested in attending, please contact an Officer: Kara Henderson, Donna McCune, Hanni Johnson, Anji Bryant, Jordan Simmon or Erik Barkas. 

You can also contact Laurie Robinson Nurse Representative at 206-620-4136 or lrobinson@wsna.org.

Investigatory Meetings or Fact-Finding Meetings

An investigatory meeting (often called a “fact-finding meeting) is a formal discussion where management asks questions to determine if disciplinary action is warranted against an employee. Under the collective bargaining agreement, you are a union represented nurse by WSNA. This is not just a “quick chat” it is a protected process with specific legal rights. Here is a breakdown of what it is and what you need to know.

1. The Purpose: Fact-Finding

Management uses these meetings to investigate a specific incident or pattern of behavior. Common triggers include:

• Medication errors or documentation discrepancies.
• Patient safety concerns or "near misses."
• Attendance issues or interpersonal conflicts on the unit.
• Allegations of policy violations.

The goal for the employer is to decide: Did something happen, and is it your fault?

2. Your Representation Rights

This is your most important shield. Under the Weingarten Ruling, a WSNA represented nurse has the right to have your Nurse Representative present during any interview that the nurse reasonably believes could lead to discipline.

Take a look on the back of your WSNA blue “Badge Buddy” here is your Representation Rights: “If this discussion could in anyway lead to my discipline or termination, I request an Association representative be present. Unless I have this representative, I respectfully choose not to participate in this discussion.”

Key things to remember about Weingarten Rights:

• You must ask for it: Management is generally not required to offer a representative; you must state, "If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, I request that my union representative be present."
• Once you ask: The employer must either stop the meeting until the rep arrives, end the meeting entirely, or offer you the choice of continuing without a rep (which you should almost never do).

3. The Role of Your Nurse Representative and/or Officer

A Nurse Representative or Officer is not just a silent observer. In an investigatory meeting, they can:

• Help you clarify the questions being asked.
• Take notes on everything said.
• Advise you on how to answer (e.g., "Keep it brief" or "Don't speculate").
• Ask for a "caucus" (a private break) to talk to you in the hallway if things get heated.

Common Dos and Don'ts

Step placement review

Under the new contract, RNs whose years of experience were previously capped may now request an appeal to have their step placement reviewed for alignment. Attached is the Step Review Appeal form. RNs who wish to request a review should complete the form and submit it according to the instructions provided. If an RN is requesting credit for experience outside of KVH, a current resume must be included with the appeal to support the review. Complete the form and submit it to HR. (See form below)

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.

WSNA Membership: If you are not a WSNA member please consider completing a membership application today! Just use this link:

https://wsnaonlineapplicationportalwsnaprod.powerappsportals.com/

YOU ARE WSNA!