WSNA has been notified that RNs working in surgical services and procedure areas will be affected by a temporary reduction or closure of services. Those affected should have received an email from the UW NW. There are a few things to be aware of if you are asked to float. If you are not affected, you may see some of these nurses working in your unit and please take note of some of the conditions for those nurses who are floating outside their specialty area.

• Floating should occur on an equitable basis except for charge nurse or lead nurse unless mutually agreeable.
• All nurses who are assigned to float to a regular unit, other than their hired unit(s)/area(s), except for Designated Float Nurses, shall receive one dollar fifty cents ($1.50) per hour float premium for all hours worked as a float to the other unit/area. (Art. 9.11)
• Nurses required to float within the hospital shall receive orientation appropriate to the assignment.
• A nurse may be floated outside their specialty area as staff helper, unless the nurse agrees and is qualified to take a patient assignment.
• Nurses will be expected to perform all basic nursing functions but will not be required to perform tasks or procedures specifically applicable to the nursing unit for which they are not qualified or trained to perform.

These are just a few of the highlights in Article 5.6 and 9.11 of your WSNA CBA. There may be other language that applies. To read the entire float article (recommended) you can view or download it by using the direct link in the documents ribbon above.

Questions or concerns? Please contact your nurse rep, Sara Frey at sfrey@wsna.org.