Hello Sisters/Brothers/Siblings,

We have been hearing of some less than stellar float situations where nurses are being pressured to take full assignments outside their functional areas. We have contract language that protects nurses from this. Specifically, nurses each belong to a functional area that should be within our training and scope to practice. Anytime you are floated outside your functional area, you should be operating as a helper, unless you have been fully oriented to the unit and trained in that unit’s population. This is outlined in our Contract 8.5 and Appendix B. Should you be asked to do anything you are uncomfortable with, note your objection to the charge nurse, house supervisor or supervisor, and file an Assignment Despite Objection (ADO).

Nurses may present the ADO at the monthly staffing committee where they are reviewed, if the nurse chooses to do so. Nurses may also contact your WSNA union leader on your unit or through the WSNA webpage for Overlake nurses.

Please welcome WSNA Nurse Repre­sen­ta­tive Tara Barnes, RN, BSN

Tara Barnes has been a nurse since 1994, with a background in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Oncology and Clinical Education.

Bringing a passion for advocacy and collab­o­ra­tion, Tara is excited to be a supportive presence for WSNA members!

Tara is now taking over all new issues as they arise for Overlake. I will be working with both Tara and your local unit officers and unit reps to ensure a smooth transi­tion over the upcoming weeks. As we continue this work, I will continue to participate. The staffing survey continues to inform this, so make your submission today.

I have enjoyed working with all of you as your Nurse Repre­sen­ta­tive and am excited to move onto my Organizer role at WSNA.

Tara can be reached at tbarnes@wsna.org or at 206-713-2241.

In solidarity,
Sam Scholl BSN, RN
sscholl@wsna.org