Bonus Shift premium

 The employer has informed WSNA that the Bonus Shift premium is extended through July 30, 2023.  Email your manager to sign up for these shifts and find current criteria.  Also, refer to contract article 12.11.

Contract, OMC Policy or both?

In addition to your WSNA contract, there are many policies and procedures (Pn’P) for nurses at Overlake.  Remember, that while the PnPs do not supersede the contract language, it is possible to avert many challenges like investigatory meetings and disciplines by increasing familiarity with PnPs.  Whether you have been a nurse for a long time or are newer to practice, it is helpful to review what may have changed or something you have not done in quite some time. Some things may seem a detail, but if skipped, can be the basis of discipline or errors. When asked by a manager or supervisor to attend a meeting or “have a talk”, always ask if the meeting could lead to discipline. Unless the answer is a clear “no”, state you are invoking your representational rights, contact your local unit officers or Nurse Representative tbarnes@wsna.org  as soon as possible, to secure what union nurses at Overlake enjoy.

Bullying/Lateral violence

This is an important but tough topic. Nursing is a hard but satisfying profession. While it is essential to decompress and relieve the regular stressors of the tremendous work you do, no one wants to be called into a meeting for hostility toward another nurse peer.  No one wants to be on the receiving end, either!  By taking a brief pause, union nurses foster better conditions simply in how we treat each other. When we misstep, we can circle back and simply talk to one another in a respectful way, remembering this is a two-way street. It can literally make a difference in whether nurses choose to remain at Overlake.

Assignment Despite Objection (ADO) forms and new information!

These are one stop shopping for safety/staffing concerns and so much more. If you’ve never done one, use the link to check it out. It’s quick and easy. Many criteria may apply. Save it as an icon on your phone and teach your peers how to do so, as well! This keeps a spotlight on any challenges to safety or staffing.  It is not an affront to your peers or employer. It is a process improvement measure that honors a nurse’s duty to raise concerns and complaints that affect the safety of patients, yourself, coworkers, or visitors.

Though the hospital’s OARS is required in many cases, those submissions are NOT legally discoverable. It is the ADO that can be utilized if there is a negative outcome down the road.  Each is reviewed at the monthly staffing committee on the second Wednesday, for resolution and tracking. 

Want to visit the virtual staffing committee as an observer to check it out?  Want to talk about representing your department on the staffing committee? Some units do not currently have a rep or alternate. Maybe that person is you!  Message tbarnes@wsna.org to receive the calendar invite, learn more. The nurses on the committee provide a valuable service to all Overlake nurses and need your support. Regular ADO submission every shift it is warranted is a crucial way to do this. The staffing committee will soon be called the Hospital Staffing Committee, will include LPNs and PCTs, in accordance with the changes to the Safe Staffing Law passed in the legislature this year. Recruitment efforts will start in the Fall to be in accordance with the law by 2024.

I’m a member, you’re a member, wouldn’t you like to be a member too?

Remember this happy soda pop jingle from way back?  Overlake nurses have made serious contractual gains that have only increased with membership strength and engagement.  Yes, the two go together!  Remember the wage increase in January and the extra contractual increase in May?  That was not just luck, but resulted from your WSNA officers, unit reps and staff communicating what it takes to retain and recruit nurses at Overlake. The adjusted wage table can be found in the document section of your WSNA webpage. The contract must be upheld. So, if you are a nonmember who has been contacted to take care of your membership requirement, do so in a timely manner.  The integrity of your contract at Overlake depends upon it. Submit your online application.  Questions? We love questions! Contact an officer or Nurse Rep Tara Barnes at tbarnes@wsna.org.

Health Benefits

Access to health benefits is so important. Please ensure to check out your First-Choice web site to see who the approved providers and services are.  The benefits specialist at Overlake is another resource once you have looked at the First-Choice web site. We have learned that many things can be addressed just this way.  The benefits are set for the full year.

Safety and Security

Last, but no means least, you all work hard and have a right to a safe workplace, free from hazards.  Regarding purses, wallets, or other personal valuables, please lock them up to ensure you do not experience a theft. No secure space with a lock for you? Let your manager know so a solution can be found.  Also, It is dark before dawn and after dusk.  Consider parking near to a well-lit area in the garages.  Also, though it may seem an inconvenience, if you want security to escort you to the parking lot, do ask.  Or go with a buddy and feel more secure. Your safety is worth the effort!

Enjoy the start of summer!

Your officers Chris, Cassie and Michele and Nurse Rep Tara Barnes, tbarnes@wsna.org

Haven’t joined the private FB group yet? Go to WSNA Overlake RNs and click join.