Newsletter October 2026
In this edition:
- Sign up for the First Aid Stations for Lauren’s Lap Race for Campus Safety
- FMLA, Workplace Accommodation, Light Duty, Intermittent Leave
- Shaved Ice Social
Lauren’s Lap: Race for Campus Safety SAVE THE DATE
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.
Our union is also offering TEN registration spots to any Pullman nurse who would like to run the race themselves.
Take a moment and indicate your interest here so we can continue supporting this vital community event.
FMLA, Workplace Accommodation, Light Duty, Intermittent Leave
Need a medical accommodation, light duty, or intermittent leave?
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
Do you have a medical condition, injury, disability, migraine disorder, or other health condition affecting your ability to work?
STEP 1: NOTIFY YOUR EMPLOYER
Employee Responsibilities
✅ Inform your supervisor, HR, Employee Health, or Leave Coordinator
✅ Explain that you need assistance because of a medical condition
✅ You do NOT need to use legal terms like "ADA" or "reasonable accommodation"
Example:
"I have a medical condition that is affecting my ability to perform my job, and I need to discuss accommodations."
STEP 2: PROVIDE MEDICAL INFORMATION
Healthcare Provider
May provide:
✔ Work restrictions
✔ Functional limitations
✔ Need for intermittent absences
✔ Expected duration
Recommended accommodation
STEP 3: INTERACTIVE PROCESS
Employee + Employer Work Together
The employer should:
✅ Discuss job duties
✅ Review restrictions
✅ Explore accommodation options
✅ Consider alternatives
✅ Respond promptly
The employee should:
✅ Participate in discussions
✅ Provide requested information
✅ Communicate changes in restrictions
POSSIBLE OUTCOMES
LIGHT DUTY
Examples:
- Reduced lifting
- Modified assignments
- Administrative work
- Education/discharge support
- Temporary alternative duties
OR
MODIFIED WORK SCHEDULE
Examples:
- Changed start/end times
- Longer meal or restroom breaks
- Reduced hours
- Temporary schedule adjustments
OR
INTERMITTENT LEAVE
May be appropriate for medical conditions examples:
- Chronic medical condition flare-ups
- Chronic migraines
- Certain autoimmune disorders
- Other qualifying chronic conditions
Leave may be taken periodically when symptoms prevent working. Washington PFML recognizes certain chronic conditions that cause recurring episodes of incapacity.
OR
PAID FAMILY & MEDICAL LEAVE (PFML)
Potentially available when a healthcare provider certifies a qualifying serious health condition.
Examples may include:
- Recovery from injury
- Chronic migraine condition
- Severe IBS symptoms
- Other qualifying medical conditions
Administered through Washington Employment Security Department
EMPLOYER CANNOT SIMPLY IGNORE THE REQUEST
✅ Must engage in the interactive process
✅ Must consider reasonable accommodations
✅ Must maintain medical confidentiality
✅ Must assess available options before denying a request
REMEMBER
ASK EARLY • DOCUMENT EVERYTHING • KEEP COPIES
Save:
- Accommodation requests
- Medical documentation
- Emails and correspondence
- PFML paperwork
- Meeting notes
If your request is denied, ask for the reason in writing and contact your WSNA Nurse Representative for assistance.
Shave Ice Social!
Thank you SNO- ZONE. The treats were amazing and so are our members.
In solidarity.
Amy Gifford- Chair
Katy Schmidt- Vice Chair
Jeanna Wilson- Secretary
Kelsey Weiss- Treasurer
Sheila Burman- Grievance officer
Questions/Concerns Contact Laurie Robinson, Nurse Representative, 206-620-4136, lrobinson@wsna.org.
For more information on how you can get involved contact Jenny Galassi, Nurse Organizer, 206-707-2948, jgalassi@wsna.org