The group of WSNA represented RNs at Sacred Heart just got BIGGER!

After months of organizing and a year of bargaining, the Clinical Documentation Specialists reached an agreement on an MOU which sought to incorporate them into the WSNA SHMC contract. Monday, March 7, they voted unanimously "YES" and ratified their working conditions.

The Clinical Documentation Specialists are a part of the revenue division at Providence and their role is to analyze inpatient charts to help capture medical treatments or diagnoses for billing purposes. Their critical clinical knowledge adds value as they work in partnership with MDs and other care team members. These nurses have been able to capture issues after discharge helping to ensure continued care for patients. The Clinical Documentation Specialists help Providence capture charges that would otherwise not be caught, had their intelligent RN expertise not been part of the process. The outcome is more revenue for the hospital. Having these nurses in the bargaining unit brings more solidarity for the RNs and a essential partnership.

Please welcome them to WSNA!

What does this mean for other nurses at Sacred Heart who are not WSNA represented? The door has been swung open for the possibility for more nursing classifications. If you know of a group of nurses who would like to be under the contract, contact Jaclyn Smedley BSN, RN at jsmedley@wsna.org to discuss what the process looks like.