Does This Apply to You?

• Have you been denied tuition reimbursement after January 1, 2025?
• Were you impacted by the transition from Guild to Concur?
• Did you make educational or employment decisions based on previous HR guidance?

We have filed a grievance on behalf of Jenna Kelly and all affected nurses at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center concerning the sudden and retroactive changes to the Education Benefit Policy that took effect on January 1, 2025.

What Happened?

Jenna received confirmation from HR in March 2024 that per diem nurses were eligible for tuition reimbursement. Relying on this written assurance, she reduced her FTE and enrolled in a graduate nursing program. However, in early 2025, after her program had already started, her reimbursement request was denied due to a policy change that:

• Was not communicated to the union 30 days in advance, as required by Article 12.9 of the WSNA contract.
• Was retroactively applied without allowing for negotiation.

Why This Matters

The contract states:
“The Medical Center will provide nurses with tuition reimbursement on the same terms and conditions as non-bargaining unit caregivers. The Union will be notified of any change… at least thirty (30) days prior…” (CBA Article 12.9 – Tuition Reimbursement)

Providence’s failure to comply with this requirement and the resulting denial of benefits represent a serious violation that impacts not only Jenna but potentially many others as well.

We are actively gathering information to support the grievance and protect your contractual rights. Please email kruchert@wsna.org  by June 27 if you are affected. Your feedback could strengthen the case and contribute to a fair resolution for all affected nurses. If you have questions, please contact your WSNA Nurse Representative via text message at (206) 809-5036 (mobile).