Announcing WSNA Nurse Representative change

After 3 ½ years serving as your WSNA Nurse Representative, Janet Stewart is currently transitioning out to work in different WSNA facilities.

She will still be involved with the DVAs and with the upcoming contract negotiations, as she will continue representing the nurses at the WA Soldiers Home.

Janet would like to thank you for the privilege of being your Nurse Representative and wishes you all well.

Your newly assigned Nurse Representative is Sara Frey. Sara has been with WSNA for 17 years and has represented a number of Western Washington facilities. Sara can be reached at SFrey@wsna.org

WSNA Officer Elections

Watch your mail for your local unit officer election ballots. Please return your ballots -postmarked by February 13, 2026 for your vote to count.

You must be a dues paying member to vote.

Union Membership - Stronger Together

Here's the link to the online WSNA membership application: https://www.wsna.org/membership/application

Strong Contracts Start With Strong Voices

Contract Negotiations Begin April 2026 for the upcoming contract effective July 2027- July 2029.

Complete the Pre-Negotiations Survey so we know what your contract priorities are.

Deadline is February 6, 2026.

• Speak Up
• Stand Together
• Take the survey today

Scan the QR code or visit https://wsna.to/DVAnego2026.

Grievance Summary: Nurse Practice and Medications  

WSNA filed a Union Grievance in September 2025 citing Article 28 Nurse Practice and Medications. The issue is that nurses assigned to the Medication Cart need to be able to safely administer medications, treatments and care to the residents without additional distractions, such as holding the schedule book and phone and dealing with staffing issues. Additionally, nurses should not be pulled to the cart while being responsible for the supervision of the entire facility (House Supervisors and MOD). It poses safety concerns to be responsible for both, and it forces that nurse into involuntary overtime just to get their duties completed. Additionally, we have concerns that some RN3s may be pulled to run the cart who have not had proper training.

The facility administrator heard and acknowledged your concerns.

1. He acknowledges that it's not the goal for the RN3 MOD to be on the cart, but only in situations when there's no other alternatives. If that were to occur, they would pass off the scheduling book and phone to the most senior RN2 or LPN, or another person capable of handling this task.
2. He offered more opportunities for RN3 training to doing medication passes and orientation to the floor.
3. He says the facility is staffing up with on-call nurses to help fill staffing needs.
4. Administration will create a set of clear guidelines for MOD including processes for med cart and staffing.
5. He declines our recommendation to hire a weekend MOD for budget reasons, and he does not feel a weekend only supervisor would offer the value, knowledge, and experiences with the residents that the weekday RN3s have.

The grievance will remain "on hold" while we have the opportunity to see if progress is made to meet our concerns about Medication Safety. It will be revisited in 6 months, or earlier if further issues arise.

We need you to communicate with us so we know how things are progressing or failing to progress.

For Staffing or Safety concerns, please submit an ADO Assignment Despite Objection Staffing Complaint form.

Submit an ADO -     https://wsnaado.powerappsportals.com/

Questions, contract WSNA Nurse Representative Sara Frey at SFrey@wsna.org.