Local Unit Officer nominations deadline EXTENDED to April 3 

If you are interested in being a leader in your Local Unit or know someone who would be a great candidate, this is your opportunity to nominate yourself or someone else for the position.

If you are nominating someone as a Local Unit Officer, other than yourself, it needs to be with their agreement, so encourage them to run and ask them to complete a Consent to Serve Form. If you are nominating yourself, please complete your own Consent to Serve Form. All nominees must be members in good standing. DEADLINE for submission is April 3, 2026. 

New WSNA Contract 

We know you are eager to get your new 2026 – 2029 WSNA Contract in your hands. It is typical for a successor contract to go through several rounds of review for accuracy before it is finalized and distributed. Currently, the employer is doing the last round of review. It will be available very SOON! In the meantime, the redline contract has the same information for reference.

Request to review your Personnel File and have any Discipline Removed

According to your WSNA Contract, you can request to review your personnel file. You can also request that any discipline that is in that file be removed if it has been 2 years since it was issued. It is important that you know what is in your personnel file. Many nurses have been surprised by what they found. For example, items that could be a barrier to a nurse transferring or being promoted.

5.4 Personnel File. Personnel records will be maintained for each nurse. By appointment, nurses may inspect their complete personnel records with a designated People and Culture representative in attendance, during normal People and Culture Division hours. Requests for records shall be made in writing to the People and Culture Division. Copies of appropriate records shall be provided to nurses in accordance with RCW 49.12.250 within twenty-one (21) calendar days of the request. Written disciplinary action shall not be used to affect any subsequent discipline after two years from the date of the disciplinary action and shall be removed from the nurse's file upon the nurse's request, unless other discipline of the same or similar nature has been issued prior to the expiration of the two years. Nurses will be given the opportunity to provide, and have placed in their file, a written response to any written evaluations or disciplinary actions to be included in the personnel file. Documentation regarding conditions at date of hire (rate of pay, unit, shift, hours of work), reason for termination, change in employment status, pay or shift and leaves of absence shall be in writing with a copy given to the nurse (or made available electronically) upon request.

WSNA Leadership Conference Sponsorship 

Your Local Unit Officers are sponsoring 20 members in good standing to attend the WSNA Leadership Conference this month. This will include sponsorship for the cost of conference registration and hotel accommodations. WSNA is hosting our bi-annual Leadership Conference in Wenatchee, Washington, from April 26-28. You can expect to hear from dynamic guest speakers and to have the opportunity to participate in breakout sessions that will increase your knowledge about being a leader in the union and in your local unit. If you are interested in attending, reach out to your Local Unit Officers or WSNA Nurse Rep Linda Burbank at Lburbank@wsna.org.

Join union members from across Washington at the Union Leadership Conference, April 26–28, at the Wenatchee Convention Center for three days of learning, strategy, and collaboration.

This year’s agenda is designed to strengthen you at every stage of your local unit leadership journey. Whether you’re a first-time steward or an experienced local unit officer, you’ll find focused, practical training.

• AI Discussion
  Learn how AI tools can support your work.
  
• Vital stats: Checking the pulse of your unit
  Create action plans to keep your unit strong between contracts.
  
• Steward Training (2 parts)
  Step into your role as a leader. Gain the tools, confidence, and hands-on experience to defend your contract, represent your colleagues, and stand strong in meetings with management.
  
• Local Unit Officer Training (2 parts)
  Take your leadership to the next level. Strengthen your skills in strategic planning, effective delegation, and building strong leadership teams.
  
• Building Power in Small Units: Winning with Strategy, Not Size
  Designed for smaller units, this session shares proven strategies to amplify your influence, grow membership, and keep your issues front and center.

There’s so much more. Explore the full agenda and register today.

Strong local units depend on strong leaders. You’ll leave the conference with practical skills you can use immediately – and stronger connections with nurse leaders across the state who share your challenges and priorities.

Nurse SHIFT Change – Get Involved!

‘Nurses SHIFT Change is a nurse-led grassroots movement mobilizing healthcare professionals, allies, and activists across the nation. Born from the urgency of political, social, and healthcare crises, we believe nurses, the largest and most trusted profession, must lead the call for bold, systemic change.’

https://nurseshiftchange.org/

https://www.instagram.com/nursesshiftchange/

Upcoming Rally on May 7. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to RN Therese Hill at theresehill@yahoo.com.

Explore FREE Online Educational Offerings from WSNA and ANA 

WSNA offers professional development to help you stay current and enhance your professional competency. Our diverse education opportunities include online classes, in-person workshops and conferences.

https://www.wsna.org/education

Questions? Contact WSNA Nurse Rep Linda Burbank at lburbank@wsna.org.