Ad Hoc Committee regarding working with Nurse Techs

We have brought up in Conference Committee that when Nurse Techs ask for learning experiences, the nurse providing the education should receive preceptor pay.  Management and WSNA want to form an ad hoc committee to explore the feasbility.  If you work on one of the units listed below that utilizes Nurse Techs, we would appreciate having one RN from each unit. 

Medical 2
Medical Surgical
Surgical 2
Surgical 3
Intermediate Care Units (4 North and South)
CDU

Please help us out and get in touch with WSNA Co-Chairs Laura Bayes at blauraloo@gmail.com, or Robin Cully at robinis85@gmail.com. 

Mandatory Low Census Applied Inappropriately

We have heard from multiple nurses that they have been mandated to take low census (MLC) multiple times in a short period of time.  This low census was assigned despite learning that their colleagues had requested voluntary low census (VLC).  We have approached these problems at the lowest levels possible by contacting HR and asking them to fix it.  The second request was to send all the problems directly to the staffing supervisor.  We have asked that Staffing ensures that MLC is equitably rotated.  If someone is mandated, they fall to the bottom of the list because they have completed their turn.  Then the next person is mandated.  They don’t get mandated over and over again.  If you have been adversely impacted by MLC, please send an email to hwelander@wsna.org. 

Calling in for Voluntary Low Census

In the April newsletter, we advised nurses to call in for VLC for units that do not manage their own LC.  We encourage you to continue the same process.

Call the Low Census Line—(360) 738-6318, select option 2

When you leave Staffing a message, please clearly and slowly give the following information: 

• Your first and last name
• Your shift
• Your unit
• The date(s) you are volunteering for low census 

Outpatient Palliative Care RNs Receive Layoff Notices

After the Palliative Care RNs joined the union, days later, the outpatient Palliative Care RNs received layoff notices due to closure of their unit.  Fortunately, they are now covered under the contract article 11, Seniority, Low Census, and Layoffs.  The nurses were afforded their rights under the contract.  We continue working on a Memorandum of Understanding for the remaining inpatient Palliative Care RNs to specify the terms of their hours, wages, and working conditions.  We are fortunate to have a coalition of unions for all PeaceHealth facilities in Washington, Oregon, and Alaska.  We continue to keep an eye on PeaceHealth’s clinic closures and reductions.  

Wage Adjustments  

We continue to encourage everyone who has worked as an RN continuously at St. Joe’s prior to 2016 to submit a ticket to MyHR.  Request a review of your wage rate and ask for an adjustment to match your years of service as an RN.  

July 1 Holiday Schedules are posted

Per the Mutually Agreed to Guidelines for Scheduling Paid Time Off, every effort will be made to establish the December and January holiday schedules by July first.  For more information, please see MOU #11 in the back of your contract. 

Return to Work for Nurses with Medical and Religious Exemptions

WSNA continues to bargain with PeaceHealth the terms and conditions of the nurses’ return to employment.  We have made some strides but still have work ahead of us. 

Cafeteria Time Change in Date! 

Because of the Fourth of July holiday, Cafeteria Time will be held on July 11, 2023, from 1130-1500.  Stop by and sign up for a prize drawing.  Bring your questions and concerns.  We love seeing you! 

Important Advisory about the Right to Representation

If you are told management wants to conduct an investigation, even if you think you have done nothing wrong, do not go alone!  Always ask if a meeting can or will lead to discipline.  If the answer is yes, call one of your officers!  Access the list of names and contact information on this page.

Questions? Contact WSNA Nurse Representative Hanna Welander at hwelander@wsna.org.