Chair
Shawna Smith, BSN, RN
Officers
Co-Chair
Shannon Lauder, BSN, RN
Float pool/days
Secretary
Krissy Fagan, BSN, RN, CCRN
Treasurer
Jason Holz, RN, CCRN
Grievance Officer
Melonie (MEL) Miller, BSN, RN, CHPN
Grievance Officer
Open
Grievance Officer
Open
Membership Officer
Cora Dubrow, BSN, RN
Communications Officer
Open
WSNA staff contact
WSNA staff contact
Brenda Balogh, BSN, RN
Nurse Representative
Social media
Contract
Latest update
Staffing Concerns: Your Rights, Resources, and Next Steps
Posted Jan 26, 2026
Thank you for reporting concerns related to staffing and working conditions through the Staffing Concern/ADO form. We appreciate bargaining unit members bringing these issues forward.
It is concerning when staffing levels or available support are insufficient to ensure the safety of both caregivers and patients. It is also concerning when meal and rest breaks required under Washington State law are not provided. Safe staffing and compliance with labor standards are essential to maintaining quality patient care and member well-being.
We encourage members to inform us if management addresses these concerns in a satisfactory manner. Members are also welcome to notify us if they would like union representation present at the HSC meeting where this concern is reviewed.
WSNA has raised staffing, safety, and working conditions issues with UGMC management for many years and will continue to advocate for meaningful improvements. If members wish to pursue additional action, they may consider filing a complaint with the appropriate state regulatory agencies listed below:
To file a complaint with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) related to staffing or patient safety:
https://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/FileComplaintAboutProviderorFacility/FacilityComplaintProcess#heading25859
To file a complaint with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) regarding meal and rest breaks:
https://secure.lni.wa.gov/wagecomplaint/#/
To file a complaint with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) regarding mandatory overtime:
https://lni.wa.gov/workers-rights/workplace-complaints/worker-rights-complaints
These agencies are required to investigate complaints, and a representative may contact the member for additional information. Members are encouraged to be prepared with specific and detailed information related to their concern. Filing a complaint is a protected activity under the law, and retaliation for filing a complaint is prohibited.
We appreciate members continuing to speak up and advocate for safe staffing and fair working conditions.
Questions? Contact your officers or WSNA Nurse Representative.
Previous updates
The Meal Break Waiver MOU has been ratified!
Jan 09, 2026
We Have Reached an Agreement on a Break Waiver!
Dec 23, 2025
Meal and Rest Break Waiver Bargaining Update - Day 2
Dec 14, 2025
Meal and Rest Break Waiver Bargaining Update
Dec 08, 2025
Great news about your benefits!
Oct 23, 2025
Meal and Rest Breaks
Aug 25, 2025
Upcoming event
WSNA Union Leadership Conference
April 26-28, 2026
Join us for the 2026 WSNA Union Leadership Conference.
WSNA union news
Resources and tools
Document unsafe conditions
If you find yourself in a situation that you believe creates unsafe conditions for patients or for you, you should complete a Staffing Complaint / ADO Form as soon as possible.
By completing the form, you will help make the problem known to management, creating an opportunity for the problem to be addressed. Additionally, you will be documenting the facts, which may be helpful to you later if there is a negative outcome.
WSNA also uses your ADO forms to track the problems occurring in your facility. When you and your coworkers take the important step of filling out an ADO form, you are helping to identify whether there is a pattern of unsafe conditions for you or your patients at your facilities. This information is used by your conference committee, staffing committee, and WSNA labor staff to improve your working conditions.
Representation rights
As a union member, you have the right to have a representative present in any meetings with management that could potentially lead to disciplinary action against you.
If called into a meeting with management, read the following to management when the meeting begins:
If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, I respectfully request that my union representative be present at this meeting. Without representation present, I choose not to participate in this discussion.
Find out more about this crucial right and how to exercise it to ensure your fair treatment and protection.
Continuing education offerings
Enhance your professional competency with WSNA's free online courses.
Earn CNE contact hours through topics like Cultural Humility, Telehealth Assessment, Workplace Violence Prevention, and more. Convenient and self-paced, our courses provide practical knowledge for your daily work. Expand your skills and stay up-to-date with the latest nursing practices.