The Conference Committee (CC) is a monthly labor-management meeting between Providence SHMC and WSNA local unit officers, as outlined in Article 9.15 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This committee serves as a forum to discuss matters of mutual concern related to wages, hours, and working conditions. While the meeting is currently held virtually via Microsoft Teams, WSNA has formally requested that future meetings be held in person to foster improved communication, collaboration, and transparency.

Topics Discussed:

1. Perioperative Staff Sick Call Process (SSARS)
   • The SSARS system previously used for perioperative staff to call out sick is being discontinued.
   • Moving forward, nurses should:
     • Leave a voicemail with the Perioperative Staffing Office, and
     • Leave a message on the department phone line as well.
   • Concerns were raised about coverage for early morning call-ins. Management stated that perioperative float pool staff will be available to assist with coverage in those situations.
2. Centralized Scheduling
   • The plan to implement centralized scheduling has been delayed until 2026 due to staffing and logistical challenges.
   • The current unit-based scheduling processes will remain unchanged for now.
3. Use of Agency Nurses
   • WSNA reiterated concerns about the continued use of agency staff, emphasizing that bargaining unit nurses must receive priority for shift assignments.
   • A suggestion was made to allow agency staff to work 8-hour shifts instead of 12-hour shifts, creating opportunities for bargaining unit nurses to pick up 4-hour increments before or after their shifts.
   • WSNA continues to object to the current staffing algorithm used to determine agency assignments.
   • Article 6.5 – Agency Use states:
     “The Employer may utilize agency personnel to perform bargaining unit work when no bargaining unit nurse is available to perform the work. The Employer will notify the Association at the time such agency personnel are utilized. Agency personnel shall not be utilized in a manner that displaces bargaining unit nurses or results in the reduction of their hours.”
   • WSNA maintains that any use of agency nurses must comply strictly with this article, and bargaining unit nurses should be given priority regardless of agency shift commitments.
4. Beeper Nurse Assignments and Throughput Trial
   • Concerns were raised regarding a report that a beeper nurse had been pulled to assist with patient throughput.
   • Management clarified that this is part of a trial process, assigning either Beeper 1 or Beeper 2 to assist with ED admissions and discharges from 0700 to 1000.
   • They reported positive feedback and said the trial had been communicated to the Float Pool UBC.
   • WSNA questioned why the trial was not brought to Conference Committee first, especially in light of Memorandum of Understanding #6, which states:
     “An evaluation of the roles and responsibilities of the beeper nurses shall be conducted in collaboration with the Association through Conference Committee.”
   • WSNA has requested broader staff feedback on this trial and asked for transparency moving forward.
5. IRC Notifications for LCDs
   • WSNA raised concerns about Low Census Day (LCD) notifications being sent to all staff regardless of eligibility.
   • Management stated that this is due to limitations within Kronos, which currently cannot filter such communications.
6. Vocera Device Rollout
   • Providence is preparing to roll out Vocera communication devices as part of a larger network upgrade.
   • WSNA raised several concerns:
     • Increased noise levels
     • HIPAA compliance risks
     • Potential GPS or tracking features
   • Management stated that existing communication systems are outdated and that Vocera was selected due to infrastructure needs.
   • Rollout is projected for Fall 2025, but details about available device options and system capabilities are still pending.
7. Attendance Policy and Sick Leave Use
   • WSNA brought forward concerns that nurses feel pressure to work while ill due to the enforcement of the 4.6% absentee threshold.
   • Management responded that the intent is to help staff improve attendance and encouraged the use of PTO, Safe Sick, and EIB to cover illness-related absences.
   • WSNA emphasized that many nurses have encountered difficulties when seeking leave and benefits through Sedgwick, including delays and inconsistent communication.
   • HR has asked for specific examples to investigate. Nurses are encouraged to:
     • File tickets with Sedgwick to document issues, and
     • Submit HR tickets if problems remain unresolved.

Get Involved and Make a Difference!

We have open officer positions, seats on the SRLC, and Unit Shop Steward/Liaison spots available, and we need YOU to step up and get involved. Our union is strongest when everyone contributes, and your voice matters. Whether you’re interested in taking on a leadership role or supporting your fellow nurses on the frontlines, there’s a place for you to make a difference. Let’s unite, strengthen our collective power, and make sure our work environment reflects the dedication we put into caring for our patients every day.

Negotiation Survey Extended – Your Opinion Counts!

We’ve extended the Negotiation Survey because we want to hear from every member of the CBU as we move forward. Your input is crucial to shaping the direction of our negotiations and ensuring our voices are heard. If you haven’t completed the survey yet, now is the time! It’s your chance to make sure that your concerns, priorities, and ideas are part of the conversation. Don’t miss out—complete your survey today!

Have Input? We Want to Hear from You!

If you have input or experience related to any of these issues—particularly agency staffing, beeper assignments, sick leave use, or Vocera—please contact your WSNA SHMC Officers, your Unit Shop Steward/Liaison, or WSNA Nurse Representative Kitt Ruchert at kruchert@wsna.org or (206) 809-5036 (mobile). Your feedback is essential to making sure we address these concerns effectively!

Rian Williams –  Co-Chair works CDI
Jennifer Haines – Co-Chair works NICU
Allyssa Boldt – Treasurer works 9N
Claire Nazarro – Secretary works 7S
Christine Schriener – MAL works CARA
Julie Walther – Grievance Officer work Pediatric Recovery

Your feedback helps shape the conversations that impact your working conditions.

Together we Bargain, Divided We Beg!