Happy Nurses Month from WSNA

To Our Incredible Spokane Regional Health District Nurses

This May, the Washington State Nurses Association proudly celebrates YOU — our dedicated, skilled, and compassionate public health nurses at Spokane Regional Health District.

Every day, you show up with purpose and heart, caring for some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community — those who are often underserved, marginalized, or facing complex social and medical challenges. You provide dignified, expert care without judgment, embodying the highest values of nursing and public health.

Your commitment to serving our community, advocating for public health, and standing strong together through challenges has never gone unnoticed. You are the frontline of prevention, education, and care — and you do it all with unwavering professionalism and heart.

As your union, we honor your strength, your advocacy, and your voice. You are the backbone of our healthcare system and the heart of public health in Spokane.

Thank you for the vital work you do every day.
We see you. We support you. We celebrate you.

In solidarity and gratitude

Become a Union Steward — Lead from the Front

Union stewards are the direct link between members and union leadership. Whether you’re advocating for a colleague, sharing updates, or resolving issues, your role strengthens the entire bargaining unit.

Ready to get involved? Contact Kitt Ruchert WSNA NR (kruchert@wsna.org) to learn more about steward opportunities.

Your Rights Under the CBA

Our Collective Bargaining Agreement protects your wages, working conditions, and job security — including:

• Transparent pay structure
• Protection from unjust discipline
• Grievance and arbitration rights
• Safety provisions and leave benefits

Our current contract expires December 25, 2025 — and we’re working to confirm bargaining dates now.

Bargaining Survey Coming Soon

To prepare for negotiations, we need your voice. Be on the lookout for the bargaining survey — your chance to identify priorities, concerns, and goals.

Your input matters. The stronger our participation, the stronger our position.

Not a Member Yet? Now Is the Time to Join

If you're represented under the union contract but haven’t yet joined WSNA as a full member, you're missing out on the full power and benefits of union membership:

• Full voting rights in contract negotiations and officer elections
• Member-only access to professional resources and continuing education
• Automatic membership in the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the Inland Empire Nurses Association (IENA)
• Direct involvement in shaping policies and laws that impact your license, scope of practice, staffing, and funding

Your membership strengthens our collective voice and ensures we have the power to negotiate fair contracts and protect public health funding, staffing ratios, and nurse protections at the state and national levels.

Support your profession, protect your rights, and stay informed.

Join WSNA today. Visit www.wsna.org/join or contact Kitt Ruchert for more information.

Opportunities to Lead Beyond the Workplace

Make your voice heard across Spokane and Washington:

WSNA (State Level): Join committees and shape the future of nursing.
Spokane Regional Labor Council (SRLC): We have open seats! Represent public health, influence policy, and unite with other unions.

Being part of the SRLC strengthens our local bargaining unit and builds solidarity with broader labor efforts that benefit our community.

Want to get involved? Contact Kitt Ruchert WSNA RN (kruchert@wsna.org) to join WSNA committees or the SRLC.

Save the Dates – Upcoming Union Events

Local Unit Officer Reception – Member Meet-Up

Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025
Time: 6 – 8 pm
Location: Spokane Regional Labor Council Office
510 S. Elm Street, Spokane, WA 99201
Please note: the space requires the use of stairs.

Hosted by your Labor Executive Council (LEC) WSNA’s elected statewide governing body — this informal meet-up is part of a statewide tour connecting nurses and members.

Drop in anytime for food, connection, and conversation. No formal agenda — come for 10 minutes or stay for the full two hours.

Please RSVP by May 30, 2025, by emailing your WSNA NR at kruchert@wsna.org.

Labor Executive Council (LEC) Meeting

Date: Friday, June 6, 2025
Time: Breakfast at 9 am | Meeting from 9:30 am  – 3 pm
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Spokane City Center – Suite B
322 North Spokane Falls Court, Spokane, WA 99201

The Labor Executive Council is WSNA’s elected statewide governing body, responsible for union strategy, policy, and advocacy. This meeting brings union leaders from across Washington together to strengthen our collective power and chart the next steps for the labor movement.

Breakfast begins at 9 am and the meeting will begin at 9:30 am. We anticipate concluding by 2 pm. Join us to represent Spokane and help shape our statewide direction.

This Is Your Moment

Whether you're becoming a steward, completing the bargaining survey, joining WSNA, or representing SRHD nurses in the labor council — your voice matters.

Let’s stand united, protect what we’ve earned, and shape the future we all believe in.

In solidarity,

"When we show up — we win. In our workplace, in our union, and in our communities."