When management misinterprets our rights, we correct the record. When lawmakers debate issues that affect our practice, we show up. Read below to see key EIB clarifications and your opportunity to stand with other nurses in Olympia for this year’s Lobby Day.

Using EIB

Several nurses have reported to the board that they were denied access to their Extended Illness Bank while using intermittent FMLA, while quarantining at home, or while recovering from outpatient procedures. We raised these concerns with HR and resolved the barriers that were preventing nurses from using the benefits they have earned.

You can use EIB for any intermittent FMLA occurrence once you meet the initial requirement of 32 hours of PTO. You do not need to meet the 32-hour requirement for each separate intermittent FMLA event.

If Employee Health directs you to quarantine, such as for COVID, you may access your EIB immediately.

If you or someone you care for is hospitalized or has an outpatient surgery that requires two or more days of recovery, you may access your EIB immediately.

Please contact a board member or email Jared at JRichardson@WSNA.org if you believe you are being unfairly denied access to your EIB. Your union is here to support you and ensure you receive the protections laid out in the contract.

Get Reimbursed for Lobby Day

Every year, WSNA hosts Lobby Day at the Washington State Capitol Building. This event gives nurses the opportunity to speak directly with elected officials about the importance of pro-nurse and pro-worker legislation. Lawmakers want to hear from frontline nurses, and your voice carries real influence. This year’s Lobby Day is on January 29, 2026.

The board believes participation in the democratic process is essential, and we want to remove as many barriers as possible. To support attendance, the board has approved funds to reimburse mileage and one meal for up to ten nurses who attend Lobby Day. Mileage will be reimbursed at 46 cents per mile for travel to and from the Capitol in Olympia. From the hospital, this totals $138.92. You may also be reimbursed for one meal up to $25.

Lobby Day participation is open to all nurses. Reimbursement will be offered on a first come, first served basis. If you plan to attend, email Jared at JRichardson@WSNA.org.

You can find more information about Lobby Day and register at https://wsna.to/2026LobbyDay.

In solidarity,
Laura Bayes, Co-Chair
Jenn Engelhart, Co-Secretary
Laura Sherwood, Co-Secretary
Tracy Pullar, Treasurer
Amber Pouley, Grievance Officer
Stacy Gaggia Libby, Grievance Officer
Ben McKee, Grievance Officer
Celeste Montoy-Seimears, Membership Officer
Tracy Taylor, Membership Officer
Kristin Malmo, Communications Officer
Kelly Carroll, Communications Officer
Errin Hull, Co-Occupational Health and Safety Officer
Jessica Moran, Co-Occupational Health and Safety Officer

WSNA Nurse Representative Jared Richardson, jrichardson@wsna.org