WSNA-PAC endorses Duncan Camacho in the 18th

Each year, the Washington State Legislature considers hundreds of health care bills – many of which directly impact patient safety, nursing scope of practice and licensure, and working conditions in our state’s health care facilities. Every two years the WSNA-PAC works to find candidates who will help raise the nursing voice in the Legislature.

Legislators, many of whom have no direct experience in health care, take votes that directly impact the work we do as nurses every session — including bills to expand access to health care, ensure rest breaks and support safe staffing.

Recently, Rep. Eileen Cody (D-West Seattle) announced her retirement. In addition to being the powerful Chair of the House Health Care & Wellness Committee she was the only licensed nurse serving in the Legislature.

WSNA member, Duncan Camacho is running in the 18th Legislative District and has just received the WSNA-PAC’s first endorsement.

Duncan Camacho is someone who has always performed well under pressure. Duncan plays many roles in his community including neuro/trauma intensive care unit nurse, charge nurse, rapid response team nurse, ICU representative for trauma committee, local WSNA leadership for nurse staffing committee and conference committee. Because of these roles Duncan works well with unexpected situations and is quick to make decisions as needed. The ability to stay calm, think logically and act correctly in such an environment is a major asset for a nurse and a potential legislator.

Duncan received his bachelor’s degree in nursing from Texas Tech University. Prior to becoming a nurse, Duncan spent 10 years as a paramedic in San Jose, California. Following graduation, Duncan, his wife of 10 years, Dana, and their two children, Olivia and Emily, decided to make Vancouver, Washington and the Pacific Northwest their permanent home.

Now, Duncan wants to draw on all his experience to represent not only nurses and patients across the state, but all members of the 18th district in the State House of Representatives. Duncan been an advocate at the bedside, in the hospital, before the legislature – and now he is ready to go to work and represent nurses in Olympia.