1990s: Strong comeback

While WSNA was rebuilding, the healthcare industry was restructuring, leading to layoffs and the elimination of support positions, even as patient complexity and acuity increased. With many nurses leaving the profession, the seeds for the next nursing shortage were planted. However, WSNA did not shy away from taking bold stances on the major issues of the day, including the military’s ban on LGBTQ people.

“We survived the raids!” Washington delegates to the June 1990 ANA Convention in Boston wear The New WSNA hard hats. Back row, from left: Jan Holloway, Mary Ebrlich, Betty Power, Hilke Faber and Judy Huntington. Middle row: Barbara Larson, Donna Smith, Margaret Wilson, Nadine Costanza, Donna Poole, Laurie Iverson, Nancy Sweat, Patty Joynes and Margaret Borquist. Front row: Frances Terry, Fran Wicht, Jen Brodie, Joanna Boatman, Denise Barigar, Pat Markoski, Peggy Sala and Erin King. (1990)

The Washington Nurse, April/May 1990

It’s off the drawing board and running — in your region! It’s Washington Action for Nurses Together (WANT) and it kicks off this month with meetings throughout the state. WANT meetings are your way to learn first hand about the progress being made at WSNA. Format of the regional gatherings will be frank question and answer sessions between you and leaders of the association.

For example, you may want to know how we are doing since the organizational crisis of last summer. Or you may want to discuss a possible revamp of the WSNA dues structure. You may want to let us know how, or if, the new WSNA meets your professional needs. You may have progressive ideas for the future growth of WSNA.

In order that these regional meetings be productive, however, member participation is vital. We can’t grow in a vacuum. We need your toughest questions and criticisms. Bring an open mind filled with questions. And speak up! Tell us where we go from here.

The Washington Nurse, September/October 1992

Were the human rights of Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer violated when she was discharged from her position in the military because of her self-declared homosexuality? This difficult question was brought to the attention of delegates at the ANA Convention through the determined efforts of the members of the WSNA Cabinet on Human Rights.

When the Cabinet met in September 1991, its members were asked if they knew of any human rights concerns they would like to bring before the Cabinet.

“Well, yes,” said member Claudette Boudreaux, “I’m concerned about Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer, who may be discharged from the Washington State National Guard because she admitted she is a lesbian. She has an exemplary record and this hardly seems fair.”

The Cabinet on Human Rights agreed and, after considerable research, prepared a recommendation to the WSNA Board of Directors that the Department of Defense policy requiring discharge of all admitted gays and lesbians be opposed. The WSNA Board of Directors passed this resolution. The WSNA delegation then took the resolution to the American Nurses Association for debate at its June Convention.

The case of Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer received the overwhelming support of the ANA delegates, who voted nearly unanimously to oppose the Department of Defense’s policy. Meanwhile, Claudette Boudreaux herself feels supported by the outcome. “I’m amazed by the outpouring of support on this issue. One individual speaking out can definitely make a difference.

President Joanna Boatman, RN (left), known for her sense of humor and straight talk, demonstrated steadfast dedication to hearing members’ concerns and a commitment to elevating the nursing profession. Executive Director Patty Hayes, MSN, RN (right) led with unflappable spirit and unwavering optimism.

Together, they are credited with saving WSNA and transforming it into a robust, responsive organization. Their leadership positioned WSNA as a formidable representative for Washington’s nurses and reestablished it as a bellwether state association within ANA.