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Racism is a public health emergency

A letter from Lynnette Vehrs, MN, RN, WSNA President, and Julia Barcott, RN, Chair of the WSNA Cabinet on Economic and General Welfare.

June 5, 2020

WSNA statement calling for an end to systemic racism, racial violence and police brutality

WSNA stands in solidarity with all those who are calling for an end to systemic racism, racial violence and police brutality. We also are calling on our profession to look hard at the many ways racism manifests itself in our health care system and in patient care. We must do better.

May 31, 2020

WSNA calls for reopening of UWMC inpatient psych unit

The University of Washington Medical Center has shut down the in-patient psychiatric unit, without committing to a timeline to reopen it. At a time when the coronavirus pandemic is raising concerns about the psychological well-being of so many of our residents, the UW is denying needed care by shutting down this unit.

May 27, 2020

WSNA statement on Governor’s proclamation reopening non-urgent medical and dental procedures

Press release

"WSNA is pleased to see the thoughtful, collaborative, data-driven proclamation on the safe restart of health care surgeries and procedures issued by Governor Jay Inslee today," said Sally Watkins, WSNA executive director.

May 18, 2020

Coalition of UW employees holds Unity Break for staff safety

This afternoon, a coalition of UW employees held a Unity Break to show the UW that workers stand strong and united against the UW’s lack of commitment to the safety of their staff.

May 15, 2020

Governor Jay Inslee proclaims May as Nurses Month in Washington state

Thank you, Governor Jay Inslee for recognizing May 2020 as Nurse Month."I encourage all people in our state to join me in honoring the nurses of Washington, especially recognizing the critical and live-saving role that registered nurses have filled around our state, country, and world through the current coronavirus pandemic.

May 1, 2020

Major win to prohibit use of carcinogen for PPE sterilization

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries today issued a Hazard Alert prohibiting the use of ethylene oxide for cleaning of face masks, including N95s. This alert is a result of WSNA’s efforts to raise the alarms and advocate for the safety of our members.

April 29, 2020

A message from WSNA President Lynnette Vehrs

"Know that WSNA is fighting for your safety and your needs through the coronavirus pandemic—with federal and state partners, public health, and employers," says WSNA President Lynnette Vehrs.

April 24, 2020

WSNA calls for PPE solution before elective procedures restart

As hospitals nationwide develop plans to reopen elective surgeries and other procedures suspended during the COVID-19 crisis, it is essential to resolve the problem of inadequate Personal Protective Equipment first.

April 22, 2020

Nurses and health care workers call for action for PPE and hazard pay

Press release Statement

Washington State Nurses Association, UFCW 21 and SEIU Healthcare 1199NW today reiterated their call for hazard pay for nurses and frontline health care workers in the face of ongoing shortages of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

April 17, 2020

I lost visits with my kids because I’m a nurse

Instead of 10 days with my kids, I’m now alone, separated from them indefinitely because a judge agreed with my ex-husband that my job as a nurse puts my kids at risk, and granted an emergency order barring me from seeing my own children.

April 15, 2020

Gov. Inslee issues memo on workers compensation and proclamation on high-risk workers

On April 10, Gov. Inslee sent a memorandum clarifying how L&I should handle workers compensation claims for COVID-19. On April 13, he issued a proclamation protecting high-risk employees.

April 13, 2020

Hotel rooms for nurses and health care workers available in Seattle and Bellevue

WSNA is pleased to announce, in partnership with King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, free hotel rooms for nurses and health care workers.

April 10, 2020

Unions demand hazard pay for health care workers

Press release

Frontline health care workers are putting their lives on the line to save the lives of others. In view of these extraordinary circumstances, WSNA, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW and UFCW 21 issued a joint statement demanding hazard pay for health care workers as they face this pandemic.

April 8, 2020

Life as a critical care nurse in the age of COVID-19

We’re doing everything we can. But if we can’t flatten this curve, our entire system will be overwhelmed. And if we can’t get proper PPE to the frontline workers—not just nurses, but everyone from doctors to janitorial staff—who keeps our hospitals running, caregivers will start getting sick and then we’re in real trouble.

April 7, 2020

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, nurses and healthcare workers call on Trump administration to drive coordinated, transparent response to protect healthcare workers, patients and communities

Press release Statement

Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and frontline healthcare workers from SEIU 775, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, UFCW 21 and WSNA today called on the Trump administration to show the leadership the country needed since before this crisis began, and ensure all healthcare workers have the personal protective equipment they need to safely care for…

April 4, 2020

Now is the time to speak up, because #SilenceKills

"As nurses and health care providers, we should not be expected to face this pandemic without PPE," says Adam Halvorsen, a registered nurse in Washington state and WSNA board member. "Now is the time to speak up, because #SilenceKills."

April 1, 2020

WSNA demands transparency in COVID-19 response

Nurses, health care workers, and first responders need the right tools to defeat this pandemic—including accurate, transparent information about PPE and testing as well as clear direction on appropriate leave when sick and accommodation for vulnerable workers.

April 1, 2020

COVID-19 Healthy Workplace Survey

WSNA needs more detail about what registered nurses are facing daily on their units and in their facility during this COVID-19 crisis.

March 31, 2020

WSNA statement on firing of Dr. Ming Lin and silencing of nurses and doctors

Press release Statement

As the union representing 900 nurses at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, WSNA is appalled by the hospital administration’s response to the very real concerns being raised by frontline caregivers at the hospital.

March 28, 2020

COVID-19 petition demanding safe working conditions for nurses and health care workers

WSNA, UFCW 21 and SEIU Healthcare 1199NW are coming together to demand our employers and our government provide the resources, support and safe working conditions we need to keep our members safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 26, 2020

Cloth masks don’t protect nurses

Homemade masks will not meet criteria for the state stockpile and procurement standards – and should not be used by health care providers in lieu of approved PPE.

March 24, 2020

WSHA PPE checklists for CDC contingency and crisis capacity use of Personal Protective Equipment

These checklists from WSHA simplify directions on how to use PPE when we have a shortage requiring either Contingency or Crisis level intervention.

March 23, 2020

Health care unions reach agreement with MultiCare

WSNA is working hard with our partners at UFCW21 and SEIU Healthcare 1199NW to keep our members safe. We reached an agreement this weekend with MultiCare that addresses paid time off during COVID-19 as well as floating within and outside of home facilities.

March 22, 2020