Nursing practice

For more than 110 years, WSNA has championed issues that support nurses, advance professional standards and improve the health of individuals and families in Washington.

We stay on top of health care trends and issues in Olympia and Washington, D.C. that impact the nursing profession and our patients. And we give our members opportunities and tools to speak up for patient-centered standards, guidelines and principles that elevate the nursing profession.

Emergency preparedness

WSNA is committed to increasing the readiness of nurses to provide nursing care during natural disasters and public health emergencies.

Influenza

Registered nurses are on the front lines of our health care system and play a critical role in preventing and treating the spread of influenza. As the most trusted health professionals in the nation, you can have a positive impact on the health of our communities and keep our state’s influenza levels low.

Post-traumatic stress disorder

PTSD is a serious mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. This page provides resources and information specifically tailored to Washington state nurses regarding PTSD and presumptive eligibility under workers’ compensation laws.

Public health

Public health is the science of keeping our communities and populations healthy – through disease prevention and response, disaster response and emergency preparedness, and preventing food and water contamination.

Safe nurse staffing

We know, and research confirms, that inadequate nurse staffing leads to medical errors, poorer patient outcomes, nurse burnout and injuries to nurses. Our approach to improving nurse staffing is multifaceted, encompassing legislation and policy, staffing committee tools, education and the latest research.

Safe patient handling

Rates of musculoskeletal injuries in health care occupations are among the highest of all U.S. industries, with hospital workers experiencing injury rates twice or three times the national average. WSNA supports statewide policies to implement safe handling practices and provides resources for nurses.

Whistleblowing

Whistleblowing is a serious and often complex matter. Make sure that you know the facts before acting.

Workplace violence

Nurses should not have to risk their personal safety just to do their jobs of giving patients the very best care. We advocate for stronger workplace violence protection laws at the state level and partner with ANA on efforts to raise awareness and implement better policies at the federal level.

Volunteer opportunities

Retired nurses, need practice hours? Explore these volunteer opportunities.

License questions

For answers to licensing questions, visit the Washington State Board of Nursing website.

Nurse Practice Act

The Washington State Nurse Practice Act can be found on the website of the Washington State Board of Nursing.