WSNA message to our members at MultiCare Good Samaritan
Posted Aug 3, 2021
This is the statement from MultiCare today:
COVID-19 vaccine requirement
- The Washington State Hospital Association has recommended that health care organizations require COVID-19 vaccinations for staff, out of concern over rapidly rising cases and hospitalizations in our state.
- Our highest priority is the safety of our patients, staff and communities, and our mission, vision and values give us a responsibility to ensure that all are well cared for. Vaccines are one of the safest, most powerful ways to protect ourselves and our patients from disease.
- We will require vaccines for all MultiCare staff in the coming weeks. We are putting processes and resources in place to support the program and will share more information soon.
You can read more about the situation in this linked article from the Tacoma News Tribune: https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/coronavirus/article253207063.html.
WSNA position
WSNA understands that MultiCare has communicated to staff that a COVID vaccine mandate is forthcoming. The union has yet to be notified and will look forward to discussions with the employer on strategies to protect our nurses and patients. WE WILL DEMAND TO BARGAIN ON CHANGES TO OUR MEMBERS’ WORKING CONDITIONS.
WSNA is committed to the health and safety of our nurses as well as other frontline caregivers, our families, patients, and communities. In keeping with this commitment, WSNA strongly recommends that all nurses and other health care providers be vaccinated against the SARS-CoV‑2 (COVID-19) virus. WSNA supports and urges voluntary efforts that aim for 100% vaccination rates, including education and implementation of comprehensive COVID-19 vaccination programs for all health care workers. WSNA is committed to educating our members and the public about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccinations. We encourage all unvaccinated people to talk with their health care provider about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Nurses have a professional responsibility and an ethical duty to protect patients at all levels — as individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations. Vaccinations are recognized as an important measure in the history and protection of public health, and nurses are encouraged to consider vaccination for self-protection and the protection of the patients and communities served. All current available data indicates that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Local public health jurisdictions and health care providers are available to discuss individual circumstances related to COVID-19 vaccination.
WSNA supports and expects enforcement of existing federal and state regulations including Governor-issued proclamations and all public health directives. All employers must meet the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), Washington State Department of Labor & Industries and Washington State Department of Health requirements to combat COVID-19. In addition, employers must comply with all laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, providing reasonable accommodation unless this would pose undue hardship as defined by the law.
Feel free to share your comments and concerns with your WSNA Nurse Representative Janet Stewart. She can be reached by email at Jstewart@wsna.org.