The WSNA officers want to give a big thank you to all the nurses in our bargaining unit for showing up to work every day and making a difference. We want to give a shout out to the winners of our essay contest for responding to "What WSNA means to me."

First prize goes to Cassandra Docking, Urgent Care. Cassie wins one night in a deluxe king room at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle, valued at $439. We thank the Fairmont for donating this gift.

When I first started working at SCH in 2001 and heard about "the union" and WSNA, literally all I know about unions was the story of Jimmy Hoffa and The Teamsters. WSNA couldn't be farther from this! Over the years I've watched my WSNA representatives negotiate and fight for what is fair, what is right and what is equitable. Without the union, my benefits wouldn't be as great as they are. Without the union, my rights as a worker wouldn't be protected. Without the union, I probably wouldn't have stayed at SCH all these years. I am ever grateful and proud to be a union member, especially now that I know not every union story ends like Jimmy Hoffa's did.

Second prize goes to Sarah Tantare, NICU. Sarah wins a $100 gift certificate.

Over the last two years of working at Children’s, I have felt exceptionally supported by the WSNA. Not only did they help to negotiate our contracts last year and ensure that our base salary made it possible to live in Seattle, but they have been a constant support throughout the COVID pandemic. As many of my friends shared with me concerns about unsafe staffing ratios during the pandemic, lack of PPE, and inadequate sick time at their non-union hospitals, I never had to worry about those major problems. I was able to focus my time and energy on caring for my patients while the WSNA worked behind the scenes to keep me safe. I could not be more grateful to have worked at Children’s through the COVID pandemic and I could not have done it without the WSNA’s work and encouragement.

Third prize goes to Jema Mateo, Tri-Cities Cardiology Clinic. Jema wins a dozen Crumbl cookies for the nurses in her clinic.

WSNA is a representation of a group of dedicated nurses who chose not only to provide the best care for patients and their families but also to advocate for other nurses. They are the voice for other nurses like me that questions if I can be heard or understood. A glimmer of hope when work feels crumbling around you and you needed another person to understand, listen and support what have you gone through.

On Friday, May 28, WSNA officers handed out 8 dozen Trophy cupcakes in the cafeteria. These cupcakes were generously donated by Trophy for the Children’s nurses, and we thank them for their generosity. Not to leave night shift out of the fun, we rounded the hospital on night shift a few days later to pass out candy and share the love.

Loads of you were nominated by your RN peers for recognition. Many were nominated more than once, including the nurse with the most nominations, Kiah Nelson! Congrats to all who were nominated and enjoy a Starbucks gift card coming to you in the mail.