Years of Experience Notification

It’s time! Keep a close eye on your SCH email. You can expect to receive a notice any day from SCH regarding your ‘RN Length of Service Application’. There will be some very important timelines that you will not want to miss.

See key dates and actions below:

Key Dates - Actions
9/5/22 - Nurses hired before this date are eligible to participate in the length of service and step placement process (nurses hired on or after 9/5/22 should have been placed on the proper step at time of hire).

1/3/23-1/31/23 - Application process open for nurses who are 0.75 FTE or greater by 1/31/23; must complete application no later than 1/31/23.

No later than 7/1/23 - Notification to nurses of SC’s decision regarding any step adjustment and, if applicable, new wage rate.

Within 30 days of notification of the Hospital’s decision - If the nurse disagrees with SC’s decision, the nurse can request in writing an explanation of SC’s decision WSNALOS@seattlechildrens.org.

8/7/23 - Effective date for step adjustment and pay changes, if applicable.

14 days after the nurse requests an explanation - If a nurse has requested an explanation of SC’s decision, then SC will explain in writing how it determined the nurse’s step adjustment.

10/1/23 - The nurse must submit any appeal to the CNO and to WSNA using the email addresses in the Memorandum of Understanding WSNALOS@seattlechildrens.org and SCHyearsofexperience@wsna.org.

30 days after the appeal is submitted - CNO & WSNA will render a decision – both agree or split decision leading to expedited arbitration.

1/1/24 – 1/31/24 - Nurses 0.6 FTE or greater are eligible to apply for a review of experience, following the same timeframes in 2024 as noted above for 2023.

No later than 7/1/2024 - Notification to nurses confirming any step adjustment and, if applicable, new wage rate.

8/5/24 - Effective date for step adjustment and pay changes, if applicable.

10/1/24 - The nurse must submit any appeal to the CNO and to WSNA using the email addresses in the Memorandum of Understanding.

COVID Exposure Settlement

As you are likely aware, WSNA and SCH resolved the March 2020 Grievance pertaining to Article 13.16 Exposure to Communicable Diseases. This Grievance related to Nurses who were directed by SCH not to work due to an exposure to COVID, and who took the time unpaid or who used annual leave or personal sick leave during that time. Eligible Nurses who used paid leave will receive hours returned to the appropriate leave bank. Eligible Nurses, who were on unpaid leave, will receive payment at the regular rate of pay.

Per the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), SCH was to make a good faith effort to reach an initial determination about each nurse’s eligibility within six months of execution of the Agreement. This would fall within the week of July 4. Please watch your SCH email closely.

Ambulatory Clinic Changes

We have heard from many Ambulatory Clinic Nurses that Management has proposed or communicated a plan to implement a number of concerning changes to the Nurses’ schedules. In addition, Management has provided misinformation about Addendum D. WSNA and your Local Unit Officers have been communicating with Leadership regarding these issues. However, we need more information from you. A Survey will be sent directly to the Ambulatory Clinic Nurses next week, to get a better understanding of what is happening in each area. SCH Management will NOT have access to survey results.

If you have questions, or wish to discuss any concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out:
Ambulatory Unit Rep – Sara Buck at sch.ambulatory@gmail.com
Local Unit Officers – https://www.wsna.org/union/seattle-childrens-hospital
WSNA Nurse Representative – Linda Burbank at lburbank@wsna.org

SCH Restructure/Reductions

There are significant changes going on at SCH right now. At Nurse Conference Committee (NCC), we asked directly whether there was any plan to layoff Nurses. Leadership stated that there was no plan to do so. However, we are hearing that the Nurses are being impacted by losing other staff (Respiratory Therapists, Medical Assistants, etc.). If you are experiencing negative changes in your working conditions related to the restructure/reductions, please reach out to your Local Unit Officers or WSNA Nurse Representative.

Your contract provides information about layoffs under Article 6
https://cdn.wsna.org/assets/local-unit-assets/seattle-childrens-hospital/Seattle-Childrens-Contract-2022-2025.pdf

Workplace Violence

Your WSNA Contract and the law afford you protections when it comes to workplace violence. This issue has been a priority for your Local Unit Officers and WSNA.

• We continue to meet with Leadership to address the safety of the Nurses at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
• We are actively exploring options to address safety concerns and ensure accountability.
• We are focusing on communication to the Nurses and transparency regarding workplace violence and safety concerns.
• Local Unit Officer Samantha Forte has joined the SCH Safety Committee to advocate for a safe workplace. She is an excellent resource when it comes to workplace safety issues.
• Your ADOs have been instrumental. Please continue to submit them.
• Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Article 5.10 Workplace Violence. The Employer will comply with all applicable laws regarding workplace violence.
https://www.wsna.org/nursing-practice/workplace-violence

Protection Against Retaliation

You are protected from retaliation by your Employer. As a Nurse, your WSNA Contract and the law afford you protections against retaliation. If you feel you are experiencing retaliation reach out to your Local Unit Officers or WSNA Nurse Representative right away.

Article 5.8 Communication. The Employer recognizes the importance of hearing nurses' concerns about their working conditions without fear of retaliation. Nurses who have concerns regarding their working conditions are encouraged to raise those concerns through the appropriate levels of supervision.

Visit WSNA at SCH for updates and useful information @sch_wsna.

Questions? Contact one of your Local Unit Officers or WSNA Nurse Representative Linda Burbank at lburbank@wsna.org.