Your bargaining team met with Public Health Director Faisal Khan, MD, and Interim Deputy Director Brenda Bauer on March 31, 2023. The meeting resulted in some good dialogue. We explained that the nurses were there to advocate for public health services and our clients/patients.

We shared concerns about recruitment and retention and emphasized that we want to maintain excellent care and services for our vulnerable populations.

Unfortunately, PHSKC is facing a staffing crisis. Our nursing staff is shrinking, and the number of vacancies is growing. There are grave concerns that we cannot provide services as it stands now. Nurses want to see the County address these concerns and demonstrate support so the county can fulfill its mission of public health. Staffing in Jail Health is difficult because nurses feel burned out, and many have left. We need to retain the skills, experience, and knowledge in our highly seasoned nursing staff. We reiterated that nurses have concerns about safety, staffing, support, and access to more resources.

Dr. Khan and Ms. Bauer agreed that they want more nurses and officers in Jail Health. They also acknowledged that nurses enabled the county to respond to COVID and were incredible throughout the pandemic response. They acknowledged we have lost many good nurses in clinical areas, across the nation.

Anyone in public health understands the budget challenges, but we do not want to see further cuts. Our community needs us!

Dr. Khan let the team know they were heard, and these conditions are very challenging--losing so many good people, especially in clinical areas. He pointed out that the budget must be considered and there is no easy solution. Ms. Bauer agreed that they want more officers and nurses in Jail Health. If elected persons are not willing to provide funding, she said, we are trapped by the limit on property tax. They suggested the idea of trying to partner in Olympia to address this tax limit issue.

Keep sending your stories

We continue to make good use of them at the table and beyond. The petition signers surpassed our big goal! Stay tuned for our petition delegation later this month.

Follow the local unit’s Instagram site @phskc_staffnurses. Our next session is on April 13, 2023. Stay tuned.

In solidarity and unity from your bargaining team,
Tami, Carolyn, Tyler, Kaila, and Elena

Tara Barnes, WSNA Nurse Representative, is covering during Michelle Moore’s absence. For questions or concerns, email tbarnes@wsna.org or call 206-575-7979, Ext. 3027.

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