The WSNA Executive Director and other members of WSNA leadership met with Patty Hayes, Director of Public Health, and T.J. Cosgrove, Division Director CHS, to address professional practice issue, funding issues, and the historical impact of Family and Children’s health services in our communities, both statewide and at the national level.

Local Unit Chair Paul Kunkel and Nurse Representative Sue O’Donnell continue to meet with members of management. We are addressing nurses’ concerns including layoffs and the newly formed implementation work groups

The good news is that the number of PHNs slated for layoff has been significantly reduced. The county is not committing to “Zero” layoffs yet but there is a good chance that no PHNs will be laid off.

The reason for fewer layoffs is VSP, PHNs taking other positons and resignations. The county will soon be finalizing VSP eligibility and then layoff notifications will be sent in late July or early August.

While it is a relief to hear that layoffs are limited, a lot of uncertainty remains. Nurses want to know how, where and when they will be working come January 1, 2020. The county has initiated work groups (implementation teams) to address work restructure.

Last Friday, June 28, the county held its first Implementation Work Group meeting. Sue O’Donnell, WSNA Nurse Representative, was attended and plans to participate in many of these meetings from now until the end of the year. As a Nurse Rep her role is to see/hear/learn what the county is thinking related to changes in nurses’ working conditions under the current collective bargaining agreement (contract). We want to hear how work plans evolve and identify how changes may impact nurses.

As PHNs, you know your communities and you know your work. You should have a significant voice in planning for changes in how work is done. Public Health Nurses are members of the implementation teams and are representing you in these meetings. Ask them what is happening, let them know your opinion, and be in touch with your Nurse Representative. We will have formal and informal meetings as we continue through this process to keep nurses informed.

When the committees have completed their work, the county will make decisions based on the groups’ input. The county and WSNA will then have formal sessions to negotiate any resultant changes to the contract.

It is important for nurses to stay involved!

In solidarity:
WSNA Chair Paul Kunkel and Nurse Representative Sue O’Donnell

Questions? Contact WSNA Nurse Representative Sue O'Donnell at sodonnell@wsna.org or 206-575-7979, ext. 3045.