October 2024 Newsletter
Posted Oct 4, 2024
CALL TO ACTION
Wear your blue, and join us at the Spokane Regional Board of Health meeting on October 31, 2024, Time TBD.
The SRHD nurses turned out in their blue to support the continuing of the Treatment Services at the last SRHD BOH Meeting. Currently, the district is considering possibly selling the clinic to another entity. The nurses of the HD want the methadone clinic to be kept!
Jill Wells RN, who works at the Treatment Services, spoke to the Spokane Regional Health District, Board of Health along with other community organizations encouraging them to continue the magnificent work that is already being done at Treatment Services. The emphasis at this meeting was the possible impact of selling the Methadone Clinic, and what it would have on the vulnerable population of people who are treated there. The staff of Treatment Services has built years of trust, and they showed their dedication to providing excellent care in Spokane area.
Board member and Spokane County Commissioner Amber Waldref said treatment services should focus on how to improve what it’s doing now within SRHD.
“I think we kind of started with the assumption that maybe transferring it would be better, and when I look at the pros and cons and the impact it’s having on staff and clients and who are getting excellent service, as far as I understand, I would rather us take a take a break and actually figure out how we could improve the services, the funding, the staffing, so we don’t turn away 120 people.” Waldref said.
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/sep/26/spokane-board-of-health-weighs-opioid-treatment-ou/
The nurses of WSNA want to see the Methadone Clinic kept and are asking for all nurses to show up at the next Board of Health meeting on Oct. 31 as a showing of support. Sign up for public comment, or just be present in unity. Wear your BLUE!
A new Vision MOU is Ready for YOU!
The Vision MOU has just been finished! It is now available for download and printing for your records. Congratulations to the Spokane Health District RNs for securing this important benefit!
Change is happening!
Welcome our new officer and WSNA Nurse Rep
I have been with SRHD for nearly 2.5 years. With eight years of nursing experience, I previously worked as a pediatric and Public Health Nurse while serving as a Captain in the Army. I am married to a science teacher, and we have three beautiful children. I enjoy crafting and exploring the great outdoors.
Hi everyone, I am excited to be part of your team. I have worked in several different clinical areas throughout the hospital for the last 27 years, but have also worked in Outpatient Surgical Clinics, Long-Term, and taught nursing clinicals at Yakima Valley College. This is my first time working with a health district, and I am excited to be part of your team! I have had the pleasure of meeting some of you and look forward to meeting the rest of you.
Jaclyn Smedley Nurse Representative has moved up to a leadership position within WSNA and would like to personally thank the nurses of the Health District for a wonderful 15 years of collaboration!
Join the fun with a membership packed full of perks!
Teaming up with ANA as they open the door to a treasure trove of info, learning, and career-boosting goodies.
Dive into the world of continuing education here. Sign up and unlock a vault of CEUs and the freshest educational gems!
Interested in becoming more engaged with WSNA?
Reach out to your WSNA representative!
Become a Spokane Labor Council Delegate for WSNA SRHD? There are 2 open positions. If interested in attending a meeting to see what it is about, please contact your WSNA Representative.
WSNA’s annual Lobby Day event in Olympia will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. Registration is required to attend and is now open! This event is for WSNA members only and registration will close on December 27, 2024. If you would like to attend WSNA Lobby Day, don’t wait! Register now to save your place and keep in communication with us as details are formed leading up to this particularly important day to talk to your legislators in person about the issues impacting nurses and labor.
Check out the opportunity to speak with your legislators. Seats are limited.
Questions? Contact WSNA Nurse Representative Kitt Ruchert at kruchert@wsna.org.