Conference committee

Conference committee is the venue to discuss all manner of things which affect your working conditions. We will tackle issues such as protocols, processes, policies and equipment issues. We receive updates about each single unit within United at this meeting. We hold the staffing committee accountable for reaching solutions to staffing issues. This committee is bound by the contract and reflects an agreement between management and you – the nurse as the caregiver – to ensure that you have everything you need to take great care of the community you serve.

If you have ideas or concerns, please make sure you contact one of your local unit team officers to bring this to our attention. This way we can act quickly to address items and bring you an answer. Please take a moment and let HR and your Nurse Manager know that you would like to have the conference committee meeting minutes posted on the intranet for all to review as needed. It is in the best interest of all and in the spirit of transparency to have these available to all nurses.

Safe Staffing Committee update

Staffing concern forms are ALL reviewed in this committee. Ideally each department should have a representative on the committee. This member works with their manager to investigate all concern forms and arrive at a solution to resolve the issue that was identified. This committee is a legal requirement of the hospital and MUST have 50% bedside nurses as participants. In addition, there are new regulations going into effect January 1 which will impact staffing as it talks about rest breaks. Please see the flyer and attend the FREE Dinner and CEU event at Skagit Casino on October 24! If you are interested in being a staffing committee member, we have need of two representatives from each department. You may fill out the self-nomination form at the link below.

Calling all Unit Reps!

What is a Unit Representative?

A unit rep is the contact person between your local elected union team and the co-workers on your unit. The unit rep ideally is the first person to meet and greet new hire nurses and extend a welcome on behalf of the nurses at your facility. The unit rep is in contact with the union team leaders and will be the communication liaison between the team and your co-workers. At times, the unit rep may be asked to share communications with co-workers, circulate flyers and/or petitions, report on the working conditions and relay important information between the team and your co-workers. The role involves little to no time away from work except to watch for emails but is a critical role in making sure the issues of YOUR unit are heard by all. We are powerful and strong together and together we can make a difference.

We are also looking for any interested person(s) to become membership officers. This would entail participating in New employee Orientation (NEO) to meet with new hires about WSNA to help keep up active membership.

Grievance update

We currently have NO active grievances! We have had some informal discussions and resolution of issues regarding the Kronos pay system and accurate pay without even having to file a grievance. This speaks volumes to the collaborative way United leadership and your local unit leadership team work together.

If solving problems and advocating for nurses is a passion for you then please consider helping your local unit team by participating as a grievance officer. Full description and responsibilities is included in the link below. You may self-nominate. Full training and support is provided.

Survey preparation for contract negotiations

It's almost that time! 2019 is already more than half over and with 2020 around the corner you know what that means? Contract negotiations! Coming soon, a survey will be put out that we hope all nurses take the time to think about and participate in. It's so important because this survey will help guide your executive team during negotiations. Let us know what issues are most important to you and your coworkers.

We need you!

We have vacancies on our local unit board team and are actively looking for volunteers to fill the positions of co-chairs and grievance officers. All education, resources and training is provided.

The whole team participates in negotiations and works to secure the best contract for the nurses at United. If you are passionate about the working conditions of your co-workers and want to make a difference in your fellow nurses' careers then please nominate yourself! We have a super great group of people on the team and would love to include more members. Please get these attached forms to Sue Dunlap as soon as possible either by email, fax, scan or mail to the office.

Are we able to get in touch with you?

Do we have your current contact information? Please make sure your cell phone number and personal email is current with WSNA, as the communication via these avenues will be used more frequently. You don't want to miss out on important updates regarding YOUR union. You should make sure the web address is in your address book so that communication doesn’t go to your spam or junk folder. Also, it is critical to note that if you at ANY time opt out or unsubscribe, you will not be added back to the distribution list and you will miss out on all the important information! We utilize the email system a LOT during negotiations and you don’t want to miss the updates. If you need to make changes or re subscribe to emails, please call the WSNA office and speak to someone in Membership!

Online ADO

Not getting all your breaks? Working short staffed or staying late? Feel like you are taking an unsafe patient assignment? Denied earned PTO?

Yes, there is something you can do about this. Fill out a Staffing Complaint / Assignment Despite Objection (ADO) form today. Did you know this can be done online and even from your phone? It's quick & simple.
Copies of the submitted online form will automatically be sent to you, your local unit chair, co/vice chair, staffing committee co-chairs, WSNA nurse rep and manager (if you designate).

You can find the online form at wsna.org/ADO.

Notes from your nurse representative, Sue Dunlap

Just a personal note from me to you! First, welcome to the nurses of Kindred rehab! I look forward to meeting you all and want to say how much respect and admiration I have for rehab nurses in general.

WSNA and your fellow nurses at St Josephs in Bellingham have just completed their contract negotiations and we had some very significant wins for the nurses. All contracts for WSNA facilities are located on the website wsna.org and can be reviewed at any time. This website should be bookmarked as it contains the BEST information on what is currently going on at your hospital, in your district, across the state and nation as well!

Did you know your WSNA membership also includes a membership to ANA and AFT? There are some terrific perks to these additional memberships. Please contact me if you have any questions but I encourage you strongly to take the time to look at all the things that come with your professional membership to WSNA.

We face some difficult times in the world of healthcare but united we are strong. 😊 I am excited to advocate for all the nurses at PeaceHealth United and help make this the best place to work and the best place to receive care. Please feel free to contact me directly at any time for any reason – I am here for each of YOU!

Sue Dunlap MSN, RN, COS-C
WSNA Nurse Representative
206-575-79799, ext. 3005 / sdunlap@wsna.org

Executive Committee Members:
Chair:
Vice Chair: Shannon Lauder, RN
Secretary: Robyn G. Tilton, RN
Treasurer: Lacen K. Potter, RN – sabbatical. Dyana Mitchell, RN – Interim Treasurer
Grievance Officer:
Membership Officer: