Has short staffing become the latest trend at UWMC?

Short staffing problems should never be left to the RNs at the bedside to figure out. Lately, we have been receiving reports of RNs having to figure out how to work short, how to take more patients then they feel safe caring for and how to divvy up overtime to help fix long known staffing shortages.

Short staffing should be remedied weeks in advance of any scheduled shift. That is, unless there is an unanticipated sick call or unanticipated last-minute influx of patients, the unit should be staffed at safe daily core levels for each and every shift. No excuses!

Be on the lookout for our latest Staffing Survey

Your colleagues are relying on your input to help make positive change.

I know it gets old filling out surveys, but this is different. It may use the words “Trigger Staffing,” but it applies to all units whether you use this model or not. Don’t miss a chance to have a voice in how your unit is staffed. Take a few minutes to fill out this survey today. WSNA is using this information to determine compliance by the employer with the laws surrounding staffing in Washington state.

There have been 5 separate units expressing concerns about unsafe staffing practices. RNs are telling stories of being short of nurses and then being told to “just make do” or “you will be fine.”

WSNA believes that you and your patients deserve better. Take 5 minutes and fill out this survey. WSNA and your local unit team of RNs will be using this data to determine next steps in changing the practice of short staffing.

What is an ADO?

An ADO, or Assignment Despite Objection, is the form that documents a good faith effort on the part of a nurse to call attention to problems that affect patient care, safety or satisfaction. The goal is to fix these problems and ensure they don’t reoccur.

Find the form at wsna.to/ADOForm

ADOs are your friend

Fill them out every time – protect your colleagues, your patients and your license.

Your WSNA RN leadership team and nurse representative met with management and administration for our Conference Committee on Oct. 3 – let’s keep this campaign rolling!

What is the purpose of filling out an ADO?

As a magnet hospital, UWMC requires your input and considers it critical for decision making. The submitted ADO allows local unit officers to present the issues to the Conference Committee with specific details, rather than with anecdotal examples, and request verifiable outcomes.

ADOs provide documented evidence that a problem on a unit exists and initiates improvements. Once management has been presented with an issue, it is incumbent upon them to address the situation. Additionally, you are documenting the facts, which may be helpful to you if there is a negative outcome. The ADO is a concerted effort and protects nurses from retaliation. Once the ADO has been submitted management can’t deny knowing your concern.

Find the form at wsna.to/ADOForm

Steps to be taken before filling out an ADO

• Clarify what is being asked of yourself regarding your assignment
• Assess your capabilities, obstacles, acuity of patients and availability of ancillary staff
• Identify all possible options for meeting patients’ needs
• Make a decision, communicate the decision to your immediate supervisor and document the decision-making process

When to fill out an ADO

When you find yourself in a situation creates unsafe conditions for patients, or for you, complete the form as soon as possible. More than one nurse may sign the form.

Think of it as an S.O.S. – Short on Safety, Short on Supplies, Short on Staff

Find the form at wsna.to/ADOForm

Examples of when you should submit an ADO form

• When a charge nurse is unable to perform charge nurse duties, secondary to increased patient care assignment
• Inadequate nurse to patient ratios for patient acuity based on your clinical judgment; insufficient support staff
• You are not trained or experienced in the area assigned, or have not been oriented to this unit/case load
• Necessary equipment is not available (e.g.: supplies, IVs, medication availability), or you are not trained or experienced to use equipment in assigned area
• An assignment poses a serious threat to the health and safety of a patient under your direct care
• Coerced/mandatory overtime, or missed breaks
• Additional examples are at wsna.org/union/ado 

How to submit an ADO

Fill out with as much detail as possible, have the immediate supervisor sign it, make two copies, leave a copy with the supervisor, keep the original and fax a copy to 206-575-1908.

You can also take a photos/scan and send via email to ado@wsna.org.

Find the form at wsna.to/ADOForm

Staffing Committee

We need two new WSNA members! Want to be part of creating change at UWMC? Contact WSNA Nurse Representative Ed Zercher at ezercher@wsna.org.

Don’t be fooled by the “Freedom Foundation”

Their efforts are to take away your contractual rights! We know that big money and corporate CEOs are attacking workers’ rights given the recent Janus decision by the US Supreme Court. Here in our state, the so-called Freedom Foundation is leading the fight against our interests and our freedom.

Many of you may have received a postcard mailing from the Freedom Foundation. Don’t be fooled.

The so-called Freedom Foundation does not care about working people, fair wages or safe working conditions. They oppose funding for public employee contracts, and lobbies against paid sick leave.

Together we can better advocate for the health of our communities.

If you have any questions about the impact of the Janus decision or your membership rights, please contact WSNA Nurse Representative Ed Zercher at ezercher@wsna.org / (206) 575-7979, ext. 3022 or WSNA Director of Organizing Tara Goode at tgoode@wsna.org / (206) 575-7979, ext. 3038.

Per Diem bargaining continues

Due to a significant stall in the process, WSNA and UWMC have agreed to bring in a PERC mediator to assist with the process. We have narrowed down the mediator selection and are working with PERC to set dates, so stay tuned.

In the meantime, remember that your Per Diem colleagues are not covered by Just Cause and could be disciplined or fired for speaking up for patient safety. This poses a significant patient safety risk and WSNA believes that it is the safe and right thing to do in granting the right to Just Cause to the Per Diem RNs.

Let’s stand united in this effort to ensure all RNs can speak up with confidence and consistency in the name of patient safety!

Be sure you received your wage increases

You recently started receiving a wage increase of 2% as of July 1, 2018. Another raise is coming Jan. 1, 2019. This was not by accident or the generosity of the employer. It is, rather, due to the hard work of your WSNA bargaining team of registered nurses. Check your pay stubs and ensure you are receiving what you deserve!

Personal day – use it or lose it

RNs at UWMC have the benefit of a personal day per your contract. This is a day that you can schedule how you wish but unlike vacation, if you don’t use your personal day, you lose it! This is a benefit you deserve – don’t forfeit it.