WSNA and UWMC bargained the implementation of a Retention Incentive Program to incentivize RNs to commit to staying at UWMC for a period of time in return for monetary compensation. The final agreement saw a one-time payment of $5850 for a two-year commitment. WSNA bargained for weeks in an effort to get this to a place where it would be meaningful and persuasive to any RN considering opportunities elsewhere. We also understand that in this ever-changing environment we live in right now, many will not be able to commit to a two-year agreement while a one-year would have been more palatable and would have been a benefit to the organization.

Since the announcement of this agreement, many RNs have reached out to WSNA expressing their discontent noting sign-on bonuses in the area upwards towards $30K as well as higher pay scales. There has also been an expressed disappointment since Travelers are making so much and new hires a getting $10K for a one-year commitment.

This is an optional program that RNs can elect to participate in or not.

It is likely going to be rolled out near Dec. 1 with a 30-day period to decide whether or not to participate. The amount you receive will be based on your FTE as of Nov. 1, 2021. Please read the MOU carefully so you fully understand the commitment you are making.

We already heard from many of you and those comments were shared (no names) with management. Despite that there is an agreement in place now, it is never too late to provide your input. If you are not happy with this Bonus Program and believe RNs at UWMC deserve more respect, please email Chief Nursing Officer Cindy Sayre at casayre@uw.edu.

Your commitment and loyalty to the patients you serve are greatly appreciated by everyone at WSNA during these truly unprecedented times.

Do you know coworkers who have not joined WSNA? Many times, the reason given is, “I can’t afford it.” Your membership is a message. By joining WSNA you send the message to UW that nurses are united at UWMC Montlake.

Dues are calculated based on FTE and there is a discounted rate for new graduates. Your dues are never used in political action and a portion of your dues is returned to the bargaining unit at UWMC Montlake for use by the local unit for events or to support efforts in bargaining.

If we are to improve wages and working conditions a show of solidarity is needed at the bargaining table.

Over the past year WSNA has secured an increase in wages, fought for a voice at the table regarding your schedules, secured stronger language around your benefits and retirement, pushed for higher bonuses and shift incentives, and secured the first known retention bonus given UWMC Montlake.

WSNA has also carried your voices through series of legislative meetings to state elected officials to highlight the need for safe staffing and proper recognition of all nurses, regardless of care setting. We are united in these fights and invite you to join us. Advocacy doesn’t stop at the bedside.

This work is not over, but we need your help!

Where your dues go: The amount of dues you pay includes portions that go to WSNA, the American Nurses Association, AFT Healthcare and your district nurses association. Four percent of the WSNA portion of your dues go to the WSNA Cabinet on Economic and General Welfare and an additional four percent go to your local unit. This combined amount is based on the district in which you are employed and the total hours you are scheduled to work per month (FTE). For more information on where your dues go, visit www.wsna.org/membership.

A membership application can be found here –
2021-WSNA-application-union-member-fillable.pdf.

Return by fax, USPS, or simply hand to any of your WSNA officers: Teresa Wren, Chris Jakubowski, Doug Harper, Charles James, Alexandra Mariani or Jan Bower.

WSNA is committed to building the power of nurses at UWMC Montlake. For more information about WSNA, union activities or how you can get involved in organization reach out to any WSNA officer, your nurse representative Ed Zercher, or your WSNA organizer Will Nesper, wnesper@wsna.org, 206-575-7979 ext. 3020.

In closing -
As 2021 approaches to a close we reflect on the significant changes this year has brought to us.

Questions? Contact your WSNA Nurse Representative, Ed Zercher ezercher@wsna.org or 206-575-7979 ext. 3022.

From the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commisssion

Office of Rural Health: Nurse Corps LRP application is NOW OPEN!

2022 Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program Application Cycle

Across the United States, many communities are facing a shortage of health care providers, especially nurses. There are many factors that impact the supply of and demand for nurses, such as population growth, an aging population, overall economic conditions, and the aging of the nursing workforce.

The Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program (LRP) helps address the health care needs of those in underserved communities and supports the ongoing development of the nursing workforce in our country by offering funding to registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses towards payment of their qualifying educational loans.

In exchange for the payment of these qualifying educational loans:

• Nurses (RNs and APRNs) serve a two-year service commitment at a health care facility facing a critical shortage of nurses.
• Nurse faculty serve a two-year service commitment at an eligible school of nursing.

Additional loan repayment is available for both groups with a third year of service commitment.

Learn more about this opportunity.

The application cycle closes on January 13, 2022.

Technical Assistance Webinars

The webinars will:

• Review eligibility requirements
• Provide information about the application process
• Review deadlines
• Provide answers to Frequently Asked Questions and allow you to get your questions answered in real time

To participate, use the access information below:

• Technical Assistance Webinar #1 Thursday, December 9, 2021 2:30 – 4:00 PM ET Join via Zoom Dial in: 833-568-8864 | Meeting ID: 160 600 1560
• Technical Assistance Webinar #2 Thursday, January 6, 2022 2:30 – 4:00 PM ET Join via Zoom Dial in: 833-568-8864 | Meeting ID: 160 943 0547

Customer Care Center

For additional application questions, call the HRSA Customer Care Center at 1-800-221-9393 (TTY: 1-877-897-9910) Monday through Friday (except federal holidays) 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET.

Visit Nursing Commission News for previous GovDelivery news messages.
Need this message in another format? Please call 800-525-0127.
Deaf or hard of hearing customers:

• Call: 711 (Washington Relay)
• Email: civil.rights@doh.wa.gov