In this Update:

• Negotiations
• ADO/staffing complaints vs PSA
• Low census
• Childcare
• Housing
• Parking

Negotiations update- Today, March 27, 2020, we were supposed to meet for our 7^th day of negotiations. The contract bargaining session was cancelled. Due to the public health emergency, we are no longer able to conduct in-person contract bargaining.

It is not easy to focus on contract bargaining during this time when we are overwhelmed with concerns for our own health and safety, that of our families, our work colleagues, and of course continue to provide the best patient care that we can. We will keep you posted.

I’m being placed at risk - Nurses are continuing to inquire about conditions that place them at serious risk. Please review this information:

https://www.wsna.org/news/2020/nurses-facing-abnormally-dangerous-patient-care-assignments

https://www.wsna.org/news/2020/safe-and-accepted-use-of-disposable-ppe

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-risk-assesment-hcp.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/face-masks.html

Difference between ADO and PSA

ADO/ Staffing Complaint form If you find yourself in a situation that you believe creates unsafe conditions for patients or for you, complete the Staffing Complaint / ADO form as soon as possible. Completion of ADO forms are vital in ensuring that your unit has appropriate staffing and is a safe place to work! We have seen an increase in ADO filings recently. At the same time, we know that many of you are experiencing unsafe conditions that need to be documented.
By completing the form, you are helping to make the problem known to management, which creates an opportunity for the problem to be addressed. In addition, you are documenting the facts, which may be helpful to you later if there is a negative outcome.

It only takes a couple of minutes to complete a form. Go to https://www.wsna.org/union/ado for more information!

PSA (Patient Safety Alert) - This is a Quality Assurance application that Virginia Mason uses for tracking quality issues. The union does not have access to these because they are confidential.

Language from contract page 45 “All such reports are created for purposes of the Hospital’s quality assurance program or the Patient Safety Alert process and shall be considered confidential under RCW 70.41.200. Report at the next Conference Committee meeting to discuss the follow-up and options for resolution to ensure that an appropriate level of care is provided. Nursing administration will report the PSA information to the Conference Committee. A copy of the report will be given to the Local Unit Chair.”

Pro Tip -

• Copy & paste ADO to PSA
• ADOs are discoverable in court vs. PSA which will not protect you, are confidential and used for Quality assurance

Low Census / No Pays –WSNA seeking to engage with Virginia Mason on the MOU, which would provide other work or administrative pay if there is no other work. Please review this information for state benefits that you might be eligible for and apply as soon as possible as we anticipate that many workers around the state will be in the same position. It will likely take some time to process claims. If you have questions about the various state benefits, you should ask the state for assistance in determining what you are eligible for.

https://esd.wa.gov/newsroom/covid-19

https://www.wsna.org/news/2020/state-resources-for-workers-missing-work-due-to-covid-19

Child Care Available for Health Care Workers - WSNA continues to work with state and local government leaders on providing child care to health care providers during this declared emergency.

Thank you to those of you who completed WSNA’s child care survey – we have shared results with the Governor’s Office, King County Executive’s Office, and Seattle Mayor’s Office. Having direct information about your child care needs helps inform everyone working together to find solutions.

Child care for health care workers is available through a network of providers being coordinated by Seattle Public Schools. Available slots are currently full, although the Office of Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan has told WSNA that more slots will be opening later this week – they encourage you to get on the waiting list now if you might want to take advantage of this option. While these child care options currently require payment by individual families, the Mayor’s Office is working on potential funding options so this child care may be subsidized at some point in the near future. We will keep you informed of progress on those efforts.

Complimentary hotel accommodations for team members caring for COVID-19 patients

If you are a housekeeper, RN or provider and are caring for COVID-19 patients, you may qualify for complimentary hotel accommodations at the Inn at Virginia Mason or the Baroness Hotel.

You must provide direct or supportive care for COVID-19 patients (confirmed positive and waiting for test results) AND you need to remain close to work or choose not to return home to limit your family's exposure.

Accommodation is available for up to 7 consecutive nights. Rooms are single occupancy and no guests (colleagues, friends, family members) are allowed.

Parking- We have heard the concerns about parking. Just last night it was announced by City of Settle, healthcare workers will get access to free parking near hospitals and coronavirus testing sites as part of a new permit program.

Please let us know what you are experiencing, what you need us to know and how we can help you get through this increasingly challenging pandemic.

Please contact your nurse rep at mmoore@wsna.org or 206.575.7979 ext. 3019.

We thank you for your dedication and flexibility in these uncertain times.


In Solidarity,
Your local unit officers Suzanna Avery, Natasza Marchak, Susan Dunn, Sam Asencio, and Suzanne Baek

Michelle Moore BSN RN – 206.575.7979 ext. 3019

Michelle Moore, BSN, RN, IBCLC

Nurse Representative

mmoore@wsna.org