THE
WASHINGTON NURSE WSNA’S BIENNIAL REPORT WASHINGTON NURSES’ WORKING CONDITIONS + THE GOALS WE’VE BEEN WORKING TOWARD WHAT WE’VE ACHIEVED TOGETHER THE WASHINGTON 2019 Convention
SPRING 2019 NURSEA PUBLICATION OF THE WASHINGTON STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION | VOLUME 49,MAGAZINE NO. 2
C andidates forandidates WSNA office TRANSFORMING
Biennial r HEALTH CARE eport THROUGH THE POWER OF NURSING MAY 1-3 WASHINGTON VOLUME 49, NO. 2 STATE NURSES CONVENTION
SPRING 2019 2019 SEATTLE MARINERS
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THE WASHINGTON NURSE TABLE OF CONTENTS
TRANSFORMING HEALTH CARE THROUGH THE POWER OF NURSING 2019 Convention
SPRING 2019
Front of book Biennial Report 2017-2019 4 News briefs 30 Introduction and strategic priorities ON THE COVER 5 Upcoming events 34 Health access 2019 Convention 36 Safe staffing 2019 Convention 40 Nursing practice and patient safety 6 Introduction More speakers announced! 41 Membership growth and engagement 8 Featured speakers Candidates for WSNA's 43 Occupational and environmental health 10 Event schedule 2019-2021 elections. 45 Association vitality 12 New scholarship fundraising opportunities Proposed resolutions. 46 Where member dues go 14 Current candidates for 2019 elections 47 Volunteer organization chart 23 Call for appointments PAGE 6 48 Elected and appointed officers 24 Announcing the winners of the 49 Staff organization chart 2019 WSNA and PNHCC Awards 50 Affiliations 24 Key event details 51 Related organizations 25 Bylaws amendments to be considered at ALSO DON'T MISS 52 Districts and regions General Assembly meeting May 2, 2019 WSNA's Biennial Report 26 Proposed resolutions Legislative affairs Develop, participate and report Washington nurses’ working conditions. 54 Photos: WSNA in Olympia on a safe staffing task force Disaster emergency preparedness The goals we've been working toward. Labor relations Gun violence prevention What we've achieved together. 56 Recently settled contracts Health care workplace violence prevention PAGE 30 Protection of health care workers and Member news patients in safe patient handling 57. In memoriam
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 1 STAFF
575 Andover Park West Executive Director WSNA Attorney / Chief Negotiator Communications and Digital Suite 101 Sally Watkins, PhD, RN Lane Toensmeier Media Coordinator Seattle, WA 98188 Christine Nguyen Executive Assistant Paralegals (206) 575-7979 Emma Ruhl Maria Pettit Administrative Assistant [email protected] Jeanna Te Joline Railey Senior Director of Labor Visit our website at wsna.org. Christine Watts, MN, RN Director of Finance Communications Director Mary Reed Ruth Schubert Administrative Assistant, E&GW Senior Web and Design Specialist BOARD OF DIRECTORS Becky Anderson Accounting Specialist Hue Tran Ben Tilden Nurse Representatives President Debi Bessmer, BSN, RN Director of Nursing Practice Director of Membership and Jan Bussert, BSN, RN (Vashon Island) Jayson Dick, MBA, BSN, RN and Health Policy Digital Transformation Vice President Sue Dunlap, RN Mathew Keller, JD, RN Josh Brown Renata Bowlden, BSN, RN, C-EFM (University Place) Sara Frey, JD, BSN, RN Education Director Membership Services Barbara Friesen, BSN, RN Secretary / Treasurer Gloria Brigham, EdD, MN, RN Program Manager Carmen Garrison, BSN, RN Vee Sutherlin, MSN, RN, MEd (Nine Mile Falls) Mary Peterson Mara Kieval, BSN, RN Director of Public Affairs Membership Payments Chair, Cabinet on Economic and General Welfare Sydne James, BSN, RN Jennifer Muhm Program Manager Julia Barcott, RN (Yakima) Pat McClure, RN Public Affairs Associate Director Patrick McGraw Chair, Legislative and Health Policy Council Sue O’Donnell, MSN, RN, CMN, Travis Elmore, BSN, RN, RN-BC WHNP-BC Membership Associates Lynnette Vehrs, MN, RN (Spokane) Senior Director of Jaclyn Perkins, BSN, RN Kelly King Chair, Professional Nursing and Health Care Council Strategic Initiatives Michele Rose, BSN, RN Katie Parrish Pamela Pasquale, MN, RN, BC, CNE (Wenatchee) Anne Tan Piazza Hanna Welander, BSN, RN Shastie Steinshouer Director of Organizing Directors-at-Large Terri Williams, MS, RN Receptionist Tara Goode, BA, BSN, RN Susan Glass, MS, BSN, RN (Spokane) Ed Zercher, BSN, RN Irene Mueller Jordan Pai Palimar, BSN, RN (Seattle) Nurse Organizers Special Counsel Office Manager Evelyn Street, RN, CNOR (Olympia) Tara Barnes, RN Dave Campbell Martin Hsiung Ann Whitley, BSN, RN, CCRN (Yakima) Judy Marken, BSN, RN General Counsel and Director Rosa Young, MSN, RN, MPA (Seattle) Will Nesper, RN of Collective Bargaining Michael Sanderson Organizers Ione Fullerton General / Corporate Counsel Anne Mansfield Timothy Sears
THE WASHINGTON NURSE MAGAZINE
VOLUME 49, ISSUE 2 • SPRING 2019 ADVERTISING CONTRIBUTOR GUIDELINES DESIGNED AND PRINTED IN WASHINGTON STATE Copyright 2019, WSNA. No part of this publication Information on advertising WSNA welcomes the submission may be reproduced without permission. rates may be obtained from the of manuscripts and artwork. Executive Editor The Washington Nurse (ISSN# 0734-5666) is WSNA website or by contacting Please contact Ruth Schubert Sally Watkins published by the Washington State Nurses Association Martin Hsiung at (206) 575-7979. at [email protected] with Editor and distributed as a benefit of membership to all Advertising is accepted on a submissions, article ideas or WSNA members. A member subscription rate of $10 first-come, first-served basis for further questions. It is not Ruth Schubert per year is included in WSNA membership dues. The preferred positions, depending the policy of WSNA to pay for Designer institutional subscription rate is $30 per year (Canada/ on space availability. WSNA articles or artwork. Ben Tilden Mexico: US$36 per year; foreign: US$49 per year). reserves the right to reject The information in this magazine is for the benefit advertising. Paid advertisements of WSNA members. The Washington Nurse provides in The Washington Nurse do a forum for members of all specialties and interests not necessarily reflect the to express their opinions. Opinions expressed in endorsement of WSNA members, the magazine are the responsibility of the authors staff or the organization. and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the officers or membership of WSNA, unless so stated.
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UW School of Nursing kicks off Nursing Now Initiative
he UW School of Nursing is working with the state or who are struggling with mental or behavioral health condi- of Washington and other community partners tions. to launch the Nursing Now Initiative here in “I am thrilled that the School of Nursing is at the forefront Washington. The University of North Carolina of this very important initiative,” stated Azita Emami, the School of Nursing served as the U.S. launch site of Robert G. and Jean A. Reid endowed executive dean of the the global health campaign. WSNA will be an active School of Nursing. “Nurses currently make up more than half partner in promoting this initiative. of the health care workforce, yet there is still a tremendous The global Nursing Now Initiative was launched in February shortage of nurses. We are working with the state to provide current and 2018 and is run in collaboration with the International Council of Nurses future nurses with proper training that focuses on integrating population Tand the World Health Organization. The initiative is focused on raising and behavioral health concepts, so nurses can operate at the highest the profile and status of nurses worldwide. It’s based on the Triple level of their positions. We are committed to achieving health equity for Impact report that concluded that increasing the number of nurses and all and eliminating health disparities, especially for those underserved developing the nursing workforce will improve health, promote gender populations across our State.” equality and support economic growth. In support of the Washington launch, Governor Jay Inslee proclaimed As part of the Washington state launch, Baroness Mary Watkins Feb.18-22, 2019 Nursing Now Week in Washington. of Tavistock, alternate chair on the board for the worldwide Nursing “I fully support the mission and values of the worldwide Nursing Now initiative, delivered the annual Soule lecture at the University of Now initiative and am pleased that the UW School of Nursing is taking Washington School of Nursing on Feb. 21. An esteemed nurse academic a leadership role in this effort for the State of Washington and the entire in Britain, Baroness Watkins is committed to improving health globally United States,” stated Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. “Nurses play a trans- by raising the profile and status of nurses worldwide. Numerous WSNA formational role in ensuring the health and well-being of all communities members attended the Soule lecture. and we need to ensure that nurses play a leadership role in the delivery During her time in Washington, the Baroness also visited community of care at all levels, including the integration of behavioral health and partners who are having a positive impact on providing access to quality physical health.” Inslee also noted that it is imperative that the State invest health care, especially to those individuals who are financially challenged in increasing the number of nurses, especially those of color, to create an equitable and healthy future for all populations.
About the Nursing Now Initiative in Washington State The Nursing Now initiative in Washington State is committed to elimi- for all citizens in the state and develop nurses who are equipped nating health disparities and achieving health equity for all populations in to create an equitable and healthy future by integrating population the State of Washington. As part of this effort, the UW School of Nursing and behavioral health concepts throughout nursing curricula; is working with other schools of nursing across the State, health care • Workforce Development and Advancement – Provide current partners, and the State to elevate the transformative role that nurses play nurses with proper training that focuses on integrating in addressing health inequities and disparities. Specifically, the Nursing population and behavioral health concepts, so they can Now Initiative in Washington will focus on: operate at the highest level of their positions; and • Nurse Leadership – Ensure that nurses play a leadership • Public Policy – Build public policy that promotes role in the delivery of care at all levels, including physical and protects health for all and assures conditions care and the integration of behavioral health; that support safe and healthy communities. • Diversity in Nursing – Increase the number of nurses, especially those of color, so that we enhance access to quality health care
4 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 NEWS BRIEFS
Stop the Bleed campaign encourages bystanders to act in emergency Stop the Bleed is a national awareness campaign and call-to- action from the Department of Homeland Security. Stop the Bleed is intended to cultivate grassroots efforts that encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped and empowered to help in an emergency before professional help arrives. No matter how rapid the arrival of professional emergency responders, bystanders will always be first on the scene. A person who is bleeding can die from blood loss within five minutes, PROPEL COACHING™ therefore it is important to quickly stop the blood loss. Those nearest to someone with life threat- ening injuries are best positioned to provide first care The campaign website, https://www.dhs.gov/stopthebleed, includes tips and links to further information. Stressed? Burned-out? Out of Balance? Disengaged?
Share your Nurses Week celebrations! 6 Steps to Re-Ignite National Nurses Week, May 6-12, is a time for individuals, employers, other Your Passion, Re-Fuel health care professionals, community leaders and nurses to recognize the vast contributions and positive impact of America’s 4 million registered nurses. Your Energy & Build The tagline for this year’s National Nurses Week is 4 Million Resilience! Reasons to Celebrate — a nod to nurses' sheer numbers and an open invitation to #ThankaNurse for #NursesWeek. We know many of you will be celebrating in different ways. Let us know how you celebrated National Nurses Week and send your photos to [email protected]. P assion R elationships O ptimism P roactivity UPCOMING EVENTS E nergy L egacy May 2019 August 2019 1-3 Washington State Nurses 1 WSNA Board of Directors orientation Convention – Tulalip 2 WSNA Board of Directors business meeting 6-12 National Nurses Week 9 King County Nurses Association September 2019 (KCNA) Spring Banquet 2 Labor Day 10 Pierce County Nurses Association Sue Trace, BSN, CPCC, ACC (PCNA) Nurses Week Banquet March 2020 (206) 456-6167 27 Memorial Day 27-31 Leadership Conference – Chelan [email protected] July 2019 May 2020
4 Independence Day 19 Hall of Fame Gala
WWW.TRACECOACHING.COM
For more information and a complete and up-to-date listing of events, visit wsna.org/calendar.
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 5 MAY 1-3, 2019 TRANSFORMING
Amazing speakers Professional development worth up to a full year of CNEs HEALTH CARE THROUGH THE Networking Legislative updates Celebration banquet and live auction POWER OF NURSING
6 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 TRANSFORMING Here comes the 2019 Convention! We’re excited to bring you nationally recognized speakers, top-tier professional development, HEALTH CARE networking opportunities and our awards celebration, featuring a sit-down dinner and live auction to benefit nursing scholarships. Whether you’ve been before or are attending for the first time, the 2019 Washington State Nurses THROUGH THE Convention will be an unforgettable experience. POWER OF NURSING Register at rnconvention.org.
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 7 FEATURING…
Dr. Phyllis Kritek, PhD, RN, FAAN PROFESSOR AND ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH FIORENZA CHAIR IN NURSING, UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS CAROL AND ODIS PEAVY SCHOOL OF NURSING Phyllis Beck Kritek is a world-renowned expert on conflict resolution and healing. Her long career includes mental health nursing, academic leadership roles, publishing and consulting. Dr. Kritek has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and books. Her first book, Negotiating at an Uneven Table: Developing Moral Courage in Resolving Our Conflicts, now in its 2nd edition, explores conflict engagement under conditions of structured inequity. Long recognized for her leadership in the national nursing community, Dr. Kritek is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN).
Loressa Cole, DNP, MBA, RN, FACHE, NEA-BC CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ANA ENTERPRISE Loressa Cole is Chief Executive Officer of the American Nurses Association Enterprise, which consists of the ANA membership organization representing the nation’s 4 million registered nurses; the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which promotes excellence in nursing and health care globally through credentialing programs; and the American Nurses Foundation, ANA’s charitable arm. Prior to assuming this role, Dr. Cole was the ANCC Executive Director and Executive Vice President. Dr. Cole is an accomplished health care leader with more than 30 years of nursing and management experience. She is ANCC board-certified as a nurse executive, advanced, and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Ernest Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN PRESIDENT, AMERICAN NURSES ASSOCIATION Ernest J. Grant is an internationally recognized burn care and fire safety expert. He currently serves as the burn outreach coordinator for the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center at University of North Carolina (UNC) Hospitals in Chapel Hill and as adjunct faculty for the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Nursing. Dr. Grant is frequently sought out as a speaker and educator. He has conducted numerous burn education courses with the U.S. military in preparation for troops’ deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2002, President George W. Bush presented Dr. Grant with a Nurse of the Year Award for his work treating burn victims from the World Trade Center site. Dr. Grant was inducted as a fellow into the American Academy of Nursing in 2011.
Stephanie Staples, CSP THOUGHT PROVOKER Master motivator (and reWired nurse) Stephanie Staples is an author, radio host and social entrepreneur. She works with busy health care professionals from the Mayo Clinic to the Middle East to help them live their lives with full gusto! Staples is the Mb.Women Entrepreneur of the Year award winner for Contributions to Community, a wife, mom and triathlete (she came in last, but who’s counting?) with programs proven to increase feelings of hope, happiness and empowerment for participants.
8 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 Full event information available at rnconvention.org.
Sara Kim, PhD ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR EDUCATIONAL QUALITY IMPROVEMENT, SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON Dr. Sara Kim is the inaugural holder of the George G. B. Bilsten Professorship in the Art of Communication with Peers and Patients at the University of Washington School of Medicine. She leads research programs in conflict management and collaborates with a wide range of clinical, administrative and educational stakeholders across UW Medicine. Since 2014, she has developed training programs and taught over 3,000 health care professionals communication skills associated with conflict management and resolution. Dr. Kim has numerous peer-reviewed publications in leading medical education and medical specialty journals, covering topics of physician communication skills, assessment, and teaching and learning practices.
Sofia Aragon, JD, BSN, RN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WASHINGTON CENTER FOR NURSING Sofia Aragon leads the work of the Washington Center for Nursing, the state nursing workforce and resource center advancing nursing leadership, diversity and workforce development. She is currently the President of the National Forum of Nursing Workforce Centers. Previous roles include Senior Governmental Affairs Advisor for the Washington State Nurses Association and Legislative and Policy Manager for the Community and Family Health Division of the Washington State Department of Health.
Paula Meyer, MSN, RN, FRE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NURSING CARE AND QUALITY ASSURANCE COMMISSION Paula Meyer became the executive director of the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC) in 1998. During her two decades with NCQAC, she has advanced nursing and advanced practice nursing through her tireless advocacy and vision for the profession. Ms. Meyer continues to positively impact nursing practice in Washington state through her oversight of critical legislation and attentive leadership. She is active in the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and achieved her fellowship in regulatory excellence in August 2014.
Sandy Slaton, JD, BSN, RN SYSTEM DIRECTOR, RISK MANAGEMENT Sandy Slaton earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Washington State University and a Juris Doctor from Seattle University. She is a Certified Professional in Health Care Risk Management and has nearly a decade of enterprise risk management experience working in acute care and clinics. Sandy is the past president of the Washington Healthcare Risk Management Society (WHCRMS) and a registered nurse of 35 years. She has served as a flight nurse and educator at Airlift Northwest and has held nursing and education positions in PACU, Emergency Department and ICU at hospitals in Western Washington, California and Texas.
Rev. Dr. Cameron M. Sharp, PhD, M. Div., B. Th., ADN ORDAINED MINISTER, NURSE Rev. Dr. Cameron worked as a nurse for more than 45 years, as an ED nurse, Pediatric RN, Psychiatric RN, Infusion Specialist and most recently as a Cardiac Nurse. Having a dual profession, the Rev. Dr. Sharp comes to you as a compassionate Pastor-Teacher. Rev. Dr. Cameron is part of LGBTQI2+ community. He is married to a nurse, Kat Sharp, MDN. They have three sons, one daughter-in-law and two grandchildren. His main passion through life has been teaching kind justice for all and modeling inclusivity with extravagant welcome. He is Ordained in the United Church of Christ.
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 9 Full event information available at rnconvention.org.
EVENT SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1 THURSDAY, MAY 2 DAY 1 DAY 2 Attendee check-in / Attendee check-in / 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. badge pick-up / breakfast badge pick-up
WSNA President’s Welcome 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. Breakfast 8 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Jan Bussert, BSN, RN ‘Healthier and happier nurses: bringing your “A” game to work ‘Negotiating at an uneven table: 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. developing moral courage in and life’ 8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. resolving conflict’ Stephanie Staples, CSP Phyllis Kritek, PhD, RN, FAAN ‘A radical breakthrough: communication skills for achieving Keynote: Washington State 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Attorney General mutual goals’ Bob Ferguson Sara Kim, PhD
Keynote: ANA CEO ‘Moving nursing forward in 11 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Loressa Cole, DNP, MBA, RN, FACHE, 11 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Washington state’ (part 1) NEA-BC Jan Bussert, President
11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Lunch 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. Lunch ‘Bylaws rule the world’ ‘Legislative update: state-level 12:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. progress on nursing and patient Anita Stull, RN 12:45 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. safety issues’ ‘Secret life of a resolution’ Jennifer Muhm, MPA 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Jan Bussert, BSN, RN Keynote: ANA President 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Ernest Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN ‘Moving nursing forward in 2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Washington state’ (part 2) ‘Understanding the governance of Jan Bussert, President WSNA and how you can influence 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. nurses and their professional ‘Who is the nurse next door?’ practice in Washington state’ 3:15 p.m. – 4 p.m. Sofia Aragon, JD, BSN, RN and Jan Bussert, BSN, RN Paula Meyer, MSN, RN, FRE
Meet the candidates with WSNA’s WSNA Recognition Awards dinner President 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Featuring live auction (to benefit nursing 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Networking reception and no host wine scholarships) and the Nightingale tribute bar with heavy hors d’oeuvres
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Local Unit Council meeting
10 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 Full event information available at rnconvention.org.
We’re upping the fun for the 2019 Convention’s Recognition Awards Banquet. Thursday, May 2, will be an exciting evening of camaraderie as we celebrate over dinner and recognize Washington state’s best and brightest in nursing practice, education, research, ethics and human rights, and leadership. FRIDAY, MAY 3 Keynote speaker Stephanie Staples is joining us as the Master of Ceremonies, and DAY 3 auctioneer extraordinaire April Brown will lead an electrifying live auction to support Attendee check-in / 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. nursing scholarships. badge pick-up Get your applause and your paddles ready for 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. Breakfast an extra fun celebration.
Workplace violence panel 8 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. discussion Moderated by Sandy Slaton, JD, BSN, RN BE A PART OF THE PROCESS ‘Duty to protect: A call to action for The WSNA General Assembly business meeting nurses in caring and advocating for will take place on Thursday, May 2, 2019, and will 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. the LGBTQ+ community’ address many items of important business for Rev. Dr. Cameron M. Sharp, PhD, M. Div., the membership, including proposed resolu- B.Th., ADN tions, bylaws changes and final nominations for elected offices. (See page 14 for the current 10 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Closing 2019 ticket of nominees for elected offices and how to self-declare or be nominated from the floor.) Proposed non-emergency resolutions and candidate statements will be FRIDAY, MAY 3 (OPTIONAL ADD-ON) posted on the WSNA website at wsna.org and are printed in this SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING issue of this magazine (pages 14-29). CO-PRESENTED BY UWCNE
10:30 a.m. – noon Part 1 TAKE CARE OF YOUR SUICIDE Noon – 12:30 p.m. Lunch PREVENTION REQUIREMENT 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Part 2 FOR LICENSURE With the University of Washington School of Nursing, we’re offering the opportunity to fulfill your 6-hour mandatory suicide prevention training requirement for licensure with this special add-on course offered May 3, 2019. CNE information This training is approved by the Washington State Total possible CNE credits for attending Convention: 14.5 Department of Health and is on their model list. Attendees will be awarded six CNE credits. The cost for Total possible CNE credits for attending Convention plus the optional attending is $150 for WSNA members, or $75 for attendees who add-on Suicide Prevention Training: 20.5 qualify for the student rate. Lunch included.
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 11 NURSING SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES The Washington State Nurses Foundation works to advance the nursing profession and contribute to the health of our communities.
An important focus is the provision of student scholarships, critical to the future of Washington state. The cost to attend nursing programs and graduate education continues to escalate, creating a significant barrier to prospective students. WSNF is committed to raising funds to increase access to students seeking to enter the profession or advance their careers in nursing.
This year, WSNF is excited to announce a very special event on May 2, 2019 to raise funds for student scholarships. There will be several opportunities to join the fun.
Live auction and ‘Raise the Paddle.’ April Brown, auctioneer, will create a memorable evening with live auction bidding on jewelry, event tickets, a trip to Italy and more! An additional opportunity to donate will be available by raising your paddle..
Mystery wine bottle Select a mystery bottle of quality wine. Take a chance and try a new wine from the large selection.
Cash raffle Buy a raffle ticket for $10. First prize is $500. Second prize is $250. Third prize is $100.
Florence Nightingale In recognition of Florence Nightingale’s upcoming 200th birthday, a special memento will be unveiled for purchase. Don't miss out on this beautiful keepsake.
12 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 Full event information available at rnconvention.org.
BID ON THESE AND OTHER ITEMS AT THE LIVE AUCTION
Vacation in Tuscany, Italy Harmony Hill retreat
Wine tastings
Heathman Lodge getaway
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 13 WSNA Board of Directors (11) work to be done. WSNA’s powerful team of nurses will pass our meal and rest breaks bill CURRENT along with others. I am a strong advocate for President (1) nurse and patient safety. I am asking for you CANDIDATES vote to elect me to the position of the next Lynnette Vehrs, MN, RN WSNA President.” FOR 2019 Inland Empire Nurses Association Spokane Vice President (1) ELECTIONS Education: Baccalaureate, Washington State University; Master’s, Washington State University. Present Position: Jennifer Graves, MS, BSN Retired; volunteering at homeless medical clinic. Present It’s not too late to run King County Nurses Association for WSNA office! Office:WSNA Legislative and Health Policy Chair. Past Offices: WSNA Legislative and Health Policy Council – 8 years total Seattle How to self declare or be nominated with 4 of the years as the chairwoman; Inland Empire Nurses Education: BSN, University of Portland; MS, University of The WSNA Nominations/Search Committee Association Board of Directors and President. Awards, Honors, Portland; Certificate in Human Resources Management, Service: Lifetime Achievement Award for IENA. Professional and the E&GW Nominating/Search University of Washington. Present Position: Vice President, memberships: ANA/WSNA/IENA, League of Women Voters, Quality and Safety and Regional Chief Nursing Executive, Kaiser Committee wish to thank all those who Health Care for All-WA. Permanente Washington. Past Positions: Senior Vice President have submitted a consent to serve form for of Patient Safety and Quality, Washington State Hospital Associ- elective office and to remind others that it “I have a vision for WSNA ation; Chief Executive and Nurse Executive, Swedish Medical is still not too late to become a candidate. that is one of strength Center. Past Offices: Vice President, WSNA Board of Directors; Director-at-Large, WSNA Board of Directors; Vice President, Members who want to self-declare their and compassion. WSNA Washington State Nurses Foundation; President, King County candidacy for an elected office may still do has had a history built on Nurses Association. Awards, Honors, Service: WSNA Honorary so by submitting a consent to serve form principles of advocacy for Recognition Award, 2017; March of Dimes Distinguished Nurse prior to the General Assembly Meeting on our patients and registered of the Year, 2017. Professional Associations: ANA, WSNA, Thursday, May 2, 2019. Consent to serve nurses. I wish to continue on KCNA, ACHE, NWONE, STT. this pathway as your WSNA President. I have forms are available at wsna.org/serve or by been an RN for 42 years. I started in Tacoma calling WSNA at (206) 575-7979. Nomina- “As a member of WSNA for as a psychiatric nurse, cardiac intensive care, several decades, I have tions will also be taken from the floor of the and then moved to Spokane and worked as witnessed the value of our General Assembly, and elections will take a skilled home care nurse for 18 years and professional association place by secret mail ballot shortly after the retired from teaching at Washington State and am grateful that WSNA conclusion of the WSNA Convention. University College of Nursing. I have worked at is inclusive of all nurses, The following WSNA members, identified all of my patient care facilities under a WSNA in all roles, and strives to by district and hometown, have consented to contract. I am a very strong supporter of our create unity during such a divisive time in our run for WSNA elected offices. collective bargaining agreements. I have country. It would be my honor to represent participated as a member on the negotiating you and serve the nurses of our state and teams several times. Currently I volunteer as work together to advance our profession and Names of elected bodies an RN at a Spokane homeless medical clinic. further the important mission of WSNA.” appear in purple, with I am passionate about quality health care. I the number of open want constructive changes to our health care positions in parentheses. system and this can also be done through the legislative process. I have been a member of Position titles appear in red, the Legislative and Health Policy Council for a with the number of open total of 8 years, last 4 years I have been your positions in parentheses. Chairwoman of this council. The council has Names, bios and statements of been successful with a number of bills passed, candidates follow. including safe staffing, increased public health funds, addressing the opioid crisis and Except as noted, terms for increasing the funds for nursing education. I all offices are two years. will continue to advocate protecting our scope of practice, public health, and social justice in the delivery of health care. It is essential that we are involved in health care through health policy and legislative actions. There is more
14 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 Full event information available at rnconvention.org.
to a leadership role in this association include Pamela Pasquale, MN, RN, BC Secretary Treasurer (1) clear and professional communication skills, a District 7 passion for helping nurses, a caring, compas- Wenatchee Verlee “Vee” Sutherlin, BSN, MSN, Med. sionate perspective, and past experience with Education: Baccalaureate, Everett CC; Master’s in Nursing, Inland Empire Nurses Association WSNA.” University of Washington; Shoreline CC Labor Management Nine Mile Falls AA. Present Position: Foot Care RN. Prior Positions: Long Education: Diploma, Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing; Susan K. Glass, MS, RN professional journey beginning from hospital in 1985 hospital baccalaureate, Whitworth Unversity, MSN, University of to home health; home care; nursing home charge nurse; Inland Empire Nurses Association Portland; M.Ed,Gonzaga Unviersity – Spokane Present nurse delegation; RN faculty, Assisted LIving RN; Home Spokane Position: Retired Prior Positions: Faculty Spokane Community Care Aide certification developer; CNA instructor; Foot care College and a Staff Nurse SHMC.Present Office:WSNA Board Education: BSN, Washington State University; MS (Nursing), RN. Present Office: Chair, WSNA Professional Nursing and of Directors Secretary/Treasurer. Past Offices: WSNA Board Arizona State University. Position: retired since March 2015. Health Care Council. Past Offices: 1985 – 2007 Capitol City of Directors, Secretary/Treasurer; WSNA Finance Committee; Past Positions: Spokane VAMC-cardiology nurse coordinator, Nurses; Snohomish Co Nurses, Officer or Chair; WSNA Board IENA Board of Directors; Inland Empire Nurses Association oncology nurse navigator, other duties as assigned (15 yrs at of Directors 1995-1997, 2009-2011, 2017-present; Practice treasurer. Awards, Honors, Service: Inland Empire Nurses VA); WSU clinical instructor; VNA staff nurse (supplemental); Council 1997-2001, 2001-2007: 2011-2017, Chair 2017-present; Association Nurse of Year. SHMC staff nurse, telemetry (supp); HFH staff development Foundation: 2007-2009. coordinator; Deaconess. Present Office: WSNA Board of Directors, director at large. Past Offices: Inland Empire Nurses “I am a candidate for WSNA Secretary/ “It’s been exciting to feel the new energy Association Treasurer 2016-present; investment committee at WSNA as we have moved forward. New Treasurer and would appreciate your vote. It since approx. 2000-present. Awards, Honors, Service: leadership is anticipated in this election has been my privilege and responsibility to Outstanding RN in advanced practice Spokane VA, 2005. and it’s important to have those with the serve as your current Secretary/Treasurer for the past two years. I am proud of the work association history, experience and familiarity “I have enjoyed serving on the WSNA Board our WSNA Board of Directors has done and with the issues that will help contribute to the of Directors as it provides an opportunity to new leaders’ success and keep WSNA moving continues to do at a time when there have serve the membership and help guide the been many challenges in the labor and health forward. My talents and strengths are my organization forward. It is important to have a care environment. My background as a staff commitment to the Association for over 30 balance of mature members as well as newer nurse, nurse educator and administrator years with my direct involvement which has nurses serving on the Board in order to have included 3 terms on the Board of Directors, provides me with the skills to serve effectively broad representation of the profession.My as well as many years serving on the Profes- in this position and contributes to the stability strengths include a broad understanding of sional Nursing and Health Care Council where of WSNA in Washington as well as nationally. nursing practice, history of working in multiple I am currently chair. Additional strengths for I appreciate your support of my candidacy for settings, clear writing style, attention to detail, the Association are in to assist new WSNA Secretary/Treasurer on the WSNA Board of and an ability to get along with people. I hope staff who also benefit from members like Directors and Finance Committee.” to continue to serve the Association.” myself, who have the institutional memory and Director At-Large (3) knowledge of the past Association activities Mikey Anne O’Sullivan, BSN, RN and successes that would help them transition Inland Empire Nurses Association quickly and effectively. WSNA is recognizing Christina Bradley, BSN, RN Spokane and supporting efforts to reach out to my Pierce County Nurses Association Education: Master’s, Morningside College, will graduate specialty interest: Long term care nursing Tacoma practice. It is emerging as an important April 2019. Position: RN, Unify Community Health Center. Education: Franklin Pierce High School; baccalaureate, Pacific Present Office: Inland Empire Nurses Association, Director initiative and I’m particularly interested in Lutheran University; MN, Western Governor’s University. of Community/Public Health, 2017-present. Awards, Honors, guiding that effort to develop a successful Position: CHI Franciscan, Stroke Coordinator RN. Present Service: Alpha Beta Kappa National Honor Society, member partnership.” Office: Member of WSNA PNHCC. Past Offices: WSNA Board of 2017-present. Current GPA 4.0. Professional Associations: Directors Staff Member at Large; WSNA-PAC Board of Trustees, American Nurses Association. WSNA Delegate. Awards, Honors, Service: Gladys Campbell Nursing Scholarship. “When I started my master’s degree, I started learning about the large numbers of nurses “I have always loved advocating for nurses compared to others in the medical profession. as evidenced by my prior involvement with I often wondered why nurses were not using WSNA and PCNA. It is important for nurses these numbers to make a change. When I to participate professionally in nursing and lived in Iowa, I followed WSNA on Facebook to recognize the benefits that come with a because I was so impressed with the impact nursing association and union. I feel like I they had and support they gave to nurses. would be a good candidate to help promote When I moved to Spokane, I wanted to be this involvement. The strengths I would bring involved in a nursing association to be part
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 15 of this excitement. I reached out to different Trish Tobis, MSN Director at Large Staff Nurse – (2) associations and only heard back from IENA. King County Nurses Association I researched them before joining and was Bellevue happy to find that they were associated Adam Halvorsen, BSN, RN with WSNA. I was welcomed as a new board Education: Master of Nursing, University of Washington. District 15 member and was happy to find so many Position: Retired. Past Positions: Bedside nursing, nurse Richland educator, home health, critical care, home intravenous nursing, strong women involved in supporting nurses. Education: Columbia Basin College and Washington State case manager. Past Offices: WSNA Board of Directors, PAC This past March I was fortunate to attend the University Position: Acute Care Nurse, Kadlec. Prior Board of Trustees, Legislative and Health Policy Council. KCNA Positions: Sergeant, United States Marine Corps; AEMT, WSNA Hall of Fame banquet. I was welcomed Board of Directors. Awards, Honors, Service: KIXI nurse of the Medstar Ambulance (Gallup, NM); Firefighter/AEMT, Gallup by every person I met and felt like I had been day 1982 and 1982, King County Nurses Association excellence Fire Department. Awards, Honors, Service: USMC: Meritorious a member of WSNA for many years. When in nursing practice award. I have been a member of several promotion to Private First Class and Corporal, USMC: Marine I was listening to the inductees speak, I felt committees appointed or elected to WSNA as well as KCNA of The Quarter – Combat Assault Battalion; Washington State privileged to be in the same room as them from 1979 until 2016. I have also been elected to both boards, University: Outstanding Undergraduate Student. and wondered how I would/could make an KCNA and WSNA. Between 1985 and 1995 I was active in crime impact like these women did. I decided the vicitim association to provide support for crime vicitims of best way to make an impact is to get involved serious crimes. I also held a leadership role and was appointed “I live and have lived to serve, and my life with WSNA. My work with, and dedication to a special task force by Governor Gardner to represent crime consists of successive chapters penned in victimes in 1989. Major legislation was passed in 1990 as a to, the underserved population aligns with the theme of service to others. The WSNA is result of this task force work. WSNA’s purpose to ensure health care comprised of those with the same humble services are available to all. I believe that my ambition: caring for our patients by pushing current schooling in nursing informatics will Rosa Young, MSN, MPA, BSN forward the standard and availability of care, be an asset to WSNA and to promoting quality King County Nurses Association and nursing development through advocacy healthcare using evidence-based research. If Seattle and education. There is inspiration drawn from my interactions with the leaders within given the opportunity to serve on the WSNA Education: BSN, Seattle University and MSN, Seattle University; board I will support the goals and missions of the WSNA and the passion each person holds N/A MPA, Seattle University. Position: Substitute Nurse, Seattle for people and the profession of nursing is WSNA. I will promote WSNA enrollment, and I Public Schools. Past Position: Nursing Supervisor, VA Puget will work with other WSNA members to meet Sound Healthcare System. Present Offices: WSNA Board undeniable and immensely motivating. I am WSNA goals. Thank you for your time.” of Directors, Alternate and Delegate to ANA Membership drawn to that passion and am excited at the Assembly; KCNA Board of Directors. Past Offices: WSNA prospect to serve the people and nurses of Jordan Pai Palimar, MN, BSN Nomination & Search Committee, WSNA Convention Planning Washington through further involvement in the Committee. Awards, Honors, Service: Sigma Theta Tau; WSNA. I have been lucky to serve in a number King County Nurses Association served in USAFR (20 + years) Retired LTC, mentoring other of leadership roles throughout the years: as Sammamish young nurses. a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, Education: MSN, University of Washington-Bothell; BSN, Class Leader in my fire academy and more Pennsylvania College of Technology; Associate’s, Social “I love nursing and enjoy providing health recently I was honored to serve as President Work, Northampton Community College. Position: RN2 at services to those in need. I am a volunteer on of the Nursing Students of Washington State, UWMC. Past Positions: RN, Lehigh Valley Health Network. many community outreach programs such and Director for the National Student Nurses Present offices: Board of Directors, Washington State Nurses Foundation board of trustees, PHNCC. Honors and Awards: as Northwest Kidney Centers, MMPNO and Association. The experience and lessons ANCC Board Certified Nurse for Medical Surgical Nursing WSNA: KCNA. Retired form VAPSHCS after 33 years of gleaned through each of these positions has member since 2014. ANA: Advisory member for the Panel for service and 20 years of the USAFR Nurse Corp proven invaluable and will continue to be as I Palliative Care and Hospice Nursing 2016. Local Unit: King for 20. I am an active participant in my church move forward in service. There is a sentence County. Health and Wellness Ministry. Chairperson on from Cicero’s De Officiis that has always struck the Ways and Means Committee for MMPNO me and offers insight into my motivation and “I look forward to serving nurses in Washington and have served in the role of Chairperson and desire to serve: ‘non nobis solum nati sumus ton to continue to elevate the standard at program organizer for 5 consecutive years. I ortusque nostri partem patria vindicat, partem which they practice, influence policy and believe that I have the skill set and qualifica- amici’ which translates to ‘Not for us alone are healthcare at both a local and national level.” tions to serve in the role of Member at Large.” we born; our country, our friends, have a share in us.’ I believe wholeheartedly that we live to serve one another; we are each wonderfully burdened by the honor and obligation to see that each among us are respected, cared, and provided for and I intend to use any talents I possess to work toward that idea. Service within the WSNA will allow me to do so.”
16 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 Full event information available at rnconvention.org.
Judi M Lyons, RN WSNA Nomination / Search Susan E. Jacobson, CCRN, RN District 18 Committee (4) District 6 Ellensburg Yakima Education: Associate Degree, Yakima Valley Community Suzanne Baek, RN Education: Associate degree, South Puget Sound Community College. Position: Staff nurse, Kittitas Valley Healthcare. King County Nurses Association College; Chamberlain University/Chamberlain College of Current Offices: District President, WSNA-PAC Board, ANA Federal Way Nursing (graduating 2019), Associate’s of Arts & Science. Delegate. Past Offices: WSNA President, WSNA Board of Position: Staff nurse, ASTRIA Regional Medical Center. Past Directors; Cabinet on Economic and General Welfare; Local Education: Kyoungki University, Inchon, Korea. Position: Staff Positions: AACN Certified in Adult Critical Care (CCRN), Charge Unit Secretary; District President. Honors and awards: WSNA nurse, Virginia Mason Medical Center. Past Positions: Nurse Nurse – ICU, Chair – Safe Staffing Multidisciplinary Committee, Joanna Boatman Staff Nurse Award. manager at St. Joseph Medical Center Tacoma, House Super- Member – Safe Staffing Multidisciplinary Committee, ACLS visor at St. Francis Hosp. Federal Way. Present Office: Virginia Instructor, PALS Provider, NALS Provider, Mentor/Preceptor – Mason Local unit secretary and treasurer. “I have had the opportunity to participate nursing students. Current Office: WSNA Legislative and Health with WSNA for over 40 years. I bring renewed Policy Council; District 6 Board of Directors, Secretary. Past Offices: President, WSNA (2013-2015); Vice President, WSNA energy and a long history of involvement. My “Ever since I joined WSNA in 2007, I served as a Local unit rep., grievance officer, and now I (2011-2013); chair, WSNA Legislative & Health Policy Council knowledge of past history of WSNA will help (2007-2011); member, Legislative and Health Policy Council bridge activities as we move into the future. I am serving as a LU secretary and treasurer. I have a passion, desire, energy and strength (2002-2013); WSNA Board of Directors (2007-2015); member enjoy being part of the ‘solution.’ As an active WSNAF Board of Trustees (2007-2011); chair, WSNA Board of member of WSNA, I help to that end.” to increase my involvement to WSNA for Trustees (2011-2013); ANA Nominating Committee. Awards, improvement.” Honors, Service: WSNA District 6 Excellence in Leadership Award; WSNA Cabinet on Economic and General Welfare Jan Bussert, BSN, RN Nurse Hero Award; mentor, ICNE Nursing School Students; AACN-CCRN certification/member. King County Nurses Association Vashon Muriel Softli, BSN, MPA Education: Diploma, St. Elizabeth School of Nursing; BSN, King County Nurses Association Gonzaga University. Position: Retired. Past Positions: Nurse organizer, WSNA; Triage, Vashon Health Center; Yakima Heart Seattle Center, ICU, PACU. Honors and awards: ANA Honorary Recog- Education: BSN, University of Washington, M.Ed., Central nition Award, WSNA Leadership Award. Current Office: WSNA Washington University, MPA, University of Washington. President Past Offices: WSNA President 2015-2017, WSNA 1st Position: Retired School Nurse. Past Positions: 1962-1967 Vice President 1979-1983; WSNA 1st Vice President 1993-1997; Public Health New York City, 1968-2010 Seattle Public Schools, WSNA President 201502019 and 1997-2001; ANA Board of 1970-1996 USAFR NC McChord AFB, Wash. Current Office: Directors 2000-2003. WSNA Professional Nursing and Health Care Council. Awards, Honors, Service: 2000 WSNA Hall Of Fame, 2017 UW School Judith (Judy) Huntington, MN, RN of Nursing PH Preceptor of the Year, 2018 UW School of Nursing King County Nurses Association Centennial 1 of a 100 chosen Nurse Influencer. Kent Education: MN, BSN, University of Washington. Position: “I was trained and encouraged to actively Retired. Past Positions: WSNA Executive Director, 1999-2017. participate in my professional nursing organi- Past Offices: WSNA President, WSNA second vice president, zations by my school of nursing professors chair of ANA Constituent Forum, ANA second vice president. back in 1955. Been active since that time to More. this date. Participating in my professional organizations kept me informed of nursing issues, concerns, trend, legislative bills and laws. I have a need to be current in all these areas in order to comprehend current nursing happenings. Over the years it was wonderful meeting nurses from throughout the state and nation in the different areas of nursing. Being active on those different committees are informative and necessary in becoming a nursing leader.”
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 17 Legislative and Health Policy Member at-Large (3) Elizabeth Espy, RN, CEN Council (4) Northwest Region Gemma Aranda, BSN Bellingham Chair and Member of WSNA King County Nurses Association Education: ADN, Whatcom Community College; in progress Board of Directors (1) Bellevue WGU; CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse). Position: Emergency Department RN, PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center. Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Position: Relief Awards, Honors, Service: Daisy Award Nominee, Emergency Charge Nurse, Overlake Hospital; Evergreen Hospital. Past Justin Gill, MS, RN, ARNP Nurses Association (ENA) member, Local Unit Emergency Positions: Clinical Educator, 1995-1997; Critical Care Nurse Pierce County Nurses Association Department Unit Representative, member of hospital-wide 1997 to present; Post Anesthesia Care Nurse, 2013 to present. Staffing Committee. Northwest District participated in initial Gig Harbor Awards, Honors, Service: Third Academic Honors BSN meeting to celebrate formation of the district, eagerly awaiting 1992-1995; Overlake Hospital Contract Negotiation Team, Education: ADN, Whatcom Community College; BSN, University first business meeting to assist in building our board and 2017; current Overlake PACU Unit Rep and Overlake Hospital of Washington Bothell; MS Nursing, Georgetown University; branding our district. DNP (in progress), Yale University. Position: ARNP Urgent Care, Grievance Officer. CHI Franciscan. Past Positions: ARNP Family Practice, Skagit “When nurses are protected, Regional Health; RN, PeaceHealth and Skagit Valley Hospital. “It’s apparent at workplaces that the laws, valued and empowered by Current Office: ANA-PAC Board of Trustees (2017-Present). which were fought for hard by nurses for the Awards, Honors, Service: UW Bothell Outstanding Alumni employers and lawmakers, protection of their labor rights and profes- Award, 2017; ANA Nurse Advocate Award, 2014; Whatcom CC our patients have better sional practice are continuously being under- Laidlaw Award Recipient, 2012. outcomes. More often, mined. With respect to the bravery, sacrifices however, we are expected and wisdom of our Nurses union who worked “As a current member of the to sacrifice basic workplace hard to pass the House Bills into Law, it is time WSNA Legislative/Health safety and personal well-being. We do this to restore the precept that each individual Policy Council, former every day when we bridge the gap between at any level of professional position is held congressional intern and the needs of our departments and patients accountable for his/her actions and choice to health policy advocate, I with the often inadequate resources allocated break the law. My faith-based decision making, feel strongly that nurses by the organizations for which we work. courage, strength and integrity will help me have the ability to make Emphasis needs to be placed on laws and lead with authority.” a significant impact on health care policy regulations which protect us and our patients. at the state and national level. WSNA is a WSNA works tirelessly on our behalf for this. It strong organization that advocates for nurses Susan Dunn, MSN, RN, CHRN would be my privilege to serve on the Legis- and patient safety on the front lines. Our King County Nurses Association lative and Health Policy Council and champion profession is involved at every level of health Seattle WSNA’s identified priorities at the state level. care delivery. Because of this, nurses need to Education: BSN, Seattle University; MSN, Western Governor’s Thank you.” be present at the table in all policy discussions University. Position: Staff Nurse – Hyperbaric, Virginia Mason that relate to health care, or the social deter- Hospital. Current Office: WSNA Legislative and Health Policy minants of health. I have had the opportunity Council member. Awards, Honors, Service: WSNA Economic to testify on issues in Olympia, complete an and General Welfare Grievance Office of the Year Award. advocacy fellowship with ANA, and lead on issues related to safe staffing and workplace “This is an important time for nurses to speak violence. I look forward to using these experi- up on health care issues. The Legislative and ences as a foundation for my WSNA leadership Health Policy Council helps provide that voice. opportunities moving forward. It has been a As a WSNA member for almost 30 years, more privilege to serve on the Legislative/Health than a decade as a bargaining unit grievance Policy Council thus far, and I am excited at officer and as a participant in several contract the opportunity of serving our organization as negotiations, I bring historic and practical chair of the committee. I humbly ask for your perspectives. As a Staff Nurse, I bring the vote this election.” bedside view. I have learned a lot in my last 2 years on the council and want to continue contributing and using that experience.”
18 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 Full event information available at rnconvention.org.
Jeremy R. King, MSN, ARNP, FNP-C Lynn Nelson, RN, MSN, NCSN Erin Stevenson, BSN, BS King County Nurses Association District 13 Northwest Region Seattle Olympia Bellingham Education: MSN, ARNP, Seattle University. Position: Nurse Education: South Puget Sound Community College; Master’s Education: Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, Western Practitioner at Cascade Valley ED Past Positions: 20 years RN Degree, Saint Martin’s University. Position: Director, Health Governor’s University; Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical experience at Seattle Children’s Hospital and Swedish Edmonds Services and Student Support, Capital Region ESD 113. Past Engineering, Univ. of Nebraska-Lincoln. Position: Registered Hospital. Predominantly in Emergency. Current Office: WSNA Positions: 1997-2002 School Nurse, North Thurston Public Nurse, PeaceHealth. Past Positions: Mechanical Engineering Legislative and Health Policy Council Member. Awards, Honors, Schools; 1990-1996 Home Health Manager, Providence Sound – State of Nebraska Energy Office, Ford Motor Company Service: ANAI Fellow 2017-2018, Alpha Sigma Nu member and Home Care and Hospice; 1986-1990 Home Health Nurse, Provi- Internship, Midwest Roadside Safety Facility (UNL). Current Sigma Theta Tau member. King County Nurses Association dence Sound Home Care and Hospice; 1985-1986 Med/Surg Office: WSNA Legislative and Health Policy Council, member Scholarship recipient; participated in yearlong mentorship Acute Care RN, Providence. Awards, Honors, Service: WSNA on the new Northwest Region Board. program. Excellence in Practice Award, 2017; SNOW Nurse Administrator of the Year, 2013; Johnson & Johnson School Health Leadership “I have enjoyed the last two years serving on “I’m inspired by the nursing profession’s Fellowship, 2013; SNOW current NASN Director, past Legislative the Legislative and Health Policy Council. Chair. capacity and potential for effecting good in There is a lot to learn and know about the our country. I believe that nursing represents a process and I have barely scratched the unique point of view in health care and that it “I have served as the Director of Student surface. I am eager to continue the work to is our responsibility as nurses to advocate for Support and Health Services at Capital Area advocate for my fellow nurses statewide, by social justice oriented policy and legislation. I Educational Service District #113, in Tumwater, educating our legislators on critical nursing believe that as a nurse it is our responsibility Washington, since 2002, where I supervise issues such as workplace violence, meal to improve the health of all Americans through and support school nurses and other support and rest breaks, and mental health issues. I working for positive change around any issue staff in 5 counties, and administer multiple have never been one to sit quietly when I see that affects health. As we move America into related health and social service programs. something that needs to be improved upon. I the future I believe nursing will help lead I believe that providing quality service for bring to this council a passion for changing our health care system to be more equitable, children and families must include an inten- the current environment to one where all affordable and accessible to all Americans. I tional focus on equity in both the health and nurses can feel safe and supported at their bring 20 years of nursing experience to my education arenas. My professional interests jobs.” work with WSNA. I also bring my strong bias focus on both school health and health care towards health care as a human right with me policy. I have been an RN since 1985. I received whenever I participate in Association activities my MSN in Leadership and Health Care Policy or politics.” from Saint Martin’s University in 1998 and am a Nationally Certified School Nurse with more than 20 years of experience in school health. I am a member of the Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), the School Nurse Organization of Washington (SNOW), and the National Association of School Nurses (NASN). I am currently serving as the NASN Director and am also the past Legislative Chair for SNOW. I was honored in 2017 to have been chosen for the WSNA Excel- lence in Practice Award, and I was the SNOW Washington State School Nurse Administrator of the Year in 2013 I live in Olympia and have a large blended family who keep me centered. I spend my free time hanging out with my kids, reading, gardening, hiking, and traveling whenever I can.”
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 19 Honors, Service: Inductee, Order of Military Medical Merit Stephanie Wahlgren Professional Nursing & Health 9A proficiency designation (Army certified expert in nursing), Northwest Region Care Council (7) ANCC Nurse Executive, Advanced Board Certification. Sedro-Woolley Education: ADN, Skagit Valley College; Baccalaureate, Chair and Member of WSNA “As a senior leader in the University if Washington; Doctorate, Gonzaga University Board of Directors (1) Army, I have found my projected graduation 2021. Position: Forensic Nurse Coordi- passion in taking care of nator, PeaceHealth Saint Joseph Medical Center. Past Position: Charles C. Cumiskey, MBA, BSN, RN the people who take care RN at Skagit Valley Hospital on and off since 2011.Awards, of patients. I’ve thoroughly Honors, Service: Nominated for Daisy award x 2, Forensic District 13 enjoyed building and Nursing Excellence Award. Olympia sustaining a collaborative Education: Diploma, Good Samaritan School of Nursing, team that is focused on patient centered “The WSNA has been integral to helping move Portland, OR; BSN, Saint Martin University; MBA, University of care. After moving to Washington last year, forward legislation to protect survivors of Washington Tacoma. Position: Chief Nursing Supervisor Group – my family and I have realized that this is interpersonal violence. Forensic nursing is Transfer Center, Madigan Army Hospital Center. Past Positions: our forever home. Knowing that I am no an emerging science and nursing field. The Nursing Commission, GroupHealth, and Sister of Providence. Past Offices:WSNA Professional Nursing & Health Care Council longer transient, I want to expand my talents WSNA has the ability to work with hospitals to helping build a body of nurses that are in compensating nurses for their time. Many 2013-2015; WSNA-PAC 1995-1997. Awards, Honors, Service: 28 years in the Army Reserves. focused on what’s important; building and times, nurses are not compensated for sustaining relationships with our patients. I this work, nor do hospitals see the need to At-Large (1) want to help nursing leaders coach and teach compensate nurses for taking the training their nurses in understanding the heart of and working with sexual assault patients. The nursing — that trusting relationship between IAFN and ENA have put out a joint statement Rayanne Lilley, BS, RN patient and nurse. I want to be involved in regarding testimony, and evidence collection Inland Empire Nurses Association the WSNA to help leaders build collaborative being better and stronger with foresncially Spokane nursing teams who can continue to improve trained nurses. We also have one hospital in the delivery of safe, quality nursing care.” the state of Washington that trains all nurses, Education: BS, Washington State University. Position: Staff RN ENDO/SPU/Infusion/ICU & Clinical Nurse Educator, Sacred while this is important, the nurses trained on Heart and Ashfield Healthcare. Past Position: Food and the East side are not getting the same training Beverage Department Head. Awards, Honors, Service: Magna Education (1) as on the West Side. We need to push forward Cum Laude, I.N.F.U.S.E. Award 02/2018. legislation that standardizes education for all Heather M. Stephen-Selby, forensic nurses in the state. This will ensure “I can’t expect change if I do not put the work BSN, MSN, ARNP-BC, RN standardized practice to each patient.” in for it to happen. I want to be an advocate for King County Nurses Association nurses as well as patients. I am energized and Renton outspoken.” Education: Vancouver General Hospital School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Seattle University, Kwantlan Administration (1) College. Position: Nurse Manager/ARNP, HealthPoint Community Health Center. Past Positions: WSNA Assistant Suzanne Scott, RN, MSN, NEA-BC Executive Director of Nursing Practice, Education, Research 2014-2018; Adjunct Faculty Heritage University, 2017-18; Interim Pierce County Nurses Association Dean of Nursing Spokane Community College and Director of Lacey SCC student health, 2013-14; ARNP 2002-2013. Past Offices: Education: Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College PNHCC committee member for 4 years prior to becoming an of Virginia and University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. employee of WSNA; Chaired disaster preparedness workgroup Position: Deputy Commanding Officer (COO equivalent), US for 2 years while with PNHCC council. Awards, Honors, Army; Madigan Army Medical Center. Past Positions: RN, Service: WSNA Ethics Award 2007, Governors workforce Vanderbilt University, June 1989 – January 1990; US Army Nurse 2008, RTC employee of the quarter 2006. King County Nurses Corps, January 1990 – present; Chief Nurse, US Army Forces Association Director at Large currently. Command, Fort Bragg, NC, August 2012 – June 2015; Assistant Chief Nurse, Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg. Awards, “As a long time active member with the Washington State Nurses Association and a past employee I am looking for the opportunity to return to engagement. WSNA’s mission, in my experience has been demonstrated on a number of levels around leadership, promoting quality health care,
20 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 Full event information available at rnconvention.org.
education, advocacy and influencing health Ethics & Human Rights (1) Practice (1) care policy in the state of Washington and nationally. As a former WSNA employee, who was the Assistant Executive Director of Vesna Jovanovich, BS, RN Jennifer Reinhardt, BSN, RN Nursing Practice, Education, and Research King County Nurses Association Pierce County Nurses Association for four years and was an active member Renton Bonney Lake prior I believe in the work WSNA does. Being Education: Lake Washington Institute Of Technology School Education: BSN, Pacific Lutheran University. Position: CNOIC a member our voices, ideas and experi- Of Nursing; Nadezda Petrovic Alfa Bk University, Bachelor’s Surgical Services Center, Madigan Army Medical Center. ences are not only heard but enacted upon In Business Education. Position: Clinical Manager / Quality Past Positions: St. Francis hospital – staff nurse medical with my past experience with PHNCC. We Assurance Specialist, Harvard Partners Health. Past Positions: surgical unit. Current Office: WSNA Professional Nursing and addressed nursing practice issues such as, KBC Zemun Medical Center, CRNA Oct. 2004 – Sept. 2005, ICU Healthcare Council. Awards, Honors, Service: Daisy Award scope of practice encroachment, practice RN May 2003 – Sept. 2004. recipient 2016, 2x Swan Award recipient, Advancement towards gaps including transition to practice, and High Reliability in healthcare award AMSUS 2017. unclear regulatory language. I bring a highly “I am a registered nurse, diverse background as a former employee of humanitarian, and mother, “I am passionate about strengthening the WSNA who is familiar with the organization, dedicated to helping people nursing profession and advocating for ANA, and practicing in community health. I lead a happy, healthy, and Washington state nurses. I would like to understand our challenges as an RN and productive life. In my current continue serving the nurses of Washington advanced practice provider through a variety career I am inspired by state and retain my seat on the Professional of lenses because I have worked in a variety creating ways to help our Nursing and Healthcare Council. I will continue of settings including acute care, community senior clients progress and have a new and to collaborate at the state and local level to health, education, and administration. I have exciting outlook on thier lives, and also being strengthen clinical quality improvement initia- been heavily involved at the local and state able to help my medical team help these tives, solidify healthy work environments for level on workforce issues for nurses around people reach those goals while applying the all health care staff, and advocate for nursing safe practice, workplace violence and growing best possible care. Working with WSNA, I professionals of Washington state. I believe the nursing ranks. Policy engagement and would be able to apply my knowlege to build when we improve the quality and employment legislation are areas in which I have been and work with a team at a higher level and conditions for the nurses of Washington state active. During my employment with WSNA be part of helping all Washington nurses we will advance not only the profession of I taught CNE courses and now in-services working on things like compliance and related nursing, but patient care as well.” in my current position. As an active ARNP, I issues so they may be able to have safe well am working currently in community health regulated work environments so that they Research (1) addressing social determinants of health, in turn can give their highest level of care and safety to thier patients. I have a large health literacy, access, and providing a voice Anne Hirsch, PhD, BSN with our diverse communities for healthcare amount of experience in medicare/medicaid, King County Nurses Association for all. I am also currently a Director at Large commercial insurance compliance continued Seattle with the King County Nurses Association, who education, and keep current knowledge of are very active leaders around my passion changing rules and regulations. I would like Education: BSN, Washington State University; MN, University of with the homeless and underserved. As an the opportunity to exchange ideas with other Washington; PhD, Indiana University. Position: Associate Dean advocate and educator of equal rights and nurses and also apply my skill sets to helping for Academic Affairs, University of Washington.Past Positions: access for all, I am passionate about our ability WSNA grow, stay strong for our members and Seattle University and Pacific Lutheran University. Current progress. Office: WSNA Professional Nursing & Health Care Council. as a profession we use our voice. As a nurse Honors and awards: KCNA Shining Star Award; Fellow in the manager and leader I owe it to my colleagues American Academy of Nursing; Fellow, American Association to step up and engage as we continue to of Nurse Practitioners. advocate for our patients, communities and ourselves.” “I am looking forward to continuing to contribute to the important work of the profes- sional nursing and health care council as the research representative. I have learned a great deal during my previous terms of service and feel much better prepared to help advance the initiatives of the Council.”
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 21 Cabinet on Economic & Secretary/Treasurer (1) Edna P. Cortez General Welfare (10) King County Nurses Association Martha Goodall, RN Edmonds Chair and Member of the WSNA Inland Empire Nurses Association Education: Rockford Memorial School of Nursing. Position: RN Board of Directors (1) Mead – Recovery PACU, Seattle Children’s Hospital. Past Positions: PICU, NICU, CVICU, ALNW, ED, UC. Current Office: WSNA Education: Associate Degree in Nursing, Spokane Community Cabinet on Economic and General Welfare. KCNA Nominating College. Position: Registered Nurse Critical Care ICU, Provie- Julia R. Barcott, RN Committee. Past Offices: KCNA Board of Directors. Awards, dence Holy Family Hospital. Present Office: WSNA Cabinet District 7 Honors, Service: Daisy Award recipient (Seattle Children’s on Economic and General Welfare Secretary/Treasurer. Past Hosp). Yakima Offices: Member, WSNA Cabinet on Economic and General Education: Associate Degree in Nursing, Yakima Valley Welfare; treasurer, IENA. Awards, Honors, Service: Holy Family Commnity College. Position: RN, ICU Med Surg, Astria Nurse of the Year, Holy Family Employee of the Year for collabo- “I have been a member of WSNA since 1993 Toppenish Hospital. Past Positions: ICU/Critical Care Float at ration; 2016 Outstanding Local Unit Chairperson. Habitat for and started at Seattle Children’s hospital in Yakima Regional Hospital; Dialysis RN at Davita. Current Office: Humanity. 1990. I am proud to be a member of my profes- Chair, WSNA Cabinet on Economic and General Welfare. Past sional state organization. I am just as proud Offices: Vice chair, WSNA Cabinet on Economic and General “I have a long history of being involved in the to be a registered nurse! WSNA has taught Welfare (2011-2013 and 2013-2014); local unit co-chair, Yakima work of our union. Starting at the local unit me and helped me to be a better advocate for Regional Medical Center; member, Yakima regional negoti- chair level. I am currently on the E&GW as myself, my coworkers and for my patients.” ation team; ANA Standards & Scope of Practice Committee; WSNA-PAC Board of Trustees. Awards, Honors, Service: 2018 secretary/treasurer and sit on the finance AFT Hero Award, WSNA Negotiations/Rising Star Award; Dial committee. My ongoing goal is to make our Ruby Crisostomo Tan, BSN, RN Infection Control. work both satisfying and safe.” King County Nurses Association Maple Valley “Rise up! Nurses have been doing this for years. Member At-Large (7) Education: BSN, University of Washington. Position: Acute Through WSNA, we are united in improving Inpatient Dialysis Nurse, Fresenius. Past Positions: Tele Neuro safety for nurses and our patients. My passion Francesca Castillo, RN, AAS Med Surg, RN. Awards, Honors, Service: UW Dean’s List is to continue in this fight with all of you to Inland Empire Nurses Association 2015-16, Pierce College and Green River Community College improve staffing, prevent workplace violence, Spokane Honors Awards and address social justice issues. In solidarity we have achieved great changes and can Education: AAS, Spokane Community College Nursing Program. Position: Staff nurse, St. Luke’s Rehabilitation “I would like to serve WSNA throughout the continue to move forward to improve our Insititute. Current Office: WSNA Cabinet on Economic and organization and in leadership. I have excep- profession and our communities.” General Welfare, member at large; IENA vice president; Chair, tional focus, dependability, integrity, tact, St. Luke’s Local Unit, WSNA first time contract negotiator and unselfishness, knowledge, loyalty, enthusiasm, Vice Chair (1) organizer. Awards, Honors, Service: Compassion award ability to influence others, good leadership, nominee; Member of Spokane Alliance. and courage.” Clarise Mahler, BSN, RN, CCRN King County Nurses Association “We need state level representation on east Crystal Kosik, BSN, RN side, and I would like to continue with this Duvall District 28 endeavor. My strengths are the continued Selah Education: Baccalaureate, Humboldt State University, representation for the east side of the state California. Position: Staff RN Critical Care, Evergreen Health. bringing ideas to the cabinet.” Education: BSN, Washington State University. Position: Labor Past Positions: Harborview Medical Center, staff RN 1993-1999; and Delivery RNC, Astria Toppenish Hospital. Past Position: St. Joseph’s Hospital, Eureka, CA 1987-1993 Staff RN Oncology. Labor and Delivery High Risk Obstetrics at Oregon Health and Diane Cantu, RN Current Office: Co-chair, WSNA Cabinet on Economic and Science University. General Welfare. Awards, Honors, Service: 2013 WSNA District 6 Outstanding Negotiation Team Award; AACN. Yakima “I am passionate about bringing strength to the Education: Associate of science degree RN. Employer: WSNA. I know that in order to negotiate fair “I have a passion for helping nurses obtain the Position: Charge RN in ER, Astria Toppenish Hospital. Past contracts we must have strong voices within best working conditions. I believe when we Positions: 9 years as CNA and Medical interpreter at Astria this association. I have worked for several unify we can have safe staffing, professional Sunnyside Hospital. different union hospitals during my career respect, advocate for evidence based practice and therefore have knowledge about the way and encourage our hospitals and government in which things get negotiated. I know that to provide health care for all.” strong voices are the key to accomplishing great things.”
22 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 Full event information available at rnconvention.org.
• Gwen Parrick, NW Region, Freeland Janet Stewart, BSN, RN E&GW Nominating / Search • Jennifer Reinhardt, Dist. #3, Bonney Lake Pierce County Nurses Association Committee (3) • Bernadette Reyes, Dist. #2, Lynnwood Tacoma Still accepting nominations. • Suzanne Scott, Dist. #13, Lacey Education: BS, Pacific Lutheran University. Position: Staff • Heather Stephen Selby, Dist. #2, Renton Nurse and Break Relief Nurse – Critical Care, St. Joseph Medical • Erin Stevenson, NW Region, Bellingham Center Tacoma. Past Positions: RN Civilian & Military US Army • Janet Stewart, Dist. #3 Tacoma Nurse Corps. Present Office: WSNA Cabinet on Economic and ANA Membership Assembly General Welfare member. 2019-21 Delegates and • Anita Stull, Dist. #2, Seattle Alternates (13) • Lynnette Vehrs, Dist. #4, Spokane • Rosa Young, Dist. #2, Seattle “It has been a meaningful and fulfilling to be • Ingrid Anderson, Dist. #2, Snoqualmie a WSNA leader and officer at my local unit • Suzanne Baek, Dist. #2, Federal Way where I can help represent nurses, serve on • Julia Barcott, Dist. #6, Yakima the negotiations team, and help strengthen • Amy Boultinghouse, SW Delegates to the 2020 AFT and support our bargaining unit. I have Region, Castle Rock Convention (20) enjoyed serving on the WSNA Cabinet for • Jan Bussert, Dist. #2, Vashon • Susanna Avery, Dist. #2, Seattle two years and would like to continue working • Edna Cortez, Dist. #2, Lynnwood • Suzanne Baek, Dist. #2, Federal Way to serve nurses in this state level leadership • Chuck Cumiskey, Dist. #13, Olympia • Julia Barcott, Dist. #6, Yakima role. I am hardworking, honest, dedicated and • Julie Drake, Dist. #2, Bothell • Edna Cortez, Dist. #2 Lynnwood compassionate. I hope you will allow me to • Elizabeth Epsy, NW Region, Bellingham • Ruby Crisostomo Tan, Dist. #3 continue to serve you.” • Justin Gill, Dist. #3, Gig Harbor • Julie Drake, Dist. #2, Bothell • Sue Glass, Dist. #4, Spokane • Elizabeth Epsy, NW Region, Bellingham • Martha Goodall, Dist. #4, Mead • Martha Goodall, Dist. #4, Spokane • Jennifer Graves, Dist. #2, Seattle • Crystal Kosik, Dist. #28, Selah • John Gustafson, Dist. #3, Poulsbo • Judi Lyons, Dist. #18, Ellensburg • Angela Hansen, NW Region, Oak Harbor • Clarise Mahler, Dist. #2, Duvall • Judy Huntington, Dist. #2, Kent • Sue Munro, Dist. #2, Seattle • Vesna Jovanovich, Dist. #2, Mercer Island • Gwen Parrick, NW Region, Freeland • Crystal Kosik, Dist. #28, Selah • Bernadette Reyes, Dist. #2, Lynnwood • Judi Lyons, Dist. #18, Ellensburg • Janet Stewart, Dist. #3, Tacoma • Mikey Anne O’Sullivan, Dist. #4, Spokane • Anita Stull, Dist. #2, Seattle
CALL FOR APPOINTMENTS The WSNA Nominations / Search Committee will be meeting this summer to prepare recommendations for appointments to the WSNA Councils and Committees. Appointments are for two years, beginning August 1, 2019, through Aug. 31, 2021. The recommendations prepared by the WSNA Nominations / Search Committee will go to the WSNA Board of Directors at its August 2019 meeting, at which time the Board will make the appointments to the WSNA Councils and Committees. If you or your colleagues are interested in serving on any of these Councils or Committees, you can access the WSNA “Consent to Serve” form at the WSNA website at www.wsna.org/serve. The form must be completed no later than July 1, 2017. If you have any questions, please email Emma Ruhl at WSNA at [email protected] or call her at 206.575.7979, ext 3030. Appointments will be made to these WSNA Councils and Committees: Professional Nursing and Health Care Council WSNA Finance Committee WSNA-PAC Board of Trustees 4 appointments At least 3 appointments and not more than 7, 11 trustees. Every effort shall be made to appoint including the WSNA secretary / treasurer, vice trustees to represent each congressional district Legislative and Health Policy Council president, and 1 board member. and 1 representative of the state at-large. 3 appointments Occupational and Environmental WSNF Board of Trustees WSNA Bylaws / Resolutions Committee Health and Safety Committee Not fewer than 5 nor more than 9, a majority of At least 3 and not more than 7 appointments 1 member each from Board of Directors, Cabinet on whom shall be members of the WSNA Board of Economic & General Welfare, Legislative & Health Directors at time of election. WSNA Nominations / Search Committee Policy Council, Professional Nursing & Health Care 2 appointments Council, and 2 at-large.
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 23 ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS 2019 CONVENTION: Join us at the gala dinner May 2, celebrating the winners of the 2019 WSNA and PNHCC Awards. KEY DETAILS
WSNA RECOGNITION AWARDS PROFESSIONAL NURSING & HEALTH How to register CARE COUNCIL RECOGNITION AWARDS Register on the Convention website at HONORARY RECOGNITION BEST PRACTICE rnconvention.org/register. Azita Emami, PhD, MSN, Bob Smithing, MSN, ARNP, FNP, FAANP BSN, RN, FAAN Presented to an individual to recognize best practice Pricing In recognition of their life-long commitment in the daily care of patients / clients. and tireless work on behalf of registered nurses Convention and the profession and their distinguished service to WSNA and the profession. BEST PRACTICE Standard $500 Madeline Wiley, MSN, ARNP WSNA member $450 MARGUERITE COBB PUBLIC HEALTH Presented to an individual to recognize best practice COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE in the daily care of patients / clients. Student or Retired $225 Annie Bruck, DNP, MN, RN, COHN-S Gala awards banquet (for those not already Betty Bekemeier, PhD, NURSE LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT MSN, RN, FAAN attending the Convention on Thursday) Sarah Bear, EdD, MSN, RN Dorene Hersh, MN, RN Presented to an individual to recognize excellence in Guest $60 In recognition of their significant contributions nursing leadership and management. and leadership in public health nursing an WSNA. Suicide prevention training (optional add-on) EDUCATOR JOANNA BOATMAN STAFF Brenda Zierler, PhD, RN, FAAN WSNA member $150 NURSE LEADERSHIP Presented to an individual to recognize excellence in nursing education. Student $75 Edna P. Cortez, RN In recognition of their leadership and significant contributions to the economic ETHICS & HUMAN RIGHTS Location and general welfare of nurses and nursing. Antwinett O. Lee, EdD, MSN, RN, CNS The 2019 Convention will be held at the Presented to an individual to recognize excellence in Tulalip Resort Casino and Conference ethics and human rights. COMMUNITY PARTNER Center, located about an hour north of Jeff Johnson Seattle. The Tulalip Resort features a spa, President, Washington State RESEARCHER several restaurants, bars and a casino and Labor Council, 2010-2018 Elizabeth Bridges, PhD, RN, is located adjacent to the Seattle Premium In recognition of their partnership and CCNS, FCCM, FAAN Outlet mall. contributions to advancing the role of nurses as advocates and health care providers Presented to an individual to recognize excellence in for the citizens of Washington State. nursing research that addresses practice issues. Lodging Reserve your room at the Tulalip Resort or ANA HONORARY MEMBERSHIP PIN a nearby hotel. Find more information at Jan Bussert, BSN, RN rnconvention.org/location. In recognition of their leadership and distinguished service to WSNA, ANA and the profession.
24 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 Full event information available at rnconvention.org.
WSNA BYLAWS AMENDMENTS TO BE CONSIDERED AT GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING MAY 2, 2019 The WSNA Bylaws/Resolutions Committee • Clarification that WSNA employees • New language required to support met over the course of this past biennium to may not seek election or appointment Districts/Regions seeking or remaining review the WSNA Bylaws in depth and develop to positions within WSNA. as a 501(c)(3) organizational status. proposed amendments, which were sent • Clarification that WSNA members may • Removal of reference to election of as recommendations to the WSNA Board of not at any time, including while running chair of the Constituent Representative Directors for approval. Additional members for office, advocate for non-membership Council as current practice is that the were also engaged in this work via the Cabinet, or the nonpayment of dues. WSNA President serves in that capacity. Districts, Dues Task Force and other forums to • Incorporation of labor law language • Addition of a new Article describing the provide input and recommendations. For many requirements addressing membership Washington State Nurses Foundation. sections specific Parliamentarian and legal rights for Local Unit Program members • Removal of reference to the advice was also obtained. who are non-Registered Nurses covered by Nursing Organization Liaison There are two types of recommended amend- a WSNA collective bargaining agreement. Forum as this does not exist. ments to the WSNA Bylaws: Non-substantive • Addressing membership rights of • Clarification that the Cabinet Chair will also and Substantive. individual WSNA members within serve as WSNA’s Ranking Delegate for any an Organizational Affiliate. national or international labor organization. Non-substantive amendments • Updating the WSNA definition of • Clarification that, should WSNA ever The Non-Substantive Amendments contain a Quorum at General Assembly to dissolve, assets will be distributed several types of minor modifications that the ensure a balance of representative to the American Nurses Foundation Bylaws Committee believes brings further membership and elected officers. (ANF), an ANA related Foundation. clarity to the Bylaws: • Simplification and clarification of The proposed Bylaws Amendments will • Insertion of “WSNA” in front of Board responsibilities based on current numerous statements or terms to be reviewed during the upcoming General practice, including removing those Assembly on May 2, 2019. Once adopted further clarify and specify that we are statements that are the responsi- referencing this association, WSNA. they will then be voted upon by the WSNA bility of the Executive Director. membership via a mailed ballot. • Statements repositioned from one section • Standardizing terms of office language A copy of the current as well as the of the Bylaws to another section due to throughout the Bylaws document. proposed Bylaws Amendments can be found at reprioritization or clarification in accor- • Clarifying that the Cabinet, rather www.wsna.org/about/bylaws-and-resolutions. dance with a specific Article in the current than the Board of Directors, is respon- If you would like us to mail you a full copy of all Bylaws. There are no changes to content sible for making Cabinet Chair bylaws amendments, please call (206) 575-7979. of those statements moved in location. appointment for any unexpired term. If you have any questions, or need further • Further refinement, simplification • Clarifying the role of the Executive Director clarification, you may contact Sally Watkins, and clarification edits with no change in relation to any national or international WSNA Executive Director, at [email protected]. in intent of the statement. organization with which WSNA is affiliated. • Removing the term limits for the Substantive amendments Chair of the Bylaws Committee Substantive Amendments include the following: given current practice. • Further clarification of multiple statements • Adding language supporting the to reflect current practice within WSNA. Bylaws Committee review of bylaws for • Clarification that membership within a Districts/Regions at least every three WSNA Constituent Association (District/ years to ensure harmony with WSNA. Region) is a result of membership in • Clarification of the audit function of WSNA, not a condition of membership. the WSNA Finance Committee. • Removal of reference to ANA’s publi- • Simplification and clarification of Cabinet cations by title so WSNA does not responsibilities based on current practice. have to change its bylaws should ANA change a title of a publication.
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 25 PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION: DEVELOP, PARTICIPATE AND REPORT RESOLUTION: ON A SAFE STAFFING TASK FORCE DISASTER EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
WHEREAS, patient outcomes are directly affected by WHEREAS, Washington state has WHEREAS, the Washington State staffing of registered nurses (RNs); and experienced, and is at risk for additional Department of Emergency Management major environmental events such as consists of multiple agencies with WHEREAS, research shows that higher staffing levels mudslides, windstorms, floods and different purposes, and the current by RNs lowers the rates of patient falls, infections, wildfires, threatening lives and property, system to apply as a volunteer is unnec- readmission, morbidity, and mortality, all of which and is at risk for experiencing major essarily burdensome for citizens and are directly related to HCAAPS scores and Medicare disasters including tsunamis and earth- professionals to register. reimbursement rates to hospitals; and quakes, and, BE IT THEREFORE, WHEREAS, current Labor Management Committees/ WHEREAS, scientific evidence has Professional Conference Committees do not ensure safe identified that the Seattle-Puget Sound RESOLVED, that WSNA offer to assist staffing; and area and the coastal communities of the Washington State Department of Washington state are at significant Emergency Management to improve WHEREAS, current language contained in our collective risk for a large scale major destructive and streamline the volunteer registry bargaining agreements does not always ensure safe earthquake with citizens at high risk and refine the application process staffing; and for injury, and loss of life, with access to promote accessibility and a user- to health care facilities and hospitals friendly registration process; and, WHEREAS, current state legislation across the country severely compromised or non-existent, does not always ensure safe staffing in most acute care depending on location and severity of RESOLVED, that WSNA’s Professional facilities; now therefore be it the event, and Nursing and Health Care Council and Occupational-Environmental RESOLVED, that the Washington State Nurses Association WHEREAS, emergency management, Health and Safety Committee update (WSNA) through our national affiliates, the National Feder- firefighters, police, hospitals, and the and develop additional educational ation of Nurses (NFN) Coalition, the American Federation National Guard will respond according opportunities and resources that focus of Teachers – Nurses and Health Professionals (AFT-NHP) to their respective missions and respon- on informing WSNA members about and the American Nurses Association (ANA) will assist in sibilities, but will not be the primary emergency volunteer registration the development of and will participate in a Safe Staffing agencies that will attend immediately processes (city, county, state, tribal) the Taskforce; and to those injured and that care for legal and ethical issues in relation to injured citizens will likely be provided in volunteer response and the RN Scope RESOLVED, that the Safe Staffing Taskforce will include temporary facilities, requiring volun- of Practice, how to respond to all types research on all current registered nurse staffing legislation teers for a multitude of support services, of emergencies and disasters, and how across the United States to provide evidence-based data and to plan and personally prepare; and be on the positives and negatives of these bills; and it further WHEREAS, should any one of these RESOLVED, that WSNA staff participating on the Safe disasters happen, citizens of our state RESOLVED, that WSNA assess oppor- Staffing Taskforce will share documented findings on a are willing to respond immediately to tunities for member participation in regular basis to both the Economic and General Welfare help, but potential delay in deploying select emergency management disaster Cabinet (E&GWC) and the Board of Directors; and assistance without a systematic way planning meetings (city, county, state, of communicating with, coordinating and federal) to assist and inform WSNA RESOLVED, that WSNA will develop and present a biennial and directing of volunteers by on site members, colleagues, and families report to the WSNA Biennial Convention in 2021; and emergency personnel will interfere with about opportunities to participate in a rescue and assistance efforts, risking response effort. RESOLVED, that as evidenced by the importance of the unnecessary loss of life, and RN voice at the state legislature, WSNA members are to be encouraged to participate through the WSNA Legislative and Health Policy Council and Nurse Lobby Day. Submitted by the Professional Nursing & Health Care Council, Oct. 24, 2018.
Submitted by the Cabinet on Economic and General Welfare.
26 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 Full event information available at rnconvention.org.
These resolutions will be considered at the General Assembly meeting May 2, 2019.
RESOLUTION: GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION
WHEREAS, gun violence is a pressing public WHEREAS, a study of teen suicides by firearm mental health policy, reforms and other health issue; and found that most were carried out with firearms firearm harm reduction approaches, including from the adolescent’s home. More than 75% of understanding differing views around gun WHEREAS, it is estimated that 99.85% of firearms used in suicide attempts and uninten- ownership; and Americans will know a victim of gun violence tional injuries were stored in the residence of and 54% of U.S. gun owners admit that the victim, a relative, or friend; and WHEREAS, the American Nurses Association they do not store their guns safely. Nearly has issued the declaration “Stop the Madness, 1,300 children in the United States die from WHEREAS, gun injuries to children are End the Violence” and has called for the gun-related injuries every year. Nationally, preventable, and safe firearm storage can enactment of meaningful gun control legis- occupational homicide by shooting has reduce the risk of youth suicide and uninten- lation. increased steadily since 2011; and tional firearm injuries. Counseling, advice and education for healthcare professionals and BE IT THEREFORE, WHEREAS, in Washington State between 1999 for parents to keep their children safe must and 2016, 9.2% of all deaths were gun related include limited access to weapons; and RESOLVED, that WSNA assess and promote and since 2008 firearm deaths have exceeded the availability of educational resources motor vehicle deaths, with the state’s suicide WHEREAS, public health policy and laws that related to firearm safety in homes, schools, by firearm rate surpassing that of the United reduce traffic and occupational injuries and and the greater community; and States; and fatalities are outstanding examples that may be easily adapted to firearm issues to reduce RESOLVED, that WSNA support public WHEREAS, in Washington State between harm; and health research on the dimensions of firearm 1997-2014, of the 678 weapons used in violence including evaluation of firearm domestic violence homicides, 54% were WHEREAS, nurses, physicians and other storage practices and barriers to safe firearms. A vital component to the overall public health professionals recognize that practices; and profile of domestic violence is the use of firearm related injury and death is a public firearms in non-fatal domestic violence health epidemic in the United states and must RESOLVED, that WSNA identify resources and injuries and intimidations; and move toward developing primary prevention gather data to draft a white paper on firearm strategies that interrupt the transmission of safety that includes the role nurses can play to WHEREAS, during 2016 in Washington violence; and address the epidemic of firearm violence; and State, 75% of all deaths from firearms were suicides, and among Washingtonians who WHEREAS, continued research is needed to BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that WSNA collabo- died by suicide, nearly half of all suicides used understand nurses’ roles in reducing firearm rates with a diverse coalition of partners to firearms. Firearms in the home equate to a related incidents along with continued nursing work towards a comprehensive approach for higher risk for suicide; and education to fill knowledge gaps around gun safety and the reduction of firearm related violence.
Submitted by the Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety Committee, Oct. 24, 2018.
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 27 PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION: HEALTH CARE WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION
WHEREAS, all employees deserve a workplace WHEREAS, in 2017, the Washington State BE IT THEREFORE, free from violence; and Department of Labor & Industries received more claims than it had in any given year over RESOLVED, that the Washington State Nurses WHEREAS, the National Crime Victimization the last decade from nurses and nursing aides Association will lobby for new or strengthened Survey defines workplace violence as for workplace assaults and violent acts; and laws to protect nurses from workplace non-fatal violence against employed persons violence, including felony laws and compre- age 16 or older that occurred while they were WHEREAS, according to the Journal of hensive prevention program laws; be it further at work or on duty; and Emergency Nursing study, only about twenty- nine percent of nurses who experienced a RESOLVED, that the Washington State Nurses WHEREAS, the health care sector makes up physical attack reported the incident; and Association will work to educate nurses just 9 percent of the overall U.S. workforce, and lawmakers about workplace violence but it experiences nearly as many violent WHEREAS, members of professional organi- prevention programs; be it further injuries as all other industries combined; and zations and unions representing nurses and health care workers frequently describe RESOLVED, that the Washington State WHEREAS, 2015 data from the U.S. Bureau impediments to reporting incidents of Nurses Association will educate nurses about of Labor Statistics shows that incidents of workplace violence either internally or to the the importance of reporting all workplace serious workplace violence are four times police; and violence to the employer and appropriate more common in health care than in other authorities including law enforcement, private industries; and WHEREAS, twenty-seven of the 100 fatalities regarding verbal abuse, assaults, near misses, in health care and social service settings that threats, including the threat of harm due to WHEREAS, between 2005 and 2014, the rate occurred in the United States in 2013 were domestic violence; be it further of health care workplace violence increased due to assaults or violent acts; and by 110 percent in private-sector hospitals; and RESOLVED, that the Washington State Nurses WHEREAS, workplace violence is a serious Association will partner with the Washington WHEREAS, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics concern for members of the Washington State State Chapters of the American Association of reports that while under twenty percent of Nurses Association Occupational Health Nurses and the Associ- all workplace injuries happen to health care ation of Occupational Health Professionals workers, those same health care workers WHEREAS, there is legislation regarding in Healthcare to educate and strengthen suffer fifty percent of all assaults; and leave for those who are afflicted by domestic the roles of employee health nurses in the violence, sexual assault and stalking, and prevention of workplace violence; be it further WHEREAS, health care assault rates correlate domestic violence is the number one cause of with time spent in direct patient contact, workplace homicide for women, RESOLVED, that the Washington State Nurses making nurses, nurses’ aides, and other health Association will encourage nurses to bargain care assistants the most frequent victims of for workplace violence prevention programs attack; and including annual training.
Submitted by the Cabinet on Economic and General Welfare, the Legislative and Health Policy Council, the Professional Nurse and Health Care Council and the Occupational-Environmental Health and Safety Committee, Nov. 7, 2018.
28 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 Full event information available at rnconvention.org.
These resolutions will be considered at the General Assembly meeting May 2, 2019.
RESOLUTION: PROTECTION OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS AND PATIENTS IN SAFE PATIENT HANDLING
WHEREAS, healthcare worker occupations residential care settings has been available RESOLVED, that WSNA support immediate have one of the highest risks of experiencing since 2007, and, enforcement of safe lifting law; and on-the-job injuries that result in permanent disability, loss of income, and loss of WHEREAS, WSNA published guidelines for RESOLVED, that WSNA collaborate with advancement of careers in healthcare field safe patient handling in 2010 yet, results of hospitals, assisted living and skilled nursing and, the WSNA 2017 Nurses Survey revealed over centers and other health care employers to 50 % of 2000 respondents stated they had promote policies and procedures to reduce WHEREAS, repetitive musculoskeletal injuries suffered an injury related to lifting a patient, human lifting across all care settings; and are the primary cause of disability in health and that safe patient handling policies are not care workers, and, consistently implemented in hospital settings, RESOLVED, that WSNA promote policies and and, procedures that prevents disciplinary action of WHEREAS, the Washington State Legislature health care workers who decline to transfer or passed RCW 70.41.390 in 2010 directing WHEREAS, manual lifting by health care move patients in the absence of appropriate hospitals to implement safe patient handling workers continues to be taught in all levels assistive devices; and policies and procedures and further directed of health care education based on out-of- that hospitals create safety committees to date curricula that continues to teach body RESOLVED, that the language in published address concerns about implementation of mechanics, and that hospital and long-term guidelines for safe patient movement be safe patient handling policies, and care plans continue to prescribe 1 and changed to “requirements” for purposes of 2-person lifts for transfers. funding reimbursement; and WHEREAS, the National Institute for Occupa- RESOLVED, that WSNA encourage all tional Health and Safety (NIOSH) a division BE IT THEREFORE, within the Centers for Disease Control issued employers provide working up-to-date transfer assist devices, and provide training and reports and recommendations in 2007 for RESOLVED, that WSNA encourage all nurses support for the use of these devices; and nursing homes, and in 2013, issued a report in Washington State to assess and report to improve hospital safety to implement health care employer compliance with workplace policies to decrease musculo- RCW.70.41.390 Safe Patient Handling and WAC RESOLVED, that WSNA provide outreach skeletal injuries in healthcare workers, and, 296-800-130 (safety committee and safety to educators of healthcare workers to meetings) including the requirement that encourage the teaching and testing of safe WHEREAS, equipment to reduce musculo- safety committee membership includes RN’s body mechanics and provide curriculum skeletal injuries to health care workers as well and other front-line health care workers; and that emphasizes and trains workers to avoid as reduce falls in patient populations and manually lifting and positioning patients including the use of safe patient handling through patient lift teams and equipment.
Submitted by the Professional Nursing & Health Care Council, Oct. 24, 2018.
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 29 BIENNIAL REPORT BIENNIAL REPORT 2017-2019
30 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 BIENNIAL REPORT: INTRODUCTION
Jan Bussert Sally Watkins
he past biennium has been an exciting one of new leadership and new strategic goals. We have successfully faced new challenges in nursing practice and union strength. And we have built a stronger WSNA because of it. In this Biennial Report of Achievements, we are proud to share with you some of our greatest accomplishments of the past two years. These Achievements belong to all of us—members, staff, and the many volunteer leaders who have stepped up to make a difference for our association and the nursing profession. Achieving safe staffing, including during rest breaks, continued to be the top priority for WSNA and our members. The 2017-2019 biennium saw gains at the bargaining table and in the courts as we stood up for our patients and ourselves. Our efforts to make the implementation of the 2017 Safe Staffing Law work for nurses included development of a toolkit, webinars, in-person continuing education and work at the local unit level. Workplace violence, long a top priority of WSNA, was given new urgency with serious incidents of assault against our members – and we responded. WSNA shared information, filed safety complaints with the state, worked to strengthen Washington’s workplace violence law by introducing a bill in the 2019 legislative session, engaged members with their legislators, and shared stories and information with our members. This work continues at the local unit, state and national level. WSNA maintained – and grew – membership in the face of an unprecedented attack on unions in the form of the Janus v. AFSCME case, decided by the U.S. Supreme Court on June 27, 2018. The court decided against working people, holding that the collection of “fair share” or agency fees in the public sector is unconstitutional under the First Amendment. Due to the robust communications and organizing efforts by WSNA’s member leaders and staff, thousands of public facility nurses chose to stay strong with their union. These are just a few of the Achievements you will read about in this report. You are WSNA, and we look forward to your engagement and participation in our work ahead!
Jan Bussert, BSN, RN Sally Watkins, PhD, RN TWSNA President WSNA Executive Director
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 31 BIENNIAL REPORT: STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR 2017-2019 In 2017, the Washington State Nurses Association Board of Directors approved six strategic priorities to focus the work of the association on areas of greatest importance to registered nurses and the organization. Within those priorities, WSNA staff developed specific goals and action steps and reported back to the Board on a regular basis. 1 2 3 Health access Safe staffing Nursing practice Ensure people can Achieve safe nurse and patient safety attain their highest level staffing in all settings Advance nursing of health and receive to ensure health and practice to promote the right care by the optimize quality of care. patient safety and appropriate provider, ensure nurses’ ability in the right place, at an to practice to the full affordable cost. extent of their training and education to deliver optimal care.
32 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 BIENNIAL REPORT: STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
4 5 6 Membership Occupational and Association growth and environmental vitality engagement health Strengthen Remain the leading Promote healthy and WSNA’s operation, voice and advocate safe environments for programmatic for the more than nurses where they work infrastructure and 74,000 (now more than and where they live. economic stability 100,000) registered to ensure continued nurses who live and success in advancing work in Washington association priorities. state through continued membership growth and active member engagement.
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 33 BIENNIAL REPORT: HEALTH ACCESS HEALTH ACCESS Promoting access to health care is fundamental to caring for all patients and communities. Over the past biennium, WSNA focused on ensuring the ability of all Washingtonians to see a provider, to pay for care and to have essential public health services in their communities.
ACHIEVEMENTS ~ Advanced state legislation to end the practice of charging patients for out-of- network care when the procedure was done at an in-network facility. ~ Secured an additional $12 million in state funding for essential public health services. ~ Increased opportunities for nursing education scholarships.
Ending surprise billing WSNA continues legislative push When a patient goes to an in-network hospital, sometimes the rates at in-network facilities when being treated in an Emergency provider isn’t part of the insurance plan’s approved network. It Department or having in-patient/out-patient surgery. Eleven could be an outside anesthesiologist, radiologist or pathologist states have succeeded in passing legislation that bans surprise the hospital contracts with to provide services. medical billing. Patients can end up with hundreds of thousands of dollars in In the 2019 legislative session, HB 1065 passed the House by a bills to cover the out-of-network rate. Too often, this comes as a vote of 84-13. As this issue goes to print, HB 1065 has moved to the complete surprise. Senate, where it continues to move through the legislative process. In 2016 the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commis- sioner first requested legislation that would end this practice, and WSNA quickly signed on in support. The bill failed to pass and has been introduced every legislative session since then, including in 2019. It would ensure that patients pay in-network
SUPRRISE BILLING SURVEY 70+30 70% had medical bills for a one-time or short-term 1 in 3 medical expense said they had experienced trouble 2017 surprise paying for medical 90+10 34+66 bills in the last 12 90% had trouble paying One in three had trouble billing survey for co-pays, deductible, paying for an out-of-network months. Of those… coinsurance doctor or facility that More than 850 Washington insurance didn’t fully cover state RNs participated.
:9<<: :< << Half of nurses surveyed 9<<:< Half of nurses surveyed relied on home therapies deferred a medical Seven out of ten put off or over-the-counter test or treatment that or postponed necessary drugs instead of seeing was recommended medical treatment a health professional
34 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 BIENNIAL REPORT: HEALTH ACCESS
Securing essential funding for foundational health services WSNA helped secure $12 million in funding; advocating for $100 million in 2019-2021 budget Public health is essential. Yet, complex threats and recession budget cuts created a crisis, making it much harder for the public health system to protect and serve Washington’s families and communities. While Washington’s population grew by more than 1 million residents since 2000, public health funding went down by 40 percent. WSNA has been a leader in the effort to re-invest in public health services and identify dedicated funding that would help shield essential services from future cuts. WSNA and coalition partners made a strong case to state lawmakers that our communities deserve reliable and efficient services to protect Washington’s families and communities from things like disease outbreaks and costly food and water contamination. In the 2017-2019 budget, the Legislature provided $12 million in new one-time funding for public health – the first new investment in our state’s public health agencies since 2006. In 2019, we hit Olympia again, urging lawmakers to protect the health and safety of our communities by ensuring that standards for communicable disease prevention and envi- ronmental health are met across the state. The Governor’s budget proposals, released in December 2018, included $22 million in ongoing public health funding, setting the stage for budget negotiations at the end of the 2019 Legislative session. While the Governor’s ongoing investment in his budget is appreciated, public health advocates are asking the legislature to fund $100 million toward the nearly $400 million gap in state public health funding. The House budget, released on March 25, included $22 million in ongoing funding for public health and the Senate budget, released on March 29, included $12 million. Additionally, there is a bill moving through the Senate that would tax vapor products and dedicate a portion of the revenue to public health. Travis Elmore, BSN, RN, WSNA’s Public Affairs Associate Director, and Stevie Lynne Krone, BSN, RN, WSNA member from Spokane, testified on Expanding nursing education funding SHB 1931 regarding workplace violence WSNA successfully advocated to expand state Opportunity Scholarship program prevention on March 18, 2019. Paying for nursing education is expensive, and WSNA has prioritized increased opportunities for scholarships and loan forgiveness. In 2018, WSNA’s advocacy paid off when state legislators added advanced degrees in health professions, including nursing, to the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship program, a public-private partnership to fund scholarships in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. That same year the legislature also expanded the Opportunity Scholarship program to students, including nursing students, pursuing professional-tech- nical certificates and degrees. In the 2019 session, WSNA continues to talk with legislators about the need for additional loan repayment dollars for nurses and is advocating for an increase in faculty salaries for our state’s nurse educators. The House budget, released on March 25, included $40 million to increase nursing faculty salaries in our state’s community and technical colleges. This funding is tied to a revenue package that must also be passed by the legislature in order to secure this funding.
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 35 BIENNIAL REPORT: SAFE STAFFING SAFE STAFFING Achieving safe nurse staffing has been the top priority for WSNA and our members for many years. That includes safe staffing during rest breaks. We have taken a multi-pronged approach, leveraging contract negotiations, litigation, regulation and policy change to advance safe staffing at all times in every facility.
ACHIEVEMENTS ~ Won legal victories on rest breaks, improving break relief for hundreds of WSNA members. ~ Worked in coalition to develop guidelines, materials and education to support implemen- tation of the 2017 Safe Staffing law. Conducted education sessions around the state.
2011 – WSNA v. Evergreen Hospital WSNA reaches significant settlement agreement with hospital in suit brought on behalf of nurses for Evergreen’s failure to provide nurses with rest breaks and to pay them appropriately for missed breaks. Agreement includes improved timekeeping and recordkeeping requirements, appropriate pay for missed breaks, and entitlement to full, uninterrupted breaks. X 2013 – WSNA v. Sacred Heart Medical Center WSNA wins lawsuit brought on behalf of 1,200 registered nurses against Sacred Heart, in the Washington Supreme Court, establishing that missed breaks constitute time worked that counts toward overtime. The court also held that the nature of the nurses’ work did not allow for intermittent breaks. X 2013 – WSNA v. MultiCare Health System WSNA reaches settlement agreement on behalf of 2,100 nurses employed by Tacoma General and Good Samaritan hospitals who were denied breaks and whose employers failed to keep records of nurses’ hours worked, including missed breaks. MultiCare required to adopt mechanisms, policies, or practices that assure each Tacoma General and Good Samaritan nurse is completely relieved of patient care duties during rest breaks and implement a system to track missed breaks, providing WSNA necessary data to monitor breaks. X 2015 – WSNA v. MultiCare Health System WSNA filed an arbitration case enforcing its settlement agreement with Tacoma General. WSNA won a landmark award compelling MultiCare to abandon its “break buddy” system, which continued to leave nurses on call during breaks and doubled patient care loads, often beyond safe limits, for nurse “buddies” providing coverage. MultiCare appealed the arbitration award to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. X 2016 – WSNA v. Franciscan Health System d/b/a St. Joseph Medical Center WSNA reaches groundbreaking settlement in lawsuit brought on behalf of 1,200 nurses for denial of rest breaks, meal breaks and overtime pay. Agreement provides $5 million in back pay to nurses for missed breaks, puts an end to intermittent breaks and St. Joe’s commits to create 26 new FTEs of dedicated break-relief nurses. X 2018 – WSNA v. Yakima HMA LLC, d/b/a Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center WSNA wins suit brought on behalf of home health and hospice nurses at Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center for hours worked, including for overtime and missed meal breaks. The Court rules that Yakima Regional acted “knowingly, willfully, and with the intent to deprive” the nurses of pay for their hours worked and their missed meal breaks. The nurses are awarded nearly $2.9 million in back pay. X 2018 – WSNA v. MultiCare Health System On July 23, 2018, the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order rejecting MultiCare’s attempt to overturn the arbitration award that directed Tacoma General to stop using the break buddy system and to instead start using break relief nurses on every unit in the Hospital.
36 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 BIENNIAL REPORT: SAFE STAFFING
Legal victories Winning for nurses in the courts
For nearly two decades WSNA has pursued a legal strategy of compelling hospitals to provide rest and meal breaks to nurses by taking them to court. We have sued for back pay and overtime for nurses who don’t get their breaks, and through the courts we have compelled hospitals to implement break relief systems that ensure nurses are fully relieved of their duties so they can take the breaks they’re entitled to.
2018 saw two significant legal victories for our members.
Yakima Regional home health, hospice nurses win nearly $2.9 million for hours worked off the clock On February 14, 2018, Yakima County Superior Court Judge Blaine Gibson ruled that Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center had acted “knowingly, willfully, and with the intent to deprive” Yakima Regional home health and hospice nurses of pay for their hours worked and missed meal breaks. Nurses were awarded $2.895 million in back pay and damages. The court ruled that because Yakima Regional’s state wage law violations were knowing and intentional, the nurses should be awarded twice the amount of back pay that they were denied. The Washington State Nurses Association filed the lawsuit on behalf of Yakima Regional home health and hospice nurses in April 2015. Evidence at the trial showed that Yakima Regional managers routinely paid nurses for eight hours of work a day, knowing that the nurses were regularly working additional hours to give patients the care they needed, complete required documentation and coordinate care with doctors and pharmacists. Nurses said that, given the nature of their work, such as when a patient could be nearing the end of their life or might have a setback that required additional time and attention, it was nearly impossible to fit their work into a rigid schedule and patient visit load. WSNA members, staff and legal counsel celebrate Nurses who fought for pay for all hours worked were Yakima County Superior Court decision. reprimanded. “I can’t tell you how many times I was called in to my administrator’s office and yelled at, screamed at,” one nurse testified. At one point she was told, “if I didn’t like it, I could find another job.” Judge Gibson also ruled that the home care nurses were denied uninterrupted half-hour meal breaks, to which they are entitled by state law, on at least 90 percent of the days they worked long enough to be entitled to a meal break. The judge noted that to ensure that their patients received needed care in a timely way, and to complete all work required for each home health or hospice patient visit, nurses had to work through their meal breaks, including regularly taking telephone calls from physicians and pharmacists, because delaying those calls was not in the patients’ best interest. “As nurses, we will not be deterred in giving our patients the care they need and deserve,” said Dan Campeau, RN, one of the nurses involved in the lawsuit. “Employers must be held accountable and nurses deserve to be paid for hours worked.” The Employer filed an appeal of the trial court’s judgment for WSNA, and the appeal is pending in the Court of Appeals.
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 37 BIENNIAL REPORT: SAFE STAFFING
BREAKS / OVERTIME SURVEY
One in every two RNs (52%) report not being able to take a 10 minute rest break every four hours during their Four in five are concerned shift during the majority of their shifts. about nurse fatigue and Only 13% say they are able to patient safety due to lack get a rest break during just 2018 breaks of breaks and overtime. about every shift they work. and overtime survey More than 1,700 Washington state RNs participated. One in three say prescheduled on-call is used for non-emergency patient care needs and chronic staffing shortages 40% report no tracking at least once a week, with 22% saying system to log missed it’s “almost every day/every day.” rest breaks.
U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejects MultiCare’s attempt to overturn arbitrator’s end to break buddies at Tacoma General On July 23, 2018, the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order rejecting MultiCare’s attempt to overturn an arbitration award that directed Tacoma General to stop using the break buddy system and to instead start using break relief nurses on every unit in the hospital. The legal battle to get meaningful rest breaks for nurses at Tacoma General began in 2010, when WSNA filed a lawsuit against MultiCare on behalf of 2,100 nurses working at Good Samaritan and Tacoma General hospitals. WSNA and MultiCare reached a settlement agreement in 2013 requiring MultiCare to adopt mechanisms, policies, or practices that assured each Tacoma General and Good Samaritan nurse was completely relieved of patient care duties during rest breaks, to implement a system to track missed breaks, and to provide WSNA the data necessary to monitor whether breaks are actually being given. It became clear that MultiCare was not following the settlement agreement at Tacoma General, so on April 14, 2014, WSNA filed a grievance with an arbitrator, in accordance with the settlement agreement. The arbitrator in December 2015 issued a landmark award compelling MultiCare to abandon its “break buddy” system, which continued to leave nurses on call during breaks and doubled patient care loads, often beyond safe limits, for nurse “buddies” providing coverage. MultiCare appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals in an attempt to get the arbitrator’s award overturned, but the Court rejected the attempt and WSNA and our members at Tacoma General are hard at work implementing the arbitrator’s decision. WSNA member and Tacoma General Hospital nurse Jake Zettler paticipating in a freeway overpass rally prior to contract negotiations.
38 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 BIENNIAL REPORT: SAFE STAFFING
Making the staffing law work for nurses Tools and education to support nurses WSNA is committed to supporting nurses on staffing committees and ensuring the 2017 Nurse Staffing Law (Patient Safety Act, HB 1714) is effectively implemented across Washington. Over the past two years, we have supported our members through toolkit development and education aimed at making the law work for nurses. The 2017 law: • Created greater transparency on hospital staffing plans. • Increased accountability in the implementation of staffing plans. • Strengthened and empowered nurse staffing committees.
Toolkit In early 2018, WSNA joined with the Washington State Hospital Association, SEIU 1199NW and UFCW 21 to form the Nurse Staffing Coalition, with the aim of supporting implementation of the Nurse Staffing Law. The Coalition created a toolkit with information, recommendations, draft Ingrid Anderson, BSN, RN, CEN, SANE and Lindsey Kirsch, RN were forms and work samples to support the work of nurse staffing committees across Washington. in Olympia on March 14 to testify The toolkit is on the WSNA website at https://www.wsna.org/nursing-practice/safe-nurse- in support of SHB 1155, which would provide nurses and other staffing/resources-and-tools and includes: frontline health care workers • 2017 Nurse Staffing Law with uninterrupted rest breaks. • Nurse Staffing Committee Checklist • Sample Nurse Staffing Committee Charter • Nurse Staffing Plan Minimum Criteria • Sample Attestation Form • Recommended Staffing Complaint Form • Assessing and Evaluating Complaints Tool • Complaint Tracking Tool
Education In 2018, WSNA provided multiple continuing education opportunities across the state, including at seven regional Leadership Summits and at several local unit meetings. Education addressed the new staffing law, described the new toolkit components, and included tips to make Nurse Staffing Committees more effective. Overlake Hospital nurses Erin McAlexendar, Gemma Aranda, Jeffrey The Nurse Staffing Coalition that created the toolkit also developed two webinars to support Cowan, Taryn Pfeifer, Kathryn Geren implementation of the law by describing best practices and work processes from effective and Rachel Bonnie at a Leadership Summit event in Chelan, Washington staffing committees. These webinars can be accessed via the wsna.org Safe Nurse Staffing page. (https://www.wsna.org/nursing-practice/safe-nurse-staffing)
Online Staffing Complaint/ADO form During the first quarter of 2019, WSNA developed an online Staffing Complaint/ADO form to assist nurses in recording issues and concerns they face in the clinical arena. By completing this online tool, the nurse’s Local Unit Officers, Staffing Committee Co-Chairs, and WSNA Nurse Representatives are automatically notified of the complaint, saving the nurse time from needing to complete numerous reports. If an email is provided on the form as indicated, a copy can also be sent directly to the nurse’s manager.
Safe Staffing position paper The WSNA Professional Nursing and Health Care Council worked with Mary Baroni, PhD, RN, to develop a paper synthesizing the literature on safe staffing as well as outlining key recommenda- tions for future work.
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 39 BIENNIAL REPORT: NURSING PRACTICE AND PATIENT SAFETY NURSING PRACTICE AND PATIENT SAFETY WSNA is the professional association for more than 100,000 registered nurses living and working in Washington state. We are always working to advance nursing practice, promote patient safety and ensure nurses’ ability to practice to the full extent of their training and education to deliver optimal care.
ACHIEVEMENTS ~ Achieved ANCC Approved Provider status for continuing nursing education. ~ Dedicated award-winning issue of The Washington Nurse to telehealth, raising awareness and illus- trating the value of nursing in the delivery of high-quality health care by telehealth modalities. ~ Created affiliate program to strengthen WSNA collaboration with specialty nursing organizations. ~ Launched Long-Term Care Task Force, focused on improving quality of care and increasing appre- ciation and understanding of the role of community-based and long-term care nursing.
Telehealth in the spotlight The spring 2018 issue of The Washington Nurse magazine highlighted telehealth, one of the nursing practice areas estab- lished as a focus in our 2017-2019 Strategic Goals. This award- winning issue featured a comprehensive research article on the emergence of, modalities, quality and cost issues, and the need for telehealth services. Nurses from around the state submitted examples of how they are using telehealth, covering seven of the many uses of telehealth. Finally, the magazine included an article about risk management issues. For the first time, WSNA offered a 1.0 CNE associated with the high caliber content. In recognition of the engaging way in which the content was presented, this issue of The Washington Nurse won a design ANCC Approved award from Graphic Design USA, a national magazine for graphic After completing a rigorous application process, WSNA received designers. accreditation as an American Nurses Credentialing Center Provider Unit in January 2019. ANCC, a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association, recognizes organizations worldwide that WSNA’s organizational affiliate demonstrate excellence in continuing nursing education. Appli- program launches cants pass a comprehensive peer review process and meet The WSNA Board of Directors created the organizational affiliate rigorous standards outlined in the ANCC Primary Accreditation program to bring together the expertise and voices of nursing. Provider Application Manual. Together, we more effectively advocate for the varied needs of WSNA successfully demonstrated the use of evidence-based nurses and the future of the profession. criteria to plan, implement and evaluate the highest quality in The WSNA Board grants organizational affiliate status to orga- continuing nursing education. ANCC accreditation recognizes nizations of registered nurses that meet certain criteria, including excellence in quality CNE delivery and provides WSNA members having a formal organizational structure and established formal with access to education that supports best practices in safety, goals. Our organizational affiliates are represented in the WSNA care quality and health outcomes. General Assembly, have a voting seat on the Professional Nursing Over the past biennium, we have reviewed all of our online and Health Care Council, and are entitled to submit the names of course offerings and since July 2018, WSNA has added five new qualified registered nurse representatives for appointment to ad online courses. hoc groups and task forces. The program launched in 2018 with the School Nurse Orga- nization of Washington (SNOW). WSNA is finalizing an affiliation agreement with ARNPs United of Washington State, and more are in the works.
40 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 BIENNIAL REPORT: MEMBERSHIP GROWTH AND ENGAGEMENT MEMBERSHIP GROWTH AND ENGAGEMENT WSNA is the leading voice and advocate for nurses in Washington state. Our power and influence are only as strong as our engaged membership. In the past biennium we focused in on maintaining—and growing—membership in the face of an unprecedented anti-union decision from the U.S. Supreme Court and offering more opportunities for nurses to get informed and get engaged.
ACHIEVEMENTS ~ Mounted strong and effective preparation and response to Janus v. AFSCME decision from the U.S. Supreme Court, with continued membership growth. ~ Successfully launched plan with AFT support to organize new units and facilities, with key wins in 2017-2019. ~ Introduced regional Leadership Summits in 2018, holding seven daylong continuing education sessions around the state.
Responding to Janus v. AFSCME Proud WSNA union members reached out to their colleagues and the national attack on unions via postcards, emails, events and The Janus v. AFSCME case was meant to deliver a death blow one-on-one conversations to share the message that we’re stronger to public sector unions. Instead, WSNA and other unions when we join together in our union. representing members who work for our public hospitals, health districts, veterans’ homes and in other government jobs emerged stronger than ever. On June 27, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 5-4 decision in the Janus case holding that the collection of “fair share” or agency fees is unconstitutional under the First Amendment. In the face of the U.S. Supreme Court decision, WSNA succeeded in maintaining union-represented membership as thousands of Our communications to members public facility nurses chose to stay strong with their union. about the potential impact of the Janus decision included Our Union Strong campaign began long before the Supreme Court issued their decision. We a package of stories in The activated nurses across the association with one-on-one conversations, recommitment cards, Washington Nurse magazine. education and communications designed to inform and inspire action. Since the decision, WSNA union membership has steadily and consistently increased due to the deliberate, high-quality grassroots organizing efforts of our nurse member leaders and the reputation of WSNA as a leading advocacy organization.
Organizing victories While much of our energy went to organizing around the Janus v. AFSCME decision, we also launched a robust plan to organize new units and facilities. Victories during the 2017-2019 biennium included:
University of Washington Medical Center Per Diems Approximately 165 per diems working at UWMC officially became represented by WSNA on Dec. 29, 2017, when the state Public Employee Relations Commission ruled that they should be part of the existing bargaining unit. WSNA and the per diem nurses at UWMC worked for nearly two years to bring this about. WSNA first filed a unit clarification petition with PERC in 2015, but that petition, which would have allowed per diems to automatically be allowed to be a part of the bargaining unit with the classified RNs, was denied. Then during contract bargaining with UWMC in spring 2017, WSNA proposed that the UWMC per diem RNs be allowed to join WSNA and be considered during those contract negotiations. UWMC
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 41 BIENNIAL REPORT: MEMBERSHIP GROWTH AND ENGAGEMENT
rejected this proposal. Consequently, WSNA went back to PERC and filed a second unit clarification petition. A favorable ruling came at the end of 2017, giving per diem RNs at UWMC a strong, union voice in their wages and working conditions.
Fresenius After St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma outsourced its Renal Unit, WSNA successfully petitioned to reclaim the bargaining unit, which hired more than half of the St. Joe’s nurses. We are negoti- ating a first contract with Fresenius.
Seattle Children’s clinic RNs WSNA discovered that registered nurses in Seattle Children’s clinics on the eastside of the state were not being included under the WSNA contract. We went to hospital administration and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Seattle Children’s in August 2017, that brought all existing and future registered nurses in eastside clinics under the WSNA contract.
CHI Franciscan Rehabilitation Hospital Resisting pressure from hospital management, nurses at CHI Franciscan Rehabilitation Hospital in Tacoma voted on Feb. 21, 2019 to join the Washington State Nurses Association. The nurses had been employed at St. Joseph Medical Center when the hospital’s rehabilitation department was closed in 2018 and outsourced to CHI. CHI partnered with Kindred Healthcare to build a freestanding inpatient rehabilitation hospital that offers treatment for patients recovering from stroke, brain injury, trauma, orthopedic surgery and other conditions. The nurses wanted to remain WSNA members and an organizing campaign was launched immediately to bring them back into the fold. The nurses fought off an aggressive antiunion campaign intended to intimidate nurses into voting against the union. WSNA won the election with an overwhelming majority. Next up is to transition from a successful external organizing campaign into a successful contract campaign.
2018 Leadership Summits bring continuing education to nurses In 2018, WSNA took its Leadership Conference on the road, offering seven one-day summits around the state. These summits offered members the opportunity to learn about the top issues facing nurses in Washington and strategies for taking action to make a difference. Featured topics were: • Safe Staffing – How to make the 2017 Staffing Law work for you in your facility. • Workplace Violence – The types of violence nurses face and how you can help create a safer work environment. • Attacks on Worker Rights – The movement to silence your voice and how you can stop it. Hundreds of nurses attended the summits, earning 6 free CNEs while networking and strat- egizing with colleagues.
In the lead-up to the Janus decision, and on the day the decision came down, proud WSNA union members shared their support for their union.
42 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 BIENNIAL REPORT: OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
HEALTH & SAFETY SURVEY
2017 health OCCUPATIONAL AND and safety ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH survey More than 2,000 While workplace violence has long been a top issue for WSNA, several serious Washington state incidents gave renewed urgency to our work to prevent and respond to RNs participated. workplace violence. This is an issue we are addressing through information and education, contract negotiations, filing complaints with regulatory agencies, introducing improved workplace violence legislation at the state level and working with national partners to support national workplace I give my employer violence legislation. an overall health and safety grade of: ACHIEVEMENTS ~ Provided members with information, resources and stories of assaulted nurses in the Winter 2018 issue of The A Washington Nurse and on the wsna.org website. 15% ~ Provided workshops on workplace violence around the state B through Leadership Summits and local unit education sessions. 35% ~ Surveyed members on workplace health and safety issues. C 33% ~ Introduced legislation in the 2019 session to update and strengthen workplace violence law. D 12% ~ Developed new workplace violence position paper. F Developed workplace violence panel discussion and Resolution ~ 4% for 2019 Washington State Nurses Convention.
New information and resources for our members We wanted to make sure our members had relevant, up-to-date news, information and resources on workplace violence. Providing these resources took multiple forms: • Updated the workplace violence section of the WSNA website with 86% current information and links to news articles and resources. have experienced or • Devoted the winter 2018 issue of The Washington Nurse magazine to workplace witnessed violence in the workplace violence, including personal stories of nurses who had been assaulted at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in the Tri-Cities and St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma; nurse perspectives on the need for better training, response and policies on workplace More than violence; and information about what nurses can do to respond to and report incidents. • The WSNA Occupational & Environmental Health and Safety Committee spearheaded development of a new position paper on workplace violence. ½ Continuing Nursing Education have suffered an injury WSNA’s Leadership Summits included two continuing nursing education hours on workplace related to lifting a patient violence, where participants were able to both learn about the issue and discuss strategies for addressing the problem. In addition, WSNA provided continuing education to several local units, including to the nurses at Kadlec Regional Medical Center, where two serious incidents of assault occurred in Sept. 2018. 9 <<
Two in three said they have been exposed to a respiratory hazard
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 43 BIENNIAL REPORT: OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Workplace Health and Safety Survey WSNA launched our survey in July 2017 and more than 2,000 RNs across the state responded. All nurses should work in a safe and healthy environment. This survey was a critical first step in making workplaces safer and healthier. WSNA is using the survey results to: • Gather baseline information on the health and safety challenges facing our nurses. • Assess employer compliance with health and safety laws and regulations. • Inform WSNA on where to focus and prioritize our efforts.
Working to improve Washington’s workplace violence law WSNA worked with stakeholders and legislators to introduce bills in the 2019 Legislative Session that would strengthen Washington workplace violence in health care law. The bills update the definition of workplace violence, require health care facilities to update their workplace violence prevention plans every three years (with an annual review of incidents and any necessary adjustments) and outline what needs to be included in those plans. The bills also provide specificity around requirements for workplace violence prevention trainings. WSNA members did a great job laying the groundwork for these bills by speaking to legislators before the legislative session began about their experiences with workplace violence and abuse and the need for hospitals and the state to do more. During the session WSNA staff testified in hearings and members took the opportunity on Nurse Lobby Day to speak to their legislators about the issue. As this issue of The Washington Nurse went to press, HB 1931 had passed the House unanimously by a vote of 97-0.
Strengthening contracts, leveraging regulatory agencies WSNA developed model contract language and has incorporated workplace violence language into proposals at the bargaining table. WSNA also filed complaints with the state Department of Labor and Industries’ Division of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH) regarding the workplace violence incidents at Kadlec and St. Joe’s Tacoma, prompting investigations at both hospitals.
44 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 BIENNIAL REPORT: ASSOCIATION VITALITY ASSOCIATION VITALITY Strengthening WSNA’s operations, programmatic infrastructure and economic stability is primarily a behind-the-scenes goal, but it is critical to our continued growth and success. One change directly affects members: the move from our old system of county-based District Nursing Associations to a more regionalized approach that will better serve the needs of our members.
ACHIEVEMENTS ~ Strengthened internal business processes to build a stronger, healthier association to fulfill our mission, vision and goals. ~ Launched plan to create Regional Nurses Associations, beginning with the Northwest Region Nurses Association and expansion of the Pierce County Nurses Association.
PLANNED REGIONS
REGION MEMBERS % OF MEMBERSHIP
King County Nurses Association 7,013 37.88%
Pierce County Nurses Association 3,375 18.23%
Inland Empire Nurses Association 2,679 14.47%
Northwest Region 1,873 10.12%
Southwest counties* 1,545 8.35%
Southeast counties* 931 5.03%
North central counties* 589 3.18%
Central counties* 277 1.50%
All others 232 1.25%
* Region not yet named
The move to Regional Nurses Associations In 2018, the WSNA Board of Directors approved a plan to create Regional Nurses Association, combining multiple existing WSNA Districts to better meet the needs of members. District Nurses Associations have been a part of WSNA from the beginning. Districts are unrelated to Local Units and are not involved in collective bargaining (union) activities. All members of WSNA are also members of their District or Regional Nurses Asso- ciation. They are supported by a portion of membership dues and are intended to provide educational offerings, scholarship fundraising and networking on a local level. While larger Districts have successfully fulfilled that mission, most of the county-based districts are too small to effectively manage a program of local offerings. The combined resources of Regional Nurses Associations will offer members more opportunities and, we trust, result in more vibrant organizations. Two regional associations have been formed, with more on the way in 2019:
Northwest Region Nurses Association In late January 2018, members of three WSNA districts voted to join together as the Northwest Region Nurses Association. The new region encompasses WSNA members in Skagit, Island, San Juan, Snohomish and Whatcom counties.
Expanded Pierce County Nurses Association In December 2018, boundaries for PCNA were expanded to form a regional association that spans seven counties: Pierce, Thurston, Kitsap, Mason, Grays Harbor, Jefferson and Clallam. PCNA, which has served members for 100 years, will now support 3,187 nurses across the Olympic Peninsula.
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 45 BIENNIAL REPORT: DUES WHERE MEMBER DUES GO
PRACTICE AND EDUCATION
7.6% INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY $774,582 4.5% $452,739
OCCUPANCY AND INSURANCE MEMBERSHIP SUPPORT
BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTING 3.3% 6.5% $339,224 $661,993 8% ADMINISTRATION $812,685 AND GOVERNANCE 7.6% $773,720
PUBLIC RELATIONS GOVERNMENT AND PUBLICATIONS RELATIONS 6.5% 4.5% $656,523 $460,047 LABOR RELATIONS AND ORGANIZING 51.4% $ 5,221,643
2018-2019 budget
46 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 BIENNIAL REPORT: VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION CHART VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION CHART
E&GW Nominating / Constituent organizations WSNA members Search Committee District / regional associations Non-union nurses Union nurses Standing committee
Cabinet on Economic General Assembly and General Welfare
Washington State Nurses Foundation
Local Unit Leadership Council Board of Directors Executive committee 11 members President Vice president Officers (3) Secreatry / Treasurer At large (3) At large – staff nurse (2) Chair of Cabinet on Economic and General Welfare (1) Professional Nursing Chair of Professional Nursing and Health Care Council and Health Care Council (1) Legislative and Health Chair of Legislative Policy Council and Health Policy Council (1)
Occupational and Environmental Health WSNA PAC and Safety Committee
Standing committees
Nomination / Search Finance Bylaws
Task Forces of limited duration and for a specific topic / purpose may be formed.
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 47 BIENNIAL REPORT: ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICERS ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICERS 2017-2019 Biennium
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CABINET ON ECONOMIC OCCUPATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL & GENERAL WELFARE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH NURSING AND HEALTH President & SAFETY COMMITTEE CARE COUNCIL Janice E. Bussert, BSN, RN Chair Julia R. Barcott, RN Co-Chairs Chair Vice President Annie Bruck, DNP, MN, RN, COHN-S Pamela Pasquale, MN, RN, CNE Renata L. Bowlden, BSN, RN Vice-Chair Clarise L. Mahler, BSN, RN CCRN Karen Bowman, MN, RN, COHN-S Secretary / Treasurer Rachel Wang Martinez, MHA, Verlee M. Sutherlin, MSN, RN Secretary / Treasurer Edna Cortez, RN BSN, RN-BC Martha M. Goodall, RN Ed Dolle, RN Bobbi Woodward, RN Julia R. Barcott, RN Anne Hirsch, PhD, ARNP Francesca C. Castillo, RN Erin Allison, BSN, RN, CEN Lynnette K. Vehrs, MN, RN Muriel Softli, MPH, MEd, BSN, RN Edna P. Cortez, RN Sally Budack, BSCSS, AORN, RN-BC Pamela Pasquale, MN, RN Louanne Hausmann, MA, BSN, RN John Gustafson, RN, CMSRN Butch de Castro, PhD, RN Sue Glass, MS, RN Christina Bradley, MSN, RN Janet M. Stewart, RN Christopher Parks, RN Evelyn L. Street, RN, CNOR Chuck Cumiskey, MBA, BSN, RN Ann M. Whitley, BSN, RN, CCRN Jennifer Reinhardt, BSN, RN Rosa D. Young, MSN, RN E&GW NOMINATIONS / WSNA POLITICAL Jordan Pai Palimar, BSN, RN SEARCH COMMITTEE ACTION COMMITTEE Anjanette Bryant, RN Chair WSNA NOMINATIONS / Chris Birchem, BS, RN SEARCH COMMITTEE Timothy Davis, MN, RN FINANCE COMMITTEE Vice-Chair Chair Ingrid Anderson, RN Judith Turner, RN WSNA President DUES STRUCTURE Jan E. Bussert, BSN, RN Treasurer Betty J. Blondin,RN TASK FORCE Hilke Faber, MN, RN Vice-President Frankie T. Manning, MN, RN Judy Huntington, MN, RN Renata L. Bowlden, BSN, RN Sarah Darveau Foster, RN Clarise Mahler, BSN, RN, CCRN Vee Sutherlin, MSN, RN Secretary / Treasurer Amy Boultinghouse, BSN, RN Debbie Brinker, MSN, RN Verlee M. Sutherlin, MSN, RN Gemma Aranda, BSN, RN Travis Yirak, RN Judy Huntington, MN, RN Susan M. Jacobson, RN-BC Martha M. Goodall, RN John Gustafson, RN, CMSRN Joanna Boatman, RN Jennifer A. Graves, MS, RN Lois Schipper, BSN, RN Darlene Delgado, RN Judi Lyons, RN WASHINGTON STATE Anne P. Poppe, PhD, MSN, NURSES FOUNDATION BSN, BA, RN Dawn Morrell, BSN, RN, CCRN President LEGISLATIVE AND HEALTH Tim Davis, MN, RN BYLAWS / RESOLUTIONS POLICY COUNCIL COMMITTEE Vice President Chair Renata Bowlden, BSN, RN Co-Chair Lynnette K. Vehrs, MN, RN Anita Stull, RN Secretary / Treasurer Erin M. Allison, BSN, RN, CEN Verlee M. Sutherlin, MSN, RN Sally Herman, RN Susan E. Jacobson, RN, CCRN Rosa Young, MSN, RN Joanna Boatman, RN Justin S. Gill, RN, ARNP Sue Glass, MS, RN Darlene Delgado, RN Susan Dunn, RN Frankie Manning, MN, RN Mike Krashin, BSN, RN Lynn Nelson, MSN, RN Evelyn Street, RN, CNOR Sue Glass, MS, RN Jeremy King, MSN, ARNP, FNP-C Jordan Pai Palimar, BSN, RN
48 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 BIENNIAL REPORT: STAFF ORGANIZATION CHART STAFF ORGANIZATION CHART
Executive Director Sally Watkins
Executive Assistant Office Manager Emma Ruhl Martin Hsiung
Director of Membership Senior Director of Director of Nursing Director of Director of Finance Senior Director Practice and Digital Public Affairs Strategic Initiatives Transformation of Labor and Health Policy Jennifer Muhm Anne Tan Piazza Mary Reed Josh Brown Christine Watts Mat Keller
Membership Administrative Payment Public Affairs Director of Accounting Education Director Associate Director Organizing Specialist Assistant, E&GW Program Manager Gloria Brigham Patrick McGraw Travis Elmore Tara Goode Hue Tran Becky Anderson
Membership Contract Lobbyist Occupational & Services Environmental Program Manager Amy AFT Project Chief / Corporate Health Specialist Nurse Organizer Organizer Counsel Mary Peterson Brackenbury Karen Bowman Tara Barnes Crystal Doll Timothy Sears
Contract Lobbyist Membership AFT Project Special Counsel Associate Organizer Organizer Melissa Johnson David Campbell Kelly King Ione Fullerton Vacant
Membership Paralegal Associate Organizer Maria Pettit (PT) Katharine Parrish Anne Mansfield Jeanna Te
Membership General Counsel / Associate Nurse Organizer Director of Collective Shastie Judy Marken Bargaining Steinshouer Mike Sanderson
Membership Nurse Organizer Labor Counsel Associate Will Nesper Lane Toensmeier Vacant
Receptionist Nurse Nurse Nurse Irene Mueller Representative Representative Representative Debi Bessmer Carmen Garrison Jaclyn Perkins
Nurse Nurse Nurse Communications Representative Representative Representative & Digital Media Coordinator Jayson Dick Mara Kieval Michele Rose Legend Christine Nguyen
Nurse Executive staff Nurse Nurse Representative Representative / Administrative Representative Resource Specialist Assistant Sue Dunlap Sydney James Hanna Welander Joline Railey Staff
Nurse Nurse Nurse Contract staff Communications Representative Representative Representative Director Sara Frey Pat McClure Terri Williams Ruth Schubert Reports to Nurse Nurse Nurse Senior Web & Representative Representative Representative Consults with Design Specialist Barbara Friesen Sue O’Donnell Ed Zercher Ben Tilden
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 49 BIENNIAL REPORT: AFFILIATIONS AFFILIATIONS
AFT Nurses and Health Professionals In 2013, WSNA’s Board of Directors American Nurses and Cabinet on Economic & General Welfare voted to affiliate with AFT, giving Association (ANA) WSNA national AFL-CIO affiliation and The American Nurses Association is the enhancing the power of nurses to only full-service professional organi- advocate for quality patient care, profes- zation representing the interests of the sional standards and improved working AFL-CIO nation’s 4 million registered nurses conditions for nurses. The American Federation of Labor and through its constituent and state nurses AFT Nurses and Health Professionals Congress of Industrial Organizations associations and its organizational has engaged in several multi-union (AFL-CIO) is the democratic, voluntary affiliates, making ANA the strongest initiatives on issues of importance to federation of 55 national and interna- voice for the nursing profession. members, including advocating for safe tional labor unions that represent 12.5 Dedicated to ensuring that an staffing and safe lifting, addressing the million working men and women. adequate supply of highly-skilled and growing problem of workplace violence The AFL-CIO works to improve well-educated nurses is available, ANA and ensuring that school children have the lives of working people, including is committed to meeting the needs of enough nurses to adequately care for ensuring all working people are treated nurses as well as health care consumers. their needs. fairly, with decent paychecks and ANA advances the nursing profession benefits, safe jobs, dignity and equal by fostering high standards of nursing opportunities. The AFL-CIO advances practice, promoting the economic and legislation to create good jobs and general welfare of nurses in the work- advocates for strengthening Social place, projecting a positive and realistic Security and private pensions, ensuring view of nursing and by lobbying the fair tax policies and making high-quality, Congress and regulatory agencies on affordable health care available to all. health care issues affecting nurses and the general public.
50 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 BIENNIAL REPORT: RELATED ORGANIZATIONS RELATED ORGANIZATIONS
WSNA Political Action Committee WSNA-PAC endorses and supports a bipartisan slate of candidates for statewide and state legislative office who have demonstrated strong support for WSNA’s legislative issues. WSNA-PAC is committed to its mission as a non-partisan organization repre- senting the interests of nurses concerned with promoting quality patient care through the political process. In 2017 and 2018, the WSNA-PAC Board of Trustees underwent a transparent process for candidate endorsements that included reviewing candidate questionnaires, conducting candidate interviews and reviewing legislative voting records for incumbent candidates. The 2017 and 2018 legislative voting records are available for review on the WSNA website.
Washington State Nurses Foundation The primary goal of WSNF is to advance the nursing profession and facilitate nursing’s contribution to the health of the community. WSNF was established in 1982 to award nursing scholarships, and to support educational advancement for the future of nursing. The primary fundraising event for this biennium was the silent auction at the 2017 Washington State Nurses Convention, where the foundation introduced a new schol- arship fund named after Judy Huntington, WSNA’s longtime executive director. During the 2017-2019 biennium, WSNF provided $33,000 in scholarships in support of students completing entry-level and graduate nursing education.
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 51 DISTRICTS AND REGIONS
Fort Vancouver Nurses Association DISTRICT 11 Kittitas County Nurses Association DISTRICT 18 In the past two years, we have made contributions to the Free Judi Lyons, President; Celeste Tapia, Secretary; Diane Ellersick, Clinic of SW Washington and Clark College for the FVNA schol- Treasurer; Board Members: Jodi Huschka, Pam Clemons, arship. The district also sponsored attendance at the 2017 WSNA Jennifer Crane, Cody Staub, Andria Graham, Natalie Seubert, convention for a number of members. Jannette Simonton
Issues and priorities King County Nurses Association DISTRICT 2 • Improve communication with members. Nursing education • Regionalize educational meetings to improve member attendance and decrease costs. Provided a variety of educational workshops for RNs and nursing students. Topics included: Poverty Immersion, Cultural compe- • Encourage increased participation at WSNA events tency, Mindfulness in the Kitchen, Heroin & Prescription Opioid including Lobby Day in February, Convention in Addiction Dilemma, Triage/Ethics in Nursing, Defining Hope May, and Chelan Leadership in September. (special screening), Addressing Homelessness, Substance Use Disorder, Trauma-Informed Nursing with Regard to Human Goals Trafficking, Ethics & Health Equity, Conversations with the WSNA • Encourage members to propose new contract Executive Director, Book Discussion: Henrietta Lacks & Beyond, language for upcoming contract. and Self-Care for Nurses. Participants receive a certificate of • Strive to continue our good working relationship with our completion that can be used for license renewal. administration to resolve issues before grievances arise. Community grants • Sponsor social gatherings at least two times a year. King County Nurses Association is committed to improving • Hold New Officer Elections early 2019. the health of the communities in King County and encourages • Hold officer meetings monthly. members to participate in community-based projects. Projects • Take advantage of WSNA’s excellent communication must address a current health need, involve a KCNA member, options like robo-calls and blast e-mails. collaborate with a nonprofit organization, and be conducted within a six-month timeframe. We encourage participation of student How were goals met? nurses, registered nurses and other health care professionals. A • Support local unit to schedule frequent task force made up of 5-6 members from a variety of health care meetings to discuss contract issues. backgrounds reviews project applications. • Encourage members to attend WSNA and 2017 & 2018 grants included projects that provided first aid and ANA events and reimburse expenses. infection control supplies for homeless shelter, healthy snacks • Mentor members who are willing to for the Seattle King County Clinic, CPR and First Aid training for attend WSNA and ANA events. homeless shelter staff, projects with the Seattle King County Public • Recognize nurses through contract language allowing Health Nurse Family Partnership Program to provide safe sleep paid time off for nurses who serve on Nurse Practice, sacks and educational materials, and human trafficking education Safe Staffing and Conference Committee meetings. for ER nurses. Grants totaled: $9,800 • Post photos of current board members and contact Nursing scholarships information on our WSNA bulletin board. We provided scholarships for nursing students who show academic • Post newly elected officers' photos and excellence and involvement in social justice issues. contact info early March 2019. • Use blast e-mail and robo-calls to get 2017: 15 students each received $3,000; total $45,000 needed information to our members. 2018: 18 students received $3,000 each; $54,000.
52 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 Northwest Region Nurses Pierce County Nurses Association REGION 1 Association DISTRICT 3 Region development Over the last two years, Pierce County Nurses Association has continued to expand our Leaders of the former WSNA districts support of nurses in Pierce County. With the new jurisdictional boundaries, PCNA now comprising Island, San Juan, Skagit, seeks to expand our support to nurses in Pierce, Thurston, Kitsap, Mason, Grays Harbor, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties (1, 9, Clallam and Jefferson counties. To learn more about the jurisdictional changes, please and 16) have worked to create the new visit our website at www.piercecountynurses.com. region. Leaders have consolidated admin- istrative functions. PCNA Nurses Week Banquet Scholarship recipients The founding board members for the and Annual Meeting Every year, PCNA awards scholarships to new region are comprised of leaders from Our largest event each year is the PCNA graduating high school seniors who are the consolidated districts, who will serve Nurses Week Banquet & Annual Meeting. planning to pursue a career in nursing as until new elections are held. They are: At this event, PCNA recognizes our Nurse well as college students who are attending Angie Lochridge (President), Alex Dunne, of the Year and honors our scholarship an ADN or BSN program. In 2018, we also Sally Herman, Sharon Hooey, Bronwen winners. Our 2017, PCNA Nurse of the Year began an LPN-to-RN scholarship focused O'Neill, and Neva Wiederspohn. was Susan Jacobson and our 2018 NOTY on LPNs who are seeking their first RN was Judy Newville. degree. In addition, we continue to award Member meetings the Florence Golda Scholarship to PCNA Fundraising NWRNA is conducting member meetings member(s) who are furthering their Each year, PCNA has hosted two main throughout the region. These meetings education. fundraising events: Annual Bowling In 2017 & 2018, PCNA awarded $14,500 provide an opportunity for members to Tournament in February and a Silent in scholarships to nursing students. discuss NWRNA’s future plans. Three Auction as part of our Nurses Week meetings have been conducted in Florence Golda Scholarship Winner Banquet in May. We’ve raised more than Bellingham, another was held in Mt. Vernon (PCNA member) $10,000 for nursing scholarships over the on April 5, 2019. Michelle Kim (2017) last two years. Elizabeth Wolkin (2018) Region goals Education Events At the initial member meetings, members College Level Scholarship PCNA continues to offer two or more made a preliminary list of goals. This Keely Gorospe (2017) educational events for nurses each year. process will be repeated at future member Alexandra Huntsman (2017 & 2018) Over the last two years, events were held meetings. Goals identified include: Krista Vavrik (2017) on the following topics: Integrating Medical • Identify member needs. Cannabinology into the Science & Art of Kecia Howard (2018) • Create leadership opportunities. Nursing; Self-Defense for Nurses; Defining Jason Pead (2018) • Stay updated on advocacy issues. Hope – Movie Screening & Discussion; Sarah Stacy (2018) • Create opportunities to discuss Opioids: The Ethical Challenges for Nurses LPN to RN Scholarship practice and career issues. Dealing with Pain and Addiction & Opioid Jessica Williams (2018) Overdose Prevention and Naloxone Distri- High School Level Scholarship Activity teams bution; and Working with Patients with Mental Illness: Assessments, Communi- Emma Barnes (2017) Members are creating activity teams based cation Tools & Resources. on issues identified as being important to Alexandra Heldrich (2017) members, including Workplace Violence; Lydia Helt (2017) Connections with future nurses Community Education; Relationships Kecia Howard (2017) with Community Health Organizations; PCNA spends time in the community Anna Watsek (2017) Professional Development; and Disaster meeting with nursing students as well as Isabelle Snyder (2018) high school students who are exploring Preparedness. Judy Soem (2018) a career in nursing. We also have student representatives join us at board meetings to share their perspective.
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 53 LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
1 4
2 WSNA IN OLYMPIA 2019 ADVOCACY CAMP AND WSNA LOBBY DAY Nursing strength was on full display in Olympia at the 2019 Advocacy Camp in late January. More than 400 nurses and nursing students from around the state spent the day engaging in discussions, listening to speakers and learning from nurse advocates about the power of building relationships with legislators. Nearly 100 RNs from around the state attended 1 Rep. Monica Stonier, (D-49), WSNA Lobby Day in Olympia. The morning briefing (third from left) is visited session helped participants get up to speed on key by Jeanette Grant, Tracy issues and WSNA’s legislative priorities. WSNA’s Grant, Didi Gray, Dawn Marick and Sally Watkins. Legislative & Health Policy Council presented the 2018 Nursing Champion Awards to Rep. Mosbrucker 2 Rep. Strom Peterson, (D-21), (left) receives a 2018 Nursing (14 LD - R) and Rep. Peterson (21 LD - D) in recognition Champion award. Pictured with of their work on key legislation that supports nurses him are members of WSNA’s and patients. In the afternoon, WSNA members went Legislative and Health Policy up to the hill to have conversations with lawmakers Council: Justin Gill, Lynnette Vehrs, Susan E. Jacobson, Erin about the need for uninterrupted rest breaks, 3 A. Stevenson and Lynn Nelson. workplace violence prevention, as well as funding for 3 WSNA nurses with Rep. school nurses, nursing faculty and public health. Eileen Cody, RN, (D-34).
54 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 6 4 At Advocacy Camp, a packed room of nurses and nursing students listen to Scott Palmer share actionable tips on how to effectively connect with lawmakers. 5 5 Washington Center for Nursing Executive Director Sofia Aragon and former State Representative Tami Green discuss the power nurses have when speaking with legislators. 6 Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib delivers the keynote address at Advocacy Camp. 7 WSNA members meet with Representative Sherry Appleton (D-23) in her office. 8 Rep. Gina Mosbrucker (R-14) receives a 2018 Nursing Champion award. 9 National Association of School Nurses vice president Lynnette Ondeck was one of several school nurses in attendance at Lobby Day. 8 7 9
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 55 UNION NEWS Recently settled contracts
Recently settled contracts
Wage increases Other gains
American Î New step added in year two. Medical 1st year 4% Î Recognition of prior experience in the ER, ICU and CCU up to 10 years, up from five years. Response 2nd year 4% Î Night shift differential increases from $2.50 to $3.00 Seattle 3rd year 3.25% Î New weekend differential of $3.00/hour. Î Access to vacation time after six months, up from one year, and accelerated vacation accrual schedule.
Benton Franklin Î Transition to new step system, with 5% increases between all steps and 2.5% – 5% increase in final step Health District in year two. 1st year 5% Richland Î Nurses will now be able to use a $200 annual education stipend for tuition payments and licensure 2nd year 1% renewals. Î Nurses now be able to use flextime within the same month and/or pay period instead of being required to use it within the same week.
Island Hospital Î Ratification bonus of $500 pro-rated by FTE. Anacortes Î Transition to a new step system with more uniformed movement between the steps, which will result in 1st year 0.5% an average increase in compensation of 1.8%. Î Per diem nurses will advance to the next step of the wage scale after 24 months – regardless of the 2nd year 0.5% number of hours worked. Î Enhanced scheduling language. Î Strengthened Conference Committee language.
Kindred Aug. 1, 2018 1% Î New wage scale with a base wage of $29.00 (current is $28.21). Northgate Î New top step 33 of $55.47 (current top step is $54.67). Dec. 1, 2018 1% Seattle Î 2% step adjustment every year until Step 32 followed by a 1.5% increase to Step 33. Aug. 1, 2019 1% Î Implementation of a staffing committee. Dec. 1, 2019 0.75% Î Increase of Temporary Assignment Premium from $2.50/hour to $2.60/hour. Î Improvement in discipline language, language to strengthen the union and language to allow WSNA RN Aug. 1, 2020 0.5% Rep to attend Conference Committee meetings .
Nurses' wages will increase by an average of 11.05% during the term of this contract.
Providence VNA Î Preceptor premium of $1/hour Home Health 1st year 2% Î Charge Nurse premium increased from $1.25/hour to $1.50/hour Î Work on day off – Incentive for part time nurses to work on day off increased from $25 to $35 Spokane 2nd year 2% Î Education allowance increase from $225 per year to $250 per year 3rd year 2% Î The new contract eliminates the weekend back-up language Î Equal Employment Opportunity: Added gender to the list of protected classifications
Spokane Î Increase to base salary of Nurse Practitioners. Veterans Home Î Paid education day for training and employee development Washington 1st year 3% Î Maintenance of employer contribution of 85% of total weighted average of projected health care premiums. Soldiers Home 2nd year 3% Î Additional language regarding identifying and addressing barriers in order for nurse to being able to Washington take timely meal and rest breaks. Veterans Home
St. Luke's Î Ratification bonus of $400.00, pro-rated based on the nurse’s FTE Rehabilitation Î New MSN premium of $1.00 per hour Institute Î New Paid Education Leave of between 8 and 12 hours, pro-rated for part time Spokane 1st year 3% Î New language giving nurses much more input into staffing decisions 2nd year 2% Î New language stating that no nurse shall be forced to take intermittent breaks Î Many improvements to the layoff language Î New language requiring the Employer to bargain over any material changes to health benefits Î Enhancements to PTO and EIB because of the new Washington State Paid Sick Leave Law.
56 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 IN MEMORIAM
IN MEMORIAM
Betty Jule Harrington opment of a baccalaureate nursing program in Frank of Anaconda, MT, and Tom Teasdale of Betty Jule Harrington, 95, Spokane that would allow associate degree and Northway, AK, and other family members. She of Spokane, WA, passed diploma-educated registered nurses to achieve was preceded in death by her parents Lela and away March 5, 2019, at a BSN degree. Jerry Harrington, brother John Harrington, sister her home at Providence As president of the Spokane League for Frances Anderson, and niece Betty Jo Anderson. Emilie Court Assisted Nursing in the 1960s, Betty led local nursing organizations as she met with regional and Living, of natural causes. Olive Katherine (Lynne) Ryder Active in professional national nursing leaders, administrators nursing activities and and educators to garner their support of a Olive Katherine (Lynne) Ryder died March 6, associations throughout consortium approach to the program. Ultimately, 2019, at Crescent Health Care at the age of her career, Betty served on the Washington Betty, along with one other colleague (Betty 101. She was born in 1917 near Hamberg, North State Board of Nursing, the Board of Directors Harrington) convinced the president of Dakota, to John Alfred and Karine Kristianson of the Washington State Nurses Association, Washington State University to accept adminis- Lynne and was baptized and confirmed in Viking and the Inland Empire Nurses Association. She trative responsibility for this new program, from Lutheran Church. Olive attended elementary also was an examiner for the National League which the Intercollegiate Center for Nursing school in the Lynne School, which was built for Nursing. She was the recipient of the Education was established. on land her family donated, and went to high Outstanding Nurse and Lifetime Achievement Throughout her tenure as an educator at the school in Maddock, North Dakota. She received awards from the Inland Empire Nurses Associ- ICNE, she provided leadership in sculpting the her diploma in nursing from the Bismarck ation and received the Washington State Nurses nursing program’s design, which for many years Hospital School of Nursing in 1941. Association Excellence Award in 1989. was the only curriculum of its kind in the United During World War II, Olive was hired by In 1996, Betty was inducted into the States. Subsequently, she felt the need to the federal government to care for wounded Washington State Nurses Hall of Fame. devise a program that would enable registered soldiers in hospitals on the West Coast. During Betty was born April 5, 1923, in Butte, MT, nurses working in Walla Walla, the Tri-Cities, this time, she met John M. Ryder, MD. Dr. Ryder the third of four children. Betty was a strong Yakima, and Wenatchee to complete course spent his career working as a doctor for the proponent of education and advancing women and clinical work for their BSN. Eventually, Department of Interior on various tribal lands. in the workplace, with a strong leadership style. under her leadership, the Yakima program was The couple was married in Wolf Point, Montana, She was a teacher, confidant, a great cook, and expanded to also accept the basic baccalau- and lived for a while in Poplar, Montana, on a source of perpetual support to her family and reate students. Betty's futuristic approach to the Fort Peck Reservation. They subsequently friends. nursing education, and expertise in working moved to Tacoma, then to Nespelem on the A native of Butte, MT, Betty received her with colleagues and university officials opened Colville Reservation, and finally to Wellpinit on diploma from St. James School of Nursing in entirely new, innovative opportunities for the the Spokane Reservation. Olive assisted her 1944 and served in the Army Nurse Corps from rural registered nurse to advance her or his husband in his medical work as well as raising a 1944-46. After eight years as a nursing super- education. family. From there, her husband retired, and the visor in San Francisco, she entered Gonzaga's Upon her retirement after 35 years of service, family moved to Yakima where Olive returned to nursing program where she completed a Betty received the Sacred Heart Honor award work in nursing, spending many years at Renais- Bachelor of Science in nursing education in for her outstanding contribution and service sance Nursing Home (now Willow Springs), and 1956. She returned to Gonzaga and received a to Sacred Heart Medical Center. She was also retiring finally at the age of 78. Master of Education in 1964. recognized with the Sisters of Providence Olive was a lifetime member of the Betty joined the staff of Providence Sacred Mother Joseph award in 2003 and received the Washington State Nurses Association and the Heart in Spokane in 1954 as a staff nurse and Sister Peter Claver Humanitarian Award in 1995. American Nurses Association and a member of began as a clinical instructor for the Sacred Betty had a long friendship with the Sisters Central Lutheran Church in Yakima. She enjoyed Heart School of Nursing in 1956, where she of Providence and was very active as a Provi- flowers and gardening, collecting dolls, and served as the director until the school closed in dence Associate, becoming a Provincial coordi- taking care of others throughout her nursing 1973. She subsequently established the Educa- nator for St. Ignatius Province and a co-director career. She spent a lot of time planning family tional Services department at Sacred Heart for the Mother Joseph Province. parties because she loved seeing everyone Medical Center and served as the director until Betty is survived by her brother Jerry together. her retirement in 1989. Harrington (Pearl), Sacramento, CA; niece She was preceded in death by her parents; Betty was an innovative leader in nursing Karen (Dave Garrity) of Petaluma, CA, nephew her husband; sisters Hazel Hagen, Margit Weiss, administration and education where she Kevin (Earline) Harrington of Sacramento, CA; and Hulda Faleide; brother, Gordon Lynne; and devoted 22 years of service, in addition to her nephew Jack Harrington (Marcella) of Freeland, a daughter, Sarah McFadden. staff nursing. She worked tirelessly in the devel- WA; Sally Brinton of Bellingham, WA; niece Mary Wilson of Des Moines, IA; cousins Melba
SPRING 2019 THE WASHINGTON NURSE 57 IN MEMORIAM
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION She is survived by three children: Thelma Ryder (Don Wherry), John “Jack” Ryder (Pamela Caton), and James Ryder; three grandchildren: If you are currently a member and have had a Shelley Ryder (Darrell Wynn), Sean Ryder change in your employment situation… (Oxana), and Alisha McFadden (Terry Malone); Please complete a Change of Information Form or email your changes to four great-grandchildren: Erika Belles, Hannah [email protected]. The Change of Information Form is available on the WSNA Belles (Jamin Frank), Dylan Ryder, and Katie website under “Membership,” or you can contact the WSNA Membership Department Malone; five great-great-grandchildren: Brock at 800-231-8482 or 206-575-7979 to request one. Escalante, Owen and Emma Fischer, Elsie Frank, and Madison Ryder; and many nieces Please note: It is the member’s responsibility to notify WSNA in writing of any changes and nephews. in address, employer, FTE status, layoff or leave of absence. Write to: Membership – Washington State Nurses Association, 575 Andover Park West, Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98188. Louise Hisako Uyeda Notice of Washington State Nurses Association policy regarding nonmembers Louise Hisako Uyeda, age 84, passed away on employed under WSNA collective bargaining agreements January 8, 2019 in Mukilteo, WA. She was born on Federal and state labor laws recognize the right of unions in Washington to enter into collective bargaining agreements March 6, 1934 in Tacoma, WA and was a resident with private sector employers that require employees, as a condition of employment, either to join the union (and thereby enjoy all of full rights and benefits of membership) or to pay fees to the union (and thereby satisfy any financial of Mukilteo for 50 years. Louise was a Nurse obligation to the union without enjoying the full rights and benefits of union membership). Regardless of the wording and was also a Nursing Instructor at Everett of the “union security” agreement, employees represented by the Washington State Nurses Association for purposes of collective bargaining and covered by a valid union security agreement are not required to become full members Community College. She was preceded in death of WSNA, and are required only to choose either to be members of WSNA or pay fees to it. (Note that regardless of by her husband of 31 years, Max Minoru Uyeda. whether a collective bargaining agreement between WSNA and a public sector employer contains a union security agreement, public sector employees are not required to pay dues, agency fees, or any other payment to WSNA as a She is survived by siblings Carolyn Takemoto, condition of employment.) Employees who choose to become members of the Washington State Nurses Association Marie Kanegae, Nancy (John) Hayatsu, Marjorie pay WSNA dues and receive all of the rights and benefits of WSNA membership. Employees who either decline to become members of WSNA or who resign from WSNA membership may pay “agency fees” to cover their share of Nakagawa, Russell Nakagawa, Dean (Susan) the cost of representation, and thereby satisfy any applicable union security obligation. WSNA has negotiated union Nakagawa, Pamela (Chris) Newton, and her security agreements, which have been ratified by the democratic vote of the affected employees and which require that all employees must either join the union or pay fees to the union, in order to ensure that each employee who is sister in law Toshie Uyeda as well as Yoshiko represented by WSNA pays a fair share of the cost of that representation. Such union security agreements strengthen (Iwata) and Masaji Uyeda, and numerous nieces WSNA’s ability to represent employees effectively in collective bargaining, contract enforcement and grievance administration, while eliminating “free riders” who enjoy the benefits of a WSNA contract and representation without and nephews. contributing their fair share of the union’s expenses for negotiating, administering and enforcing the contract. Through the collective bargaining process, nurses represented by WSNA achieve higher wages, better benefits, fairness in the disciplinary procedure, and enhanced respect for their skills and professionalism. These improvements, won through collective bargaining, enhance the terms and conditions of working life for all employees, create conditions under which nurses can safely advocate for their patients, and allow them to better provide for themselves and their families. Only WSNA members enjoy all of the full rights of WSNA membership. Only WSNA members have the right to attend local unit meetings and speak out on any and all issues affecting their workplace, WSNA and its members; the right to participate in the formulation of WSNA policies; the right to have input into WSNA bargaining goals and objectives, and to serve on WSNA negotiating committees; the right to nominate and vote for candidates for WSNA office, and to run as a candidate for WSNA office; the right to vote on contract ratification and strike authorization; the right to participate in the WSNA general assembly; and the right to participate in the American Nurses Association and the American Federation of Teachers. Agency fee payers are those who choose not to be full members of WSNA but who comply with any applicable union security agreement to pay their share of WSNA’s expenses for negotiating, administering and enforcing the contract with their employer by payment of agency fees. They thereby fulfill any applicable union security financial obligation to WSNA under the terms of any collective bargaining agreement between their employer and WSNA. Agency fee payers forfeit valuable rights and benefits of WSNA membership. Agency fee payers give up their rights to have input into the affairs of WSNA, the organization that represents them in dealings with their employer concerning wages, hours of work, health and retirement benefits, disciplinary matters, and other terms and conditions of employment. Any WSNA member may resign at any time from WSNA (and thereby forfeit his or her WSNA membership rights)by submitting a written notice of resignation from WSNA membership, which becomes effective upon receipt by WSNA. It is recommended that any resignation from WSNA membership be sent by certified mail, but certified mail is not required regardless of the terms of any applicable collective bargaining agreement. A member covered by a valid union security agreement who resigns from WSNA shall be re-classified as an agency fee payer. Agency fee payers should submit to WSNA an Agency Fee Payer Application Form, which is available upon request from WSNA. Agency fee payers are required to pay fees equal to their share of WSNA costs germane to collective bargaining, contract administration and grievance adjustment. WSNA automatically reduces the fee charged to agency fee payers by the amount attributable to expenditures incurred for WSNA activities that are not related to its responsibilities as representative for purposes of collective bargaining. In our most recent accounting year, 6.6% of WSNA’s total expenditures were spent on activities unrelated to collective bargaining representation. Any non-member who is financially obligated to WSNA under a valid union security agreement may inspect the audit report of WSNA expenditures at a reasonable time and place upon written request to WSNA. Any non-member who disagrees with the amount of the agency fee may file a written challenge with WSNA, which must state the basis for the challenge. For members who resign their membership during the calendar year, challenges must be made within 30 days of the postmark of the notice regarding their change in status from members to agency fee payers. For nonmembers, challenges must be made during the 30 day period after the postmark of WSNA’s written notice of the new calculation for agency fees that take effect on Jan. 1 of each year. Such challenges shall be decided by an impartial arbitrator appointed by the American Arbitration Association pursuant to its Rules for Impartial Determination of Union Fees. Any challenges must be submitted to WSNA, ATTN: Agency Fee Challenges, 575 Andover Park West, Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98188. It is recommended that any challenges submitted be sent by certified mail, but certified mail is not required.
58 THE WASHINGTON NURSE SPRING 2019 Why I give...
“I believe in supporting the WSNA-PAC so that we can advocate for candidates who will go to Olympia and advocate for nurses and patients.” — Clarise Mahler, RN
Learn more about WSNA-PAC and make your contribution at wsna.org/pac WASHINGTON STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION 575 ANDOVER PARK WEST NON–PROFIT ORG. SUITE 101 U.S. POSTAGE PAID SEATTLE, WA 98188 PERMIT NO. 1282 SEATTLE, WA
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