In this week’s Government Affairs Update – an overall recap of the week, updates on each of WSNA’s four legislative priorities this year, other bills we’re watching, and more.

Check out our website for an overview of the selection process for WSNA's next Executive Director.

SB 5904 (Nurse Title Protection) has been scheduled for a hearing in the House Healthcare & Wellness committee at 8 a.m. 2/20. Sign in “PRO” no later than 7 a.m. 2/20. The title "nurse" should be legally reserved for licensed, human professionals—not artificial intelligence or automated tools.

Today HB 2155 (Nurse Title Protection) passed the House of Representatives. Thank you Rep. Edwin Obras (center) for sponsoring this bill, which would safeguard the title “nurse” in law and help affirm the distinction between licensed, human professionals and technology.

Level Up your skills, your knowledge, and your power at WSNA’s 2026 Union Leadership Conference April 26–28, 2026, at the Wenatchee Convention Center. Learn more and register today at wsna.org/leadership #LevelUpWSNA

THIS IS HOW WE DO IT - Congratulations to the WSNA nurses at Tacoma General and Mary Bridge NICU, who voted to ratify their contracts yesterday (Feb. 6) by an overwhelming majority. Huge shoutout to the bargaining team for your hard work and tenacity.

Who do you think deserves the Emeritus Award for 2024-2026? Nominate a member who is retired and has made significant contributions to their Local Unit and may have contributed at the state and national level. Nominate by Thursday, Feb. 26 at wsna.to/nominate-leader #levelupwsna

Who do you think deserves the Steward Award for 2024-2026? Nominate a leader on their unit, trusted by their coworkers, who is passionate about their union and ensuring the contract is followed. Nominate by Thursday, Feb. 26 at wsna.to/nominate-leader #levelupwsna

Who do you think deserves the Membership Award for 2024-2026? Nominate an individual or committee that has strengthened the Local Unit through recruitment, communications, fund-raising, community engagement and other union building projects. Nominate by 2/26 at wsna.to/nominate-leader #levelupwsna

Who do you think deserves the Local Unit Star Award for 2024-2026? Nominate a member who has stepped forward to become more involved with the Local Unit. Nominate by Thursday, Feb. 26 at wsna.to/nominate-leader #levelupwsna

WALK IT OUT - Here’s a few more photos from the WSNA informational picket at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Jan. 26 in Richland, WA. The nurses want a contract that offers more workplace violence prevention, along with other measures to improve patient and nurse safety and retain nurses.

This #BlackHistoryMonth, we honor Black nurses across Washington state whose skill, leadership, and courage continue to shape our healthcare system. From the bedside to the bargaining table, Black nurses make our profession stronger—and our communities safer. Thank you.

ICYMI - Check out coverage of the WSNA informational picket at Kadlec Regional Medical Center on Jan. 26 in Richland, WA. Links to stories by Tri-City Herald, Newstalk 870 KFLD and KEPR Action News at wsna.org/news/media-coverage

CONTRACT RATIFIED - Seattle Children’s nurses ratified a new contract after nine months of arduous bargaining that went for 36 bargaining sessions. The nurses successfully fought off the hospital’s aggressively anti-union, anti-nurse proposals.

Who do you think deserves the Outstanding Grievance Officer Award for 2024-2026? Nominate a member who assists nurses in understanding their rights in the contract and effectively represents the bargaining unit nurses. Nominate by Thursday, Feb. 26 at wsna.to/nominate-leader #levelupwsna

Who do you think deserves the Outstanding Negotiating Team Award for 2024-2026? Nominate a team, big or small, that stuck together throughout difficult negotiations, while keeping members informed, involved, and mobilized. Nominate by Thursday, Feb. 26 at wsna.to/nominate-leader #LevelUpWSNA

PHOTOS FROM LOBBY DAY! - Here’s a few photos of WSNA members visiting their legislators at WSNA Lobby Day in Olympia on Jan. 29. Thank you all for standing up for your patients! More photos at photos.wsna.org/Events/Lobby-Day-2026 #WSNALobbyDay2026

SEEN AND HEARD IN OLYMPIA- Nurses from across Washington state visited Olympia this afternoon to advocate for their profession at WSNA Lobby Day. Because of you, legislators heard directly from nurses who know what patients truly need. Thank you for showing up for your communities. #WSNALobbyDay2026

Thank you @meidastouch.com for once again lifting up frontline healthcare voices. After the tragic killing of Alex Pretti, RN, nurses must not be intimidated by injustice or deterred from standing up for what is right. www.meidasplus.com/p/meidas-hel...

We cannot be intimidated or deterred from standing up for what is right. Please do not look away from this. We cannot allow this injustice to be the norm.

The WSNA Board of Directors is outraged by the killing of Alex Pretti, RN, at the hands of federal agents in Minneapolis on January 23. Pretti was an ICU nurse working for the Veterans Health Administration and a member of AFGE Local 3669.

A fellow nurse was killed by ICE for exercising his rights in Minnesota. We must demand accountability… www.startribune.com/alex-pretti-...

Who do you think deserves the Outstanding Local Unit Chair Award for 2024-2026? Nominate someone who gets things done, leads by example, inspires and mentors members, and conducts the business of the Local Unit well. Nominate by Thursday, Feb. 26 at wsna.to/nominate/leader

This isn’t just about nurses. It’s about protecting patients, staff, and everyone who walks through the hospital’s doors. That's why WSNA is holding an informational picket at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, Wash. on Monday, Jan. 26. Check out the coverage from KEPR.

ICYMI - For the 24th year in a row, nurses rank No. 1 in Gallup's annual Most Honest and Ethical Professions Poll. The poll of 21 occupations released Jan. 12 found that 75% of Americans — three out of four — consider nurses highly honest and ethical.

WSNA will hold an informational picket at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, WA on Monday, Jan. 26. Nurses want a contract that offers more workplace violence prevention, along with other measures to improve patient and nurse safety and retain nurses.

Today, WSNA honors the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in combatting racism, advancing civil and human rights, and standing up for social justice and for labor—causes which are inseparable, and for which he gave his life.

ACTION ALERT - HB 2155 has been scheduled for a hearing in the House Healthcare & Wellness committee at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20. Please sign in PRO no later than 12:30 p.m. in support of the bill, which amends the Nurse Practice Act to ensure that those who use the term nurse are indeed human.

After failed bargaining sessions with MultiCare, registered nurses at Tacoma General and the Mary Bridge Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will be picketing Jan. 23 to voice their frustration.

The January #WashingtonNurse is out! In this issue, learn what registered nurses need to know about changes to Washington's workplace provention law in 2026.

As we await the opportunity to submit public comment, we must tell our stories & highlight the broader implications of the Dept of Ed’s harmful proposed rule (result of HR 1). This rule will put graduate education out of reach for so many nurses & healthcare workers. Thank you @the-independent.com

Congratulations to the nurses at Pullman Regional Hospital, who just unanimously voted YES on their new contract. A huge thank you to all of the nurses who voted and made this happen. Special shoutout to the bargaining team for your dedication and hard work!

ACTION ALERT - Sign in PRO for SB 5904 no later 7 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16. This bill amends the Nurse Practice Act to ensure that those who use the term nurse are indeed human. Safeguarding the title “nurse” in law will help affirm the distinction between licensed, human professionals and technology.

Nurses must not be silent on this

The WSNA Board of Directors condemns the killing of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. "Where there are human rights violations, nurses ought to and must stand up for those rights and demand accountability." — Code of Ethics for Nurses, Provision 8.2

Happy new year from WSNA! Wishing you a healthy and prosperous 2026.

Volunteer registration for the Seattle/King County Clinic opens Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. This free clinic April 23 – 26, 2026 at Seattle Center serves more than 3,000 people a year. Learn more in the latest #WashingtonNurse.

WSNA recently expanded its online store with several new items requested by members. The store now features a white polo shirt with the WSNA logo, two new hat styles (a classic dad cap and a breathable trucker hat), and a new “Union Strong Nurse” T-shirt. Learn more in the latest #WashingtonNurse.

ONE MORE WEEK TO REGISTER! - Registration for #WSNALobbyDay2026 closes midnight Wednesday, Dec. 31. Stand up and speak out for nursing at this annual event on Thursday, Jan. 29 in Olympia. Register today at wsna.org/lobbyday. Registration is required. This event is for WSNA members only.

Happy holidays, with gratitude, from our hearts to yours.

The Washington State Nurses Foundation welcomes scholarship applications for the 2026-2027 school year! The application deadline is Feb. 7, 2026. Awardees will be notified by April 30, 2026. Learn more in the latest #WashingtonNurse.

Congratulations to the nurses at Kittitas Valley Healthcare, who just voted overwhelmingly to ratify their new contract. This victory belongs to every one of you!

Staffing Plan noncompliance? Check out the latest #WashingtonNurse for an article on how to file an effective staffing complaint.

Nurses at Seattle Children’s Hospital voted overwhelmingly Dec. 22 to authorize a strike. Check out coverage in @seattletimes-rss.bsky.social, @komo4.bsky.social and @kiro7seattle.bsky.social. List of coverage available at wsna.org/news/media-coverage

Nurses at Seattle Children’s hospital have voted to authorize a strike, following about seven months of negotiations that have stalled over higher pay, sick leave and rest and meal breaks. @wsna.bsky.social

Nurses at Seattle Children’s Hospital voted overwhelmingly Monday to authorize a strike. Electronic voting ended at 1 p.m. with a vast majority of nurses voting. The voting results came as nurses were sharing their proposal with the hospital.

Registration for #WSNALobbyDay2026 closes at midnight Wednesday, Dec. 31. Stand up and speak out for nursing at this annual event Thursday, Jan. 29 in Olympia. Spaces are filling up so register today! Registration is required. This event is for WSNA members only. Register at wsna.org/lobbyday

“We are not asking for more sick time, WPV protections, and union security because we are greedy,” says Seattle Children’s RN. “We are asking the most profitable hospital in WA, one of the Top 10 pediatric hospitals the country, to realize their concerns are rooted in ableism and will hold us back.”

Registered nurses at Seattle Children’s will be voting Dec. 21 and 22 on whether to authorize their bargaining team to call a strike to secure a fair contract and to protest employer unfair labor practices. If the nurses go on strike, it will be the first strike in the hospital’s 118-year history.

Recognize excellence. Celebrate legacy. Inspire the next generation. Nominations for the Washington State Nurses Hall of Fame close on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. Nominate a nursing hero today at wsna.org/hof