The Washington Nurse Magazine

MultiCare Tuesday after months of bargaining. 1,100 nurses who are represented by the Washington State Nurses Association ratified a contract with the company. The new contract includes: Higher wages that amount to an average increase of 15 percent over the three-year contract Ending having clinical assistant nurse managers doing the job of a charge nurse Ensuring nurses with 15 years or more of experience will not have severance cut.

Barbara Nichols, DL(h), DSc(h), PedD(h), MSN, RN, FAAN, was a nursing pioneer, a barrier breaker, an advocate for justice, and a visionary leader. She was also a trusted colleague, a loyal friend, and a mentor and inspiration to countless people. Throughout more than six decades of leadership, she was a champion for nursing excellence, health equity, diversity, professional advancement, and the essential role of nurses in shaping policy. Barbara died on July 22, 2026, at the age of 88.

Initiative 645 is largely being framed as repealing the Millionaires Tax, but its broader language could have even more significant consequences beyond this single tax. Because I-645 also prohibits all taxes that are “measured by” income, it jeopardizes funding mechanisms for several well-known and popular programs on which Washington families depend, including unemployment insurance, paid family and medical leave, and Washington’s long-term care program (WA Cares).

Initiative 645 is largely being framed as repealing the Millionaires Tax, but its broader language could have even more significant consequences beyond this single tax. Because I-645 also prohibits all taxes that are “measured by” income, it jeopardizes funding mechanisms for several well-known and popular programs on which Washington families depend, including unemployment insurance, paid family and medical leave, and Washington’s long-term care program (WA Cares).

Member surveys. Research studies. Stickers, T-shirts, buttons, signs. Public testimonies, editorials, public letters of support, rallies. An unfair labor practice charge with more than 60 violations. And, finally, after 16 months of bargaining and mobilizing, nurses at Public Health - Seattle & King County ratified a four-year contract that rewarded their experience. Across America, nurses count on a simple promise: Experience matters.

On July 22 and 23, WSNA members and leaders joined nearly 400 union members in Wenatchee for the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC) Constitutional Convention. The WSLC Convention is an important opportunity for WSNA members to advance our goals, especially related to state law and advocacy. For example, in previous years, WSNA delegates secured statewide support for our safe staffing bill, which played an important role in its passage.

WSNA provides representation, education and resources that allow nurses to reach their full professional potential and focus on caring for patients. WSNA has represented nurses in our state since 1908, leveraging our collective voice to successfully advocate with employers, state agencies and the state Legislature for better working conditions, safe staffing, fair compensation and patient safety.

Extreme temperatures and air pollution from smoke and smog can exacerbate chronic health conditions and cause acute health problems. They can cause dehydration, make it difficult to exercise, and interact with certain medications. For nurses, it is important to know the potential effects.

WSNA provides representation, education and resources that allow nurses to reach their full professional potential and focus on caring for patients. WSNA has represented nurses in our state since 1908, leveraging our collective voice to successfully advocate with employers, state agencies and the state Legislature for better working conditions, safe staffing, fair compensation and patient safety.

The 2026 AFT convention brought together thousands of union members, including ten WSNA delegates, to strategize and advance priorities for nurses and health professionals nationwide. • 4 minutes to read In July, 10 WSNA delegates, plus WSNA officers and staff, traveled to the other Washington to attend the biennial convention for our national union, AFT.