Fall 2011 - The Washington State Nurses Association

Leadership Growth
Following
the Yellow
Brick Road
From September 25th – 27th, over 100 nurses from across Washington gathered in Chelan at
the WSNA Economic & General Welfare Leadership Conference to learn how to follow their own
paths to success in their practices and workplaces. Keynote speakers and breakout sessions
educated attendees on topics ranging from grievance handling to labor law to stress management
to updates on the state and national labor scene. Attendees were given the information
and tools to return to their Local Units as leaders and advocates for their fellow nurses and
patients.
In addition to the expertise of WSNA staff, the Conference also featured several notable national
and state leaders. Karen Daley, ANA President, provided a keynote address about overcoming
adversity and the importance of advocacy; Lorraine Seidel, Director of the New York State
Nurses Association E&GW Program, described the possible dysfunctions of a team and how to
overcome them; Lynne Dodson, Secretary / Treasurer of the Washington State Labor Council
discussed the labor movement in Washington; and Barbara Crane, NFN President, gave an
update on the national labor scene and activities of the NFN.
More than just meaningful education sessions, the Conference offered ample networking
and social time so that nurses not only acquired new skills but also new support and friends.
Networking across Local Units also helped leaders learn about what had worked in different
facilities in Washington and how to take those lessons back to their own workplaces. As always,
the highlight of the Conference was the E&GW Awards Banquet held on September 26th with
many attendees donning lively Wizard of Oz themed costumes.
Nurses who attended the 2011 Leadership Conference now have the tools, knowledge and support
to build unity and engagement in their Local Units. Whether battling the Wicked Witch of
the West or hospital management, WSNA nurses are committed to each other and ready for the
challenge.
Middle, center David Trevino, of Yakima Regional Hospital, with guest speaker Mary Deen
Middle, right Former WSNA President Kim Armstrong and current ANA President Karen Daley
Bottom, left Public health nurse Barb Bly speaks during Local Unit Council
Bottom, center WSNA Organizer Jan Bussert presents an education session on increasing local unit strength
Bottom, right Local Unit Award winner Marie Peacock-Albers
Outstanding Local Unit Chairperson Award
Edna Cortez
Seattle Children’s Hospital
Edna first emerged as a leader over a
decade ago and has been a member of
every negotiation team since 2000. She
has served in numerous roles including
secretary-treasurer, grievance officer and
for several years now as Local Unit Chair.
Edna seems to know everyone in the Hospital
and is able to help nurses in many
capacities from grievances, to disciplinary
meetings, to local unity events. She is
responsive to her colleagues, consistent in
her support and is always willing to share
her detailed knowledge of the WSNA contract.
The events of the last year still loom
large at Children’s. Edna has worked tirelessly
to provide support, leadership, and
courage to the nurses at Seattle Children’s
in their time of grief, frustration and loss.
Her peers describe her as the backbone of
WSNA at Children’s.
Outstanding Local Unit Chairperson Award
John Tweedy
Skagit Valley Hospital
John is a longtime member and officer at
Skagit Valley Hospital having served
as Grievance Officer, Co-Chair and Chair
over the years. He is known for his direct
communication style, for being fair and
compassionate, and for providing tough
love when necessary. During recent negotiations,
management was determined to
break the local unit and the union by contentious
and destructive takeaways such
as loss of seniority, intermittent breaks,
and up to 30% wage cuts. It was John’s
leadership that pulled the nurses together,
helped them to unite, and stay motivated.
John agitated and activated bargaining
unit nurses with much encouragement
and support to do whatever it took to get
a fair contract. With John’s leadership
and dedication, the nurses at Skagit Valley
prevailed.
16 | The Washington Nurse | Fall 2011