Agenda

Wednesday April 30, 2025

8:30 am - 9:00 am

Registration and Check-in

8:30 am - 9:15 am

Welcome and President’s Address 0.75 CNE

This opening session kicks off the event and sets the stage for the days ahead.

Justin Gill, DNP, ARNP, RN

President, Washington State Nurses Association

9:15 am - 10:30 am

Keynote 1.25 CNE

Distinguished nurse leader, educator, and U.S. Navy veteran Dr. Tayeb is the host of the RN-Mentor podcast and blog.

Ali R. Tayyeb, PhD, RN, NPD-BC, PHN, FAAN

Host and Author, RN-Mentor

10:30 am - 11:00 am

Coffee Break

11:00 am - 11:45 am

Federal-level Progress on Nursing Issues 0.75 CNE

ANA President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy is the author of several books and was named by Modern Healthcare as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare in 2023.

Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN

President, American Nurses Association

11:45 am - 12:45 pm

Lunch

12:45 pm - 1:30 pm

State-level Progress on Nursing and Patient Safety Issues 0.75 CNE

Hear from Jessica Hauffe, WSNA’s director of government affairs and Sami Bailey, WSNA's political advocacy specialist, on the challenges encountered and progress made during this year’s legislative session, scheduled to conclude just days before the Convention.

Jessica Hauffe

WSNA Director of Government Affairs

Sami Bailey

Political Advocacy Specialist, WSNA

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Panel: Implementing Washington State's Safe Staffing Law 1 CNE

This panel, moderated by WSNA Director of Nursing Practice Gloria Brigham, EdD, MN, RN, CPHRM, will discuss how implementation of the 2023 staffing and related laws are going and how you can make a difference in your workplace. We’ll be hearing from experts from the Department of Health and Department of Labor & Industries, who will help guide us through the processes associated with the law and answer our questions.

  • Kristina Buckley is a hospital program manager at the Department of Health with a strong commitment to public health. Buckley provides technical assistance, policy interpretation, and supports the implementation of the 2023 staffing law.  
  • Carl Backen is Healthcare Labor Standards Manager at the Department of Labor & Industries. In his current role, Backen is charged with implementation of the sections of the staffing bill associated with L&I. He brings to the role a robust background in policymaking, legislative analysis, and labor enforcement.
  • David Keepnews, the executive director of WSNA, sits on the state Hospital Staffing Advisory Committee, established to advise the Department of Health and Labor and Industries on implementation of the safe staffing law, innovative hospital staffing models, and review/analysis of data relevant to safe staffing.

Carl Backen, MPA

Standards Manager, Washington State Labor & Industries Healthcare Labor

David Keepnews, PhD, JD, RN, FAAN

Executive Director, Washington State Nurses Association

Kristina Buckley

Program Manager, Washington State Department of Health

2:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Snack Break

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Nominations

During this time, nominations for WSNA election for the 2025-27 term may be made from the floor.

4:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Meet the ANA President

Join us for an informal reception with ANA President Jennifer Mensik, offering WSNA members a unique opportunity to meet her in person following her keynote address. Enjoy light appetizers and a no-host wine bar while engaging in casual conversation with one of the nation’s leading voices in nursing.

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Meet the Candidates

Get to know the candidates running for WSNA leadership positions in this interactive session. Enjoy appetizers and a no-host wine bar as you hear directly from each candidate about their vision for the future of nursing in Washington, and gain the insights you need to make informed voting decisions.

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Local Unit Council Meeting

Open exclusively to members represented by WSNA for collective bargaining. Join fellow union members from WSNA's local units across the state to discuss labor issues, contract developments, and strategies for addressing workplace challenges. Share challenges and successes, and gain strength from each other. This session will also feature Kelly Nedrow, AFT's senior director for health issues, who will talk about AFT’s efforts to improve staffing and safe patient care. Dinner will be provided.

Kelly Nedrow

Senior Director for Health Issues, AFT


Thursday May 1, 2025

7:00 am - 7:45 am

Yoga

Kick off your morning with a slow-flow yoga session with yin yoga stretches led by Bobbi Nodell (500 RT). This gentle, all-levels practice will help you energize your body and clear your mind before the day's events begin. Bring your mat and enjoy the sunrise stretch!

8:00 am - 8:30 am

Registration and Check-in

8:30 am - 10:00 am

Workplace Violence: Incivility Index 1.5 CNE

Dr. Cynthia Clark, founder of Civility Matters and an internationally recognized expert on fostering civility in healthcare and education, will share insights into her groundbreaking Incivility Index. Known for her innovative work in creating healthier, more inclusive environments, Dr. Clark brings decades of experience and practical solutions to this essential topic. A book signing will follow her session.

Cynthia Clark, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN

Founder, Civility Matters

10:00 am - 10:30 am

Coffee Break

10:30 am - 11:45 am

Panel: Workplace Violence Prevention 1.25 CNE

This panel discussion moderated by Katie Blanchard will focus on workplace violence prevention.

Eppie Williamson, MSN, RN

Registered Nurse, UW Medicine

Katie Blanchard, PhD-c, MSN, NPD-BC, CNE, CPP

Director of Nursing, Behavioral Healthcare Administration, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

Kelly Nedrow

Senior Director for Health Issues, AFT

Pat Ellis

Crisis Intervention Coordinator/Chaplain

11:45 am - 12:30 pm

Lunch

12:30 pm - 12:45 pm

Nightingale Recognition

The Nightingale Tribute honors the service and dedication of nurses who have passed, celebrating their contributions to the profession and the lives they touched.

12:45 pm - 2:30 pm

Bylaws and Resolutions: Workplace Violence Prevention

Bylaws and resolutions sessions are your opportunity to actively participate in shaping WSNA’s governance and priorities. Members will review and consider proposed amendments to WSNA’s bylaws, ensuring the organization’s structure remains effective and relevant. Additionally, attendees will discuss and vote on proposed resolutions that guide WSNA’s policies, advocacy efforts, and strategic initiatives. During this session, we will consider a resolution on workplace violence prevention.

2:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Coffee Break

3:00 pm - 4:15 pm

Bylaws and Resolutions

Continued from previous session.

4:15 pm - 5:30 pm

Pre-Gala Mixer

Enjoy the opportunity to connect, share insights, and build relationships while enjoying beverages from the cash bar. This networking mixer is the perfect way to start the night before the formal festivities begin.

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Awards Dinner Gala

Join us for an elegant evening. WSNA's Honorary Recognition Awards honor individuals who have made significant contributions to nursing practice, leadership, and healthcare advocacy. Attendees will enjoy a plated dinner followed by a Raise the Paddle fundraiser to support the Washington State Nurses Foundation, which advances the future of nursing through scholarships.


Friday May 2, 2025

7:00 am - 7:45 am

Yoga

Kick off your morning with a slow-flow yoga session with yin yoga stretches led by Bobbi Nodell (500 RT). This gentle, all-levels practice will help you energize your body and clear your mind before the day's events begin. Bring your mat and enjoy the sunrise stretch!

8:00 am - 8:30 am

Registration and Check-in

8:30 am - 9:30 am

Diversity, Equity, and Justice - Part I 1 CNE

Participation in parts I and II of this presentation will meet Washington State’s new licensure renewal requirement for health equity continuing education.

Monica McLemore, PhD, MPH, RN

Director, Manning Price Spratlen Center for Anti-Racism and Equity, UW

9:30 am - 10:00 am

Brunch

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Diversity, Equity, and Justice - Part II 1 CNE

Continued from previous session.

Monica McLemore, PhD, MPH, RN

Director, Manning Price Spratlen Center for Anti-Racism and Equity, UW

11:00 am - 11:25 am

Resolution: Diversity, Equity, and Justice – What's Next?

Resolutions guide WSNA’s policies, advocacy efforts, and strategic initiatives and are your opportunity to actively participate in shaping WSNA’s priorities and work. During this session, we will consider a resolution on diversity, equity, and justice.

11:30 am - 12:45 pm

Keynote 1.25 CNE

Past convention favorite Stephenie Staples returns to help us close out on a high note. Her enthusiasm and empathy will leave you feeling energized, inspired, and ready to take action.

Stephanie Staples, CSP

Author and Speaker

12:25 pm - 12:30 pm

Stretch Break

12:45 pm - 1:00 pm

Closing

Please note: The schedule and events listed in this agenda are subject to change. We recommend checking back closer to the event for any updates or adjustments.

Expert-level speakers — well done! Inspiring! Came home feeling equipped to get involved which was a primary reason for attending. — 2017 attendee