BUZZ enews
KING COUNTY NURSES ASSOCIATION
King County Nurses Association distributes The Buzz several times a year to nursing students throughout the county with the help of our school liaisons.
Would you like to submit an article for The Buzz? Send to: kcnurses@kcnurses.org.
KCNA Fall Summit: Universal Healthcare in WA: Where We Are Now
Date: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: The Mountaineers Program Center, Room: Goodman B, 7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115.
Cost: $15 nursing students. Includes boxed lunch.
Registration Deadline: Register by Nov. 5, 2026, or until filled. Limited capacity.
Event Description:
With major changes taking shape in the federal healthcare funding landscape, nurses and advocates are exploring what a path toward universal healthcare could look like. Join the discussion at KCNA’s Fall Summit as we examine different models of universal health care, how they could work and the history of these efforts in Washington state.
Joining us as a presenter will be Carey Wallace, RN, MSN, MBA, board chair of Whole Washington, sharing her perspective as a nurse, healthcare advocate and active WSNA member serving on its Legislative and Health Policy Council. She will be joined by a representative from WSNA Government Affairs, the team that advances nurses’ voices in public policy, monitors legislation and advocates on issues affecting nurses, patients and Washington’s health care system.
Nurses in Action (pending board approval): Following the presentation, we will assemble 400 cold/flu kits for Real Change newspaper vendors.
**2-hour Certificate of Completion after event evaluation submitted
Nurses Education Series: Lead, Drive, and Thrive
-RECORDING
This is a recording of a live event that took place in January 2025. In this video, two expert speakers will guide you through strategies to enhance your leadership skills and navigate the challenges of modern healthcare. This workshop is designed to help nurses develop the tools and insights needed for professional growth, with engaging sessions focused on practical approaches to strengthening leadership in the healthcare field.
- Session 1: The art of navigating healthcare systems
Presenter: Jennifer S. Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
38th President, American Nurses Association
- Session 2: Mentoring as a path to building leadership skills
Presenter: Sofia Aragon, JD, BSN, RN, FAAN
Executive Director, Washington Center for Nursing
Cost: Free for KCNA Members/$40 nonmembers/$20 nursing students
*2 ANCC contact hours
*This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by Oregon Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
*Approval valid through 01/24/2027. OCEAN ID #2024-55
Scholarship Application Update
2026 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.
We are excited to announce that 18 scholarships at $5,000 a piece will be available in 2027. Applications open early January 4, 2027.
King County Nurses Association (KCNA) is proud to help ensure the future of nursing in our community by offering scholarships to qualified nursing students. Since 1993, KCNA has awarded $946,250 in scholarship funds to support 368 nursing students.
Other Local Scholarships
The Washington State Nurses Foundation
WSNF awards scholarships annually to qualified students who meet the eligibility requirements and are selected. Scholarships begin with a minimum award of $2,000. For more information, click here.
In addition to scholarship funds drawn from the WSNF general fund, students who qualify may be selected to receive funds from the Deo Little Scholarship Fund and the Judy Huntington Scholarship Fund.
Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Association
For students of African Heritage, the Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Association offers scholarships to qualified students enrolled in a school of nursing in Washington State, leading to an RN degree or higher.
Nurse2Nurse is a free, confidential peer support service created specifically for nurses—by nurses. Whether you're a nursing student, currently practicing, or retired, Nurse2Nurse offers a safe space to talk with trained nurse peers who truly understand the pressures of the profession. Through real conversations and compassionate connection, the program helps reduce isolation and foster resilience, mental well-being, and a strong sense of community.
What Nurse2Nurse Offers:
- One-on-One Peer Support: Engage in confidential conversations with experienced nurse peers who offer understanding and empathy.
- Virtual Support Groups: Join online sessions with fellow nurses to share experiences and receive support in a welcoming space.
- Wellness Webinars: Access practical, nurse-focused education on stress management, self-care, and resilience.
- Resource Network: Get connected to community-based tools and referrals that support mental and emotional well-being.
Find out about Nurse2Nurse, by clicking here.
Between classes, clinicals and studying, take a moment for yourself! The University of Washington’s Mindfulness for Nurses offers guided recordings, including a three-minute breathing exercise, an easy way to build a pause into your busy day. Step away from your notes, take a breath and give yourself permission to recharge.
Nursing Students of Washington State
Looking for more comradery and a way to connect with other nursing students? The Nursing Students of Washington State is the only statewide nursing association for students in the state. They are a chapter of the National Student Nurses Association and an independent organization supported in part by the Washington State Nurses Association.
Their mission is to develop a collaborative and cooperative structure between nursing schools within the state to create consistent high standards that support nursing students through education, scholarship, legislation and networking.
Membership is open to everyone enrolled in an accredited Washington State nursing school at all levels, nursing school faculty and pre-nursing students.
Stay up to date with the Nursing Community
Click the links below to see what the local nursing community has been up to lately.
Sign-up for KCNA's monthly e-newsletter, New2Use
Support community health beyond the classroom! Lifelong’s Chicken Soup Brigade offers Seattle volunteer opportunities in meal preparation, grocery packing and food delivery for people facing health challenges. It’s a meaningful way to give back while exploring the connection between nutrition, food access and health.
Volunteer on your own or gather your nursing cohort and explore opportunities to serve together!
Visit
https://www.lifelong.org/volunteer to get involved.
Join a community effort to expand access to care! Seattle/King County Clinic returns to Seattle Center April 29–May 2, 2027, providing free medical, dental and vision services. Check with the organization directly about nursing student involvement, available roles and participation requirements.
Volunteer registration opens January 4, 2027.
MentorLink is an annual continuing ed program that brings new and experienced nurses together to connect, share and learn.
