Inland Empire Nurses Association

Inland Empire Nurses Association The Inland Empire Nurses Association is a non-profit organization representing nurses in District 4 of the Washington State Nurses Association.

IENA’s jurisdiction presently includes the counties of Spokane, Stevens, Lincoln, Whitman and Pend Oreille. Historical Timeline

1908-1920: The Early Years
During the early part of the 20th century, the health needs in the state of Washington were many and varied. Although the trend was for more hospitals, the bulk of hospital nursing service was provided by students, and the largest field for gr

aduate nurses was private duty nursing in the hospital and the home. The hours were long and the wages low. In the majority of cases, this meant 20-24 hour duty with an average wage of $3-$5 per day. It was also in this period that the need for the visiting or public health nurse became apparent. The first industrial nurses were also employed in this era – and indications were that this too would be a consistently growing field of nursing. As the country moved into World War I, the first experience with a serious shortage of trained nurses became a reality. The need for nurses was compounded by the national influenza epidemic of 1918 and the public demands for the development of public health. These factors placed a heavy burden on the nursing profession. In addition, the scope of nursing practice was expanding with corresponding demands for nurses in laboratory work, anesthesia and hospital staff work.

1908:
Following two years of intense work, the delegates of the third Washington State Graduate Nurses Association (WSGNA) Convention finalize and adopt the original Articles of Incorporation.

1909:
WSGNA lobbies the Legislature and achieves passage of the first Nurse Practice Act in Washington State. This was no small feat in that many legislators feared that the title "Registered Nurse" would make is possible for nurses to practice medicine, surgery or midwifery. Nurses, however, were determined not to fail in their first organized attempt to set standards and gain status. This was the beginning of the aggressive government relations program that remains an integral part of the Washington State Nurses Association today.

01/28/2026

The Inland Empire Nurses Association (IENA) joins the Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA) in condemning the killing of Alex Pretti, RN, during a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. We mourn the loss of a nurse, a colleague, and a human being, and we extend our deepest condolences to Alex’s family, loved ones, and community.

Nursing is grounded in principles of compassion, nonjudgment, dignity, and equality. These values guide how we care for patients and how we show up for our communities. They compel us to speak out when violence occurs and when the use of force results in loss of life.

As nurses in Eastern Washington, we care for diverse communities, including immigrants and historically marginalized populations. We are committed to inclusion, equity, and holistic social justice. Public safety must be paired with humanity, restraint, and accountability. The loss of life in this circumstance demands serious reflection and transparency.

The IENA echoes WSNA's call for a full and independent review of the events surrounding Alex Pretti's death by an independent body with full access to evidence. Nurses understand the importance of accountability systems that are fair, evidence-based, and focused on preventing future harm. That expectation applies both within healthcare and across public institutions.

Violence that undermines trust and safety in any community affects us all. Nurses serve everyone, without bias or judgment, and we believe every life holds inherent dignity and worth.

The IENA remains committed to advocating for justice, accountability, and the safety of healthcare workers and the communities we serve. We honor Alex Pretti’s life by upholding the values that define our profession: compassion, equity, and respect for humanity.

-The IENA Board of Directors

07/08/2025

Discover how Gen Z nurses are transforming healthcare with technology, collaboration, and a holistic approach to patient care. Explore their impact on teamwork, communication, and the future of nursing.

07/08/2025
07/08/2025

HR 1 cuts funding from Medicaid and puts vulnerable communities at risk. WSNA is committed to standing up for patient care.

Thank you
07/08/2025

Thank you

The Medicaid data of millions of people, including undocumented immigrants, was shared with ICE weeks ago. Seattle health clinics are preparing next steps.

07/08/2025

Nurses, doctors and other health professionals converged for this year’s AFT Nurses and Health Professionals Professional Issues Conference in Chicago from June 11-13, determined to set a course for the coming year: defending patients, protecting communities, and beating back the authoritarian tid...

07/08/2025

"We will continue to advocate relentlessly to defend healthcare access, hold policy makers and regulators accountable, and mitigate these damaging cuts. Nurses are the trusted voices in every community across this country, and we will continue to speak out for our patients and the future of healthcare in America. The American Nurses Association stands firm in its commitment to protect patients, communities, and the nursing workforce."

Read ANA President Jennifer Mensik Kennedy’s full statement here: https://www.nursingworld.org/news/news-releases/2025/ana-statement-on-passing-of-hr1-in-house

06/30/2025

ANA's Membership Assembly overwhelmingly approved a resolution urging bold action to defend nursing, patient care, and evidence-based practice.

06/29/2025

Representative Dan Newhouse needs to get real about the impact of the Medicaid cuts he voted for.

Day 2 of American Nurses Association Membership Assembly.
06/28/2025

Day 2 of American Nurses Association Membership Assembly.

Washington State representing at ANA Memebership Assembly. Four of us from IENA.  We are having a great time ensuring th...
06/28/2025

Washington State representing at ANA Memebership Assembly. Four of us from IENA. We are having a great time ensuring that nurses in our state are represented.

Address

222 W Mission Avenue, # 231
Spokane, WA
99201

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Inland Empire Nurses Association posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Inland Empire Nurses Association:

Share