Nurses in WA

Hi everyone,

I’m a nurse in Washington State, and I’m trying to understand how the upcoming staffing law changes (effective July 1, 2025) will impact how we handle breaks on the unit.

Specifically, I’m looking for clarification on whether the “break buddy” system is still allowed. This is where one nurse covers another nurse’s patients during their break—meaning they temporarily have double the patient load.

My questions are: 1. Is the “buddy system” compliant with the new staffing regulations? 2. Is there a maximum number of patients a nurse can be responsible for at any one time, including during break coverage? 3. If a nurse is assigned double the patients during breaks, would that be considered non-compliance that needs to be reported to the Department of Health?

I’d really appreciate any insights from nurses, union reps, or anyone familiar with the new law. Thanks in advance!