Press Release

“We are pleased that both sides were able to come together and achieve this landmark contract which will enhance the quality of patient care that nurses at SWMC provide to our community,” said Vicki Wornath, RN, local unit co-chair. She continues, “We look forward to working with SWMC administration in the implementation of this contract and to our mutual commitment to making SWMC the best hospital in the region.”

“This contract recognizes the current nursing shortage and includes strategies to recruit and retain qualified and experienced RNs at SWMC. It is a contract that the nurses can be proud of,” said Barbara Frye, RN, WSNA Director of Labor Relations.

Highlights of the contract include:

• Rest-between shifts – Recognizes the importance of nurses having at least 8 hours off between shifts. Various studies have shown the correlation of medical errors and lack of adequate time in between shifts.
• ICU/CCU On-call – Eliminates scheduled on-call, which has become another means of mandatory overtime, in the ICU and CCU. Mandatory overtime is a dangerous practice that puts both nurses and patients at risk.

Wage increase – Guaranteed wage increases of 5%, 3%, 3% for each of the next three years. This is critical in the recruitment and retention of nurses during this time of shortage.