Violent patients a top concern for nurses. Here’s what their new contract does

Dozens of nurses, who belong to the Washington State Nurses Association, held an informational picket in January on the sidewalk in front of Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland. They now have voted to ratify a new contract.

Nurses at the Tri-Cities’ largest hospital have voted to approve a new contract negotiated to give them more protection from workplace violence and provide adequate staffing to allow them meal and rest breaks.

The Washington State Nurses Association announced the results of its members’ vote Wednesday morning after negotiating with Kadlec Regional Medical Center since September.