Registered nurses voted overwhelmingly to approve a new contract covering 200 RNs in the bargaining unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital in Glendale, Ca.
 
The RNs, affiliated with the California Nurses Association (CNA), say the contract includes significant improvements and workplace protections that will enhance their ability to provide quality patient care.
 
"Everyone will benefit from the provisions in the new contract- our patients, visitors, healthcare workers, and the community," said Lisa Ryken, RN.
 
"This new contract will allow USC Verdugo to recruit and retain the best registered nurses in the LA area.  We are thrilled to recommend ratification in voting sessions next week," said, Bernie Ebeo, RN.
 
"Nurses throughout the hospital worked very hard to achieve these goals - safe patient care, a safe and healing hospital environment for our patients and for workers, and wages and benefits that will recruit and retain RNs," said Leasa Sugimura, RN.
 
Key features in the pact include economic and retirement benefit improvements to promote retention of experienced RNs and recruitment of new nurses, maintenance of health benefits and free USC tuition for RNs and their children.
 
Highlights of the contract include:

• Economic gains to improve retention of experienced RNs and recruitment of new RNs, including a revised step system that enhances recognition of former nursing experience and raises ranging from at least 12 percent up to 31 percent over the 38-month term of the agreement. 
• Improved retirement plan benefits.
• Maintenance of all health insurance benefit plans, without reduction in coverage or greater cost to employees.
• Stepped up health and safety provisions to improve safe patient handling.
• Free USC tuition for RNs and their children.
• Increased rest periods to prevent fatigue and assure alert care.

 CNA represents more than 95,000 RNs in California and is affiliated with National Nurses United (NNU), which represents over 150,000 nurses coast to coast and is one of the fastest growing unions in the U.S.