Voicing concerns about safe staffing, retirement security and other patient and economic protections, registered nurses at West Anaheim Medical Center in Anaheim, CA have voted to join the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United, the state’s largest nurses union and professional association.

In a secret ballot election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board, there was an overwhelming victory of 147 yes to 33 no for an 82% win for unionization with CNA. 

"We joined CNA so that we can boldly advocate for our patients and provide the quality of care that our community deserves,” said Ester Cadavona, Medical-surgical RN.

The vote margin was even more impressive given a hefty anti-union pressure campaign by the hospital administration, said CNA.

“We’re excited to collectively bargain for fair and just wages so we can recruit and retain excellent nurses,” said Purvi Patel, RN DOU.

The 300 RNs at the medical center, which is part of the Prime Healthcare system, will join with the colleagues at other Prime hospitals represented by CNA and NNU, including Shasta Regional, which had a union election on September 8.

“We’re especially pleased to welcome West Anaheim RNs to CNA,” said CNA Co-President Malinda Markowitz. “It strengthens the voice of RNs throughout the expanding Prime system, and builds the ability of RNs to better advocate for patients and themselves throughout Orange County with CNA.”

Other CNA/NNU represented Prime hospitals include Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Reno, Alvarado Hospital Medical Center in San Diego, and Centinela Medical Center in Inglewood.  Overall, CNA represents some 100,000 RNs in California, part of 150,000 RNs represented by NNU across the U.S.

“We’re looking forward to joining our sister hospitals represented by CNA in the Prime Healthcare system to stand united for our patients, our communities and our families,” said Jennifer Quach, RN who works in the ICU.

With their election secured, the WAMC RNs will look forward to electing a team of their colleagues to represent them in negotiations with hospital representatives on a collective bargaining agreement.  In addition to safe staffing, a secure retirement, and promoting RN retention; the nurses want to assure adequate equipment and supplies, increased support staff, and elevate other standards.