Nurses win contract

Registered nurses at St. Mary’s have ratified a new contract reached in collective bargaining.

The hospital was taken over by Prime Healthcare Services last year (St. Mary's new owner, RN&R, June 21, 2013). The contract, the first between Prime and the nurses, provides additional insurance coverage for nurses who experience workplace violence or needle sticks. It also include lower health care premiums and a 10 percent raise with up to three days for continuing education.

“As emergency room nurses, we treat every patient who comes through our door without hesitation,” said RN Katie Polimeni in a prepared statement. “Knowing that we have a workplace violence benefit and improved health insurance lets us continue the work of saving lives with the confidence that nurses and our families are protected.” The contract, negotiated through National Nurses Organizing Committee-Nevada, satisfied nurse concerns about nurse-to-patient ratios.