Nurses Ratify New Contracts with HCA to Enhance Staffing and Care

HCA Hospitals and Nurses Union Secure New Contracts with Enhanced Staffing and Patient Care Measures

In a significant development for healthcare staffing, registered nurses at 17 HCA-managed hospitals have successfully ratified new three-year contracts. This marks the culmination of extensive 2024 negotiations led by the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU), the largest union for nurses in the United States. The newly approved agreements are set to enhance various aspects of working conditions and patient care across these hospitals.

The NNOC/NNU, representing over 8,500 nurses nationwide, engaged in negotiations with HCA management as previous contracts at 17 facilities across six states reached their expiration. Although the possibility of strikes was on the table, with nurses voting to authorize such actions if necessary, a satisfactory agreement was reached without the need for walkouts.

Key Features of the Newly Ratified Contracts

  • Pilot Program for Break Relief Staffing: A new initiative is set to ensure that nurses receive adequate meal and rest breaks during their shifts, addressing a critical aspect of staffing practices.
  • Improvements in Nurse Floating: The contract includes provisions to ensure that nurses are reassigned only to units similar to their area of specialty, improving the quality of patient care.
  • Safeguards Against Untested Technology: Nurses will have input on the deployment of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to ensure these tools support rather than hinder patient care.
  • Inclusive Documentation Practices: Staff members can now include preferred names and personal pronouns on their name badges, promoting a more inclusive work environment.
  • Wage Enhancements: The contract provides for significant wage increases aimed at bolstering nurse recruitment and retention efforts.

Currently, NNOC/NNU represents close to 10,000 nurses at HCA healthcare facilities nationwide, including those not involved in the latest round of contract negotiations. HCA stands as one of the largest and financially robust healthcare systems in the United States.

For additional details and statements from local nurses, interested parties can refer to local press releases linked in the facilities list below or reach out to press@nationalnursesunited.org.

Facilities List by State

Florida

Kansas

Missouri

Nevada

North Carolina

Texas


National Nurses Organizing Committee is part of National Nurses United, the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the United States, with nearly 225,000 members nationwide. Affiliates of NNU include the California Nurses Association, DC Nurses Association, Michigan Nurses Association, Minnesota Nurses Association, and New York State Nurses Association.

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