Staffing guidelines part of new NYSNA agreement at Shore Memorial

Somers Point, NJ, 22 December 2008 — NYSNA members at Shore Memorial Hospital approved a new three-year contract on Dec. 19 that includes RN-to-patient staffing guidelines that will be enforceable through the grievance and arbitration process. Copies of the staffing guidelines will be available on all units and in the nursing office.

Other highlights:

Compensation – The RNs won increases in base salaries totaling 13.1% when compounded. This includes a 3.5% increase Dec. 28, and increases of 3.5% in December 2009, 1% in July 2010, 3.5% in December 2010, and 1% in July 2011. Two steps will also be added to the top of the experience scale.
Health coverage – The RNs avoided substantial increases to health care costs. Their current health care plans will remain in effect. Current actual co-pay rates will not be increased through March 2010, except for generic drugs purchased from the outside prescription provider. Generic drugs purchased at the in-hospital pharmacy will remain at $5 for the life of the agreement.
Financial security – To help protect the RNs during this troubled economy, the nurses negotiating improved contract provisions to clarify the order of future layoffs, provide more bumping and transfer options for laid-off RNs, and increased eligibility for severance pay.
Scheduling – The parties agreed to put a total bargaining-unit-wide cap on cancellations and to meet to discuss ways to address this issue on units where the cancellations are excessive.

The contract was ratified 12 days prior to expiration of nurses’ most-recent agreement.

The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for nursing in the Empire State. With more than 36,000 members, it is the state's largest union and professional association for registered nurses. It supports nurses and nursing practice through education, research, legislative advocacy, and collective bargaining.

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