Registered nurses and caregivers at Palomar Health in North San Diego County have achieved tentative agreements on new contract proposals that will bring significant improvements in patient care protections and working conditions for RNs and caregivers, the California Nurses Association announced today.

"The gains in these contracts protect patients, nurses, caregivers, and the community by addressing long-standing issues,” said Sue Phillips, RN. “The nurses and caregivers at Palomar aren't just workers; this is our community and our hospital. Our family, friends, and neighbors are our patients and we all deserve the highest quality care. We are pleased to be able to move forward.”

The four-year agreements, which cover more than 3,000 employees, must still be ratified by the RNs and caregivers, who will vote on the proposals in membership meetings held Tuesday through Thursday of this week. The California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU) represents Palomar RNs, and Caregivers and Healthcare Employees Union (CHEU), a CNA affiliate, represents other hospital employees.

Contract highlights include:

• Economic gains to help with recruitment and retention of the most experienced RNs and caregivers.
• Increased nurse and caregiver power to advocate for patients, workers and the community, on issues such as infectious disease protections and workplace violence protections.
• Dedicated patient lift and transport teams in all departments and facilities, to reduce injuries to nurses and patients during lifting.
• Adequate meal and rest breaks so nurses and caregivers can provide the focused care patients deserve.

RNs and caregivers emphasize that these contracts are the result of united union membership standing strong together to advocate for patients in the communities served by Palomar Health, the largest public hospital district in the state of California.

“Nurses and caregivers are the caring hands that heal. They know patient care and advocate everyday for what’s best for patients,” said Pacita Balcom, Certified Nursing Assistant. “These contracts are an important step to supporting the nurses and caregivers so that we can take the best possible care of our patients.”

The contracts would run through May, 2021.