Press Release

Reno Saint Mary’s nurses ratify new contract with strong measures to improve patient safety and nurse retention

Four nurses inside hospital hold signs "Patients First"

Registered nurses at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nev., voted overwhelmingly in favor of ratifying a new three-year contract, winning protections to improve patient safety and nurse retention at their facility, announced California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee (CNA/NNOC) today.

“Nurses fought for this contract to protect our patients and our colleagues,” said Kaitlin McDaniel, RN in the medical-surgical unit. “We will continue to stand united to protect our patients and our profession.”

Highlights of the contract include:

  • Language that protects patients and nurse safety
  • Maintained healthcare coverage for current nurse spouses or domestic partners
  • Economic gains to recruit and retain experienced nurses and caregivers

“We see these improvements as a way to address nursing staff retention and recruitment,” said McDaniel. “With a strong contract like this, we hope to see a better future for Saint Mary’s in order to create an environment that allows patients in all units, on all shifts to get optimal care.”

This new contract covers a three-year term and was approved in a vote held Sept. 1 and 2. CNA/NNOC represents 488 nurses at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center.

The California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the nation with 100,000 members in more than 200 facilities throughout California and more than 175,000 RNs nationwide.