SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – Nurses at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center overwhelmingly voted to approve a new three-year contract that will increase the amount of time nurses spend with patients and decrease time spent traveling between departments.
The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) announced the agreement today. ONA represents more than 300 registered nurses (RNs) at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center and more than 14,000 nurses statewide.
Under the new agreement, more patients will be able to work with the same nurse throughout their hospital stay and patients with complex needs will be treated by the most experienced nurses.
“This is a victory for our entire community,” said Kate Morris, RN, ONA's bargaining unit chair at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center. “It’s a relief for patients and their families to know they’ll be working with the same nurses consistently and that they’re receiving care from the most qualified nurses in the state.”
ONA nurses successfully advocated to reduce how often they are “floated” to different units throughout the hospital during a shift. This change will allow nurses to spend less time moving between departments and more time caring for patients. In addition, patients who have more complex needs will now be treated by nurses with the most experience and expertise; ensuring greater care continuity and better patient outcomes.
“Every extra second we can give to our patients is vital,” said Morris. “We’re proud we found ways to strengthen our core team and meet our communities’ needs both now and in the future.”
The new agreement also provides key education incentives to help the hospital recruit and retain nurses with advanced degrees and skills and increases funding for continuing nursing education and training.
“Health care changes daily. By investing in continuing education, we’re making sure our patients have access to the latest innovations and advances in health care,” said Leah Emmett, RN, professional nursing care committee chair at McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center.
Highlights of the new agreement:
- New floating limits allow nurses to spend more time with patients and families
- Invests in continuing education to promote state-of-the-art health care services
- Increases incentives for nurses with advanced education and skills
The agreement also includes 2.25 percent wage increases to recognize and reward nurses’ experience and remain competitive with other local hospitals.
The new contract began March 6 and will end on Sept. 1, 2020. The previous contract between nurses and McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center expired Jan. 1, 2017. Since bargaining began in October 2016, nurses have volunteered more than 350 hours to reach a fair contract which benefits patients and nurses.
ONA was founded in 1904 as the professional association for nurses in Oregon. It is a nonprofit association and a labor union representing nurses. ONA’s mission is to advocate for nursing, quality health care and healthy communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.
