Scripps Encinitas RNs Ratify New Pact Cite Patient Care, Pay Improvements

Registered nurses at Scripps Memorial Hospital in Encinitas have ratified a new two-year collective bargaining agreement with the hospital that provides for enhancements in patient care protections and compensation gains, the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee announced today.

The pact was ratified in membership meetings Thursday at the hospital. CNA/NNOC represents 320 RNs at the hospital.

Among the contract gains were two important improvements in patient care protection.

The hospital agreed to additional designated staff to assist with the lifting and handling of patients at all times. RNs suffer more back and musculoskeletal injuries than any other work profession, much of that directly related to lifting of patients. More than half of RNs report chronic back pain and 12 percent of those who leave the profession cite back injuries as a major cause.

Designated staff for lifting will also help prevent patient falls and accidents.

A second important patient care gain was language to ensure that the introduction of new technology will not replace RN professional clinical judgment or displace RNs.

Scripps RNs will receive pay increases of up to 20 percent over the two years of the agreement, as well as increased compensation for RNs who help train new RNs.

"Our new CNA contract contributes to the efforts by CNA RNs to raise standards in northern San Diego County," said Scripps RNs Joan Loftin, Patty Hirst, and Melissa Clark in a joint statement. "Together we will strengthen our unity, professionalism, and voice for patient advocacy, as well as our right to bargain collectively."