CARTHAGE, July 29, 2010 – New York State Nurses Association members at Carthage Area Hospital reached a tentative agreement for a new contract on July 27, just four days before their current contract would expire.

The contract includes a wage increase for all Carthage RNs. Additionally, the Nurses Association persuaded hospital management to increase differential pay for nightshift RNs by 12.5 percent to remedy a 34 percent nightshift RN vacancy rate. Obstetric RNs also won the right to receive hourly specialty differential pay, compensation that was previously only offered to critical care unit and emergency department RNs.

RNs and hospital management will also develop and launch a mentoring program that offers workshops and in-service training to newly hired nurses.

“The nurses really pushed hard to keep their priorities on the table. During negotiations, both parties affirmed that patient care is our mutual goal,” said Annie Rutsky, labor relations representative, NYSNA. “This is an agreement that will help the hospital provide the high quality care that this community deserves.”

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 professional association and union for registered nurses. It supports nurses and nursing practice through education, research, legislative advocacy, and collective bargaining.