California County Nurses Achieve Competitive Salaries

Registered nurses and healthcare professionals working in the Ventura County health system have raised their concerns about staffing, wages and benefits with the county board of overseers, Ventura County Star reported.

According to the report, dozens of workers represented by the California Nurses Association told board members on March 14 that they were seeking pay increases and living wage adjustments under the new contract.

The union represents more than 700 nurses and health workers in Ventura County. Contract negotiations began in December 2022, with the current deal expiring on March 17.

Union members argue that too many experienced nurses are leaving for nearby facilities with higher pay and better working conditions.

“We are now calling on Ventura County to support us in negotiating a contract that will improve patient care and show the respect that nurses and healthcare professionals deserve so we can stop this revolving door.” — Gina Parkon, Santa Claus Critical Care Nurse . Paula Hospital (California), according to a press release shared with Becker.

According to union member Kathy Doornbos, a neonatal intensive care nurse at Ventura County Medical Center, Calif., the union is demanding more than 20 percent pay increases over the life of the contract, while the county is offering less than 15 percent. .

Barry Zimmerman, director of the Ventura County Health Agency, which operates two hospitals and a network of clinics, said the healthcare system is tackling labor shortages and offering retention and hiring bonuses. Ventura County Star reported. He declined to comment on specific contract issues as he is not involved in the negotiations, but expressed optimism that the two sides would come to an agreement, the publication reported.

“We are trying to work towards competitive wages within the safety net we operate in,” he said. Ventura County Star.

Additional negotiation sessions are planned.

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