On March 4, nurses at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C., voted to ratify a new contract that includes a commitment from the hospital to hire 1,350 registered nurses by 2025.
As part of the three-year contract, the hospital agreed to hiring at least 450 nurses per year, according to a news release from National Nurses United, which represents more than 1,800 nurses at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
Other highlights of the agreement include 15 to 33 percent wage increases across the life of the contract; new workplace safety improvements, such as increased security in the emergency department; and compensation for nurse preceptors, according to the union.
"We are proud to have a strong contract that will help recruit and retain nurses," Stephanie Sims, RN, a nurse in the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit and member of the bargaining team, said in a statement. "With MedStar management's commitment to hire 450 nurses each year, we will have optimal staffing so we can provide our patients and community with the care they deserve."
The new contract is effective March 12.