On Thursday, January 31st, Registered Nurses at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center ratified a strong new union contract! The four-year agreement puts in place positive changes to improve bedside care and recruit and retain experienced, skilled nurses.
“It’s a new day for all of us,” said Kim Klinger, who has been a GWV RN since 2003. “This is a great achievement for nurses, our hospital, and all our patients.”
The contract includes:
- Improved staffing language so RNs have more input into the staffing needs of their patients;
- Changes to on-call use to prevent nurse burnout;
- Guaranteed yearly wage increases (3% each year);
- Better training for RNs who float between departments; and
- A student loan assistance program for RNs who stay at the hospital more than 10 years.
“Education improvements are going to have a big impact on nurse retention,” said Klinger. “Nurses will come here, stay here, and their skills and experience will benefit our patients.”