NEW YORK NURSE: December 2007
by Mark Genovese
Massena Memorial Hospital
Salaries for RNs at this North Country facility will increase 14.25% over four years under a new contract approved in October, two months prior to expiration. Longevity pay will increase by 10 cents per hour per level in both 2008 and 2010. Shift differentials and charge differentials, which are based on a percentage of an employees’ compensation, will automatically increase with wage scale increases. The hospital will continue to pay the entire cost of individual health coverage, and will now lock into paying a significant portion of the premium for two-person and family coverage. Unlike the trend at other North Country facilities with defined-benefit pension plans, Massena’s plan will remain unchanged.
Saint Vincent’s - Westchester
A new contract for RNs at Saint Vincent’s Hospital of Westchester, approved in November, will increase base salaries 13% over four years. The new contract establishes a preceptor program, implements stricter RN-to-patient staffing guidelines, adds steps to the experience scale, improves protection for RNs against unfair disciplines, gives a broader scope to the mission of the Health & Safety Committee, and includes increases in charge pay and in shift and education differentials. The contract expires in April 2011.