More than 2,000 registered nurses represented by SEIU have recently ratified a new contract with Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. This step reaffirms the hospital’s reputation as an employer of choice for nurses in the region. The new agreement includes market-driven wage increases, time off enhancements, and new initiatives to address staffing needs.
Michele Szkolnicki, senior vice president and chief nursing officer at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, stated that the top priority in these negotiations was to retain the dedicated and highly skilled nurses at Hershey. The goal was to ensure that patients will always receive the exceptional specialized care for which the academic medical center is renowned. Szkolnicki expressed satisfaction with achieving this new contract for the valued nurses at the medical center.
Key highlights of the new contract include market-driven wage increases for each of the three years covered by the contract. The agreement also offers enhanced parental leave, which aims to provide a better work-life balance for new parents. This new contract underscores the continued commitment to the hospital’s staff by adjusting wages to match current market conditions and remain competitive in recruiting the best nursing talent.
The new agreement takes effect from April 24 and remains in force until March 31, 2027. This move is part of ongoing efforts to adapt to the changes in the healthcare industry and reduce overall costs by decreasing reliance on external agency nurses. For further assistance accessing this content or to request it in a different format, individuals can reach out to Penn State Health Marketing & Communications via email.