BREAKING: Essentia Health has just announced a tentative agreement with the Minnesota Nurses Association on a three-year contract that will impact nearly 300 nurses at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd. This urgent development was confirmed Wednesday, November 12, 2023, and it sets the stage for a ratification vote in the coming days.
The deal, which will remain effective through October 31, 2028, comes after only eight bargaining sessions that began on September 23. Nurses at St. Joseph’s are poised to benefit from improved working conditions and support, with the full backing of their union’s bargaining committee.
Rhonda Kazik, chief nurse executive at Essentia, expressed optimism about the agreement, stating, “We are pleased to reach a deal that is good for our talented nursing colleagues, for Essentia Health and — most importantly — for the patients we’re honored to serve.” Kazik highlighted the efficiency and professionalism of the negotiations, thanking union leaders for their collaborative approach.
One critical issue addressed in the negotiations was the concern of overstaffing at St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Following a troubling incident in October where four nurses were assaulted at various Essentia hospitals—two at St. Joseph’s—union officials had called for increased staffing levels to ensure safety and quality of care.
While the Minnesota Nurses Association has yet to comment on the tentative agreement pending the ratification vote, the atmosphere remains charged as nurses await the outcome that could significantly impact their work environment and patient care standards.
As this story develops, stakeholders and community members are encouraged to stay informed. The ratification vote is anticipated soon, and its outcome will be crucial for the future of nursing at St. Joseph’s Medical Center.
For more updates on this important agreement, stay tuned.
