The California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU) has been officially certified by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) as the collective bargaining representative for registered nurses at Doctors Hospital of Manteca. This landmark decision, confirmed today by the NLRB, marks a significant step forward for patient advocacy and nurse empowerment at the facility.
This certification follows a resounding vote by the Doctors Hospital registered nurses on September 30, where an overwhelming 94 percent chose to join CNA/NNU. The secret ballot election, overseen by the NLRB, saw nurses vote 121 to 8 in favor of union representation. This decisive outcome means that CNA will now represent approximately 200 registered nurses working at Doctors Hospital, solidifying their collective voice in matters concerning their profession and patient care.
“The nurses at Doctors are energized to officially become part of CNA, uniting us in our shared commitment to enhance patient care, address critical nursing needs, and build a secure future for our hospital through a strong union contract,” stated Mike Agardy, a registered nurse at Doctors Hospital, immediately after the initial vote. This sentiment reflects the collective aspirations of the nursing staff to collaboratively shape a better working environment and elevate the quality of healthcare provided at Manteca Doctors Hospital.
Doctors Hospital operates under the umbrella of Tenet Healthcare, one of the nation’s largest for-profit hospital systems. With this successful unionization, Doctors Hospital RNs join a substantial network of 5,500 Tenet RNs already represented by NNU across 14 Tenet facilities spanning California, Arizona, and Texas. This collective bargaining power within the Tenet system allows nurses to advocate more effectively for improved standards and resources.
Kamal Kaur, another RN at Doctors Hospital, expressed enthusiasm about joining this larger movement, stating, “We are excited to stand alongside our fellow Tenet RNs and colleagues at other hospitals who have already achieved significant advancements. Together, we will continue to raise the bar and establish new benchmarks for all Tenet RNs.”
Looking ahead, the registered nurses at Doctors Hospital are preparing to engage their colleagues to identify key priorities for negotiation with hospital administration. The next crucial step will be the election of a nurse negotiating team, who will represent their peers in upcoming contract discussions. This process underscores the democratic and nurse-led nature of the CNA/NNU union, ensuring that the voices of frontline caregivers are central to shaping their workplace and patient care standards at Manteca Doctors Hospital.
