Desert Regional Nurses Approve New Contract Aimed at Staffing and Safety

Registered nurses at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs—along with nurses at five other California Tenet Healthcare facilities—have approved a new three-year labor contract aimed at improving working conditions and patient care.

The agreement passed with strong support, with 93% of nurses voting in favor. Union leaders say the contract represents a major step forward in addressing long-standing concerns about staffing levels and nurse retention.

Key provisions of the deal include improved staffing measures, guaranteed orientations for new hires, and wage increases of up to 18%. The contract also ensures there will be no cuts to existing health benefits, a point that was especially important for workers during negotiations.

Supporters of the agreement say better staffing and improved working conditions will directly benefit patient safety, allowing nurses to provide higher-quality care.

Union representatives described the contract as a win not only for healthcare workers but also for the patients they serve, emphasizing that stable staffing and experienced nurses are critical to maintaining safe and effective hospital operations.