Sharp HealthCare has ratified a new contract for its registered nursing staff, providing significant salary increases and improved benefits. The decision follows seven months of negotiations with the United Nurses Associations of California and the Union of Health Care Professionals. The previous contract expired on September 30, 2025, prompting the union to advocate for enhanced wages.
The four-year agreement stipulates a 5% increase in base pay for the first year, followed by 4% increases in each of the subsequent three years. Additionally, registered nurses will receive 72 hours of sick leave upfront and will have the option to utilize other paid time off or unpaid leave if they require more support. The agreement also includes improved retiree medical benefits.
Susan Stone, PhD, RN, who serves as Senior Vice President of Health System Operations and System Chief Nursing Executive at Sharp HealthCare, expressed satisfaction with the agreement. “We are pleased to have reached this agreement, which reflects our commitment to our nurses and our community. We believe it will help us continue to attract the very best registered nurses to Sharp,” she stated.
The nurses’ union has indicated that the salary increases are vital for attracting and retaining talent within the organization. Andrea Muir, RN, a nurse at Sharp and President of the UNAC/UHCP affiliate, emphasized the broader impact of the contract. “This win is about more than a contract. Sharp registered nurses stood together to ensure that the San Diego community gets the health care they deserve and access to skilled, dedicated caregivers in their moments of need,” she said.
The tentative agreement was reached on January 12, 2026, signaling a significant step forward for the nursing staff and the healthcare community in San Diego. As healthcare demands continue to evolve, this new contract aims to address both the needs of the nurses and the quality of care provided to the public.
The ratification of this contract marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing effort to support healthcare professionals and ensure they are adequately compensated for their vital work. As healthcare systems across the globe face challenges in staffing and retention, Sharp HealthCare’s commitment to its nurses may set a precedent for other institutions.
