Updates on CRONA Negotiations from Stanford Health Care and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford.

All Negotiation Updates

Nurses Ratify Three-Year Agreement

Dear Colleagues,

We wish to congratulate you on the ratification of your new three-year contract and thank the CRONA and the hospital negotiating committees for their hard work over the last three months.

We’ll be sharing information about the implementation of the improvements in your new contract soon – so please stay tuned!

Thank you for remaining focused on our patients and our mission throughout the negotiation process. We truly value you and the incredible work that you do each and every day.

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

March 31 Session – Tentative Agreement Reached with CRONA

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce that tentative agreements have been reached with CRONA on new three-year contracts. The tentative agreements are now subject to nurse ratification, with the vote scheduled for this Friday, April 4. CRONA will provide you with further details about the agreement and the ratification vote.

Together with the union, we worked hard to reach agreements that you can be proud to support — with increases in wages, retiree healthcare benefits and relief nurse differentials, among other improvements important to you.

We appreciate the work of the union’s negotiating team, and we are so very grateful for you, our valued nurses.

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

March 30 Session

Dear Colleagues,

Sunday, March 30, the parties met for another full day and then continued into the night to keep the momentum going before today’s session – which we hope can be the parties’ last. Highlights include:

  • Following the mini-package we passed Saturday evening, our team returned a package response on all other issues Sunday morning that included the remaining open topics.

  • The parties reached two additional tentative agreements in concept as components of a broader package: Weekend Staffing and Immigration Enforcement.

  • CRONA provided a response on a number of economic issues last night that included movement on wages. Our team has already been working through it and plans to respond early this morning to keep the progress moving.

  • After two full days on Saturday and Sunday, the groups have continued to narrow gaps on the remaining issues and are back at the table today, March 31.

    • Our team is prepared to stay as long as it takes tonight to reach an agreement, and we look forward to working through the last remaining topics and doing all that we can in an effort to close out on a full agreement today.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

March 29 Session

Dear Colleagues,

Yesterday, Saturday, March 29, the parties met for another full day and continued making progress towards reaching an agreement. Highlights include:

  • CRONA returned a comprehensive package response that narrowed gaps on Relief Nurse Differential, Weekend Staffing and Immigration Enforcement.

  • The parties reached an agreement in concept on the continuation of the Student Loan Repayment Side Letter.

  • Our team, in an effort to be responsive and timely, continued to work after hours and sent a package proposal via email to CRONA’s lead negotiator. Our response showcased additional improvements on three issues that CRONA has indicated are key for them, and is contingent on CRONA moving off of their Staff Reductions & Layoff (Cancellation) proposal:

    • Schedule Posting: Agree to CRONA’s language to increase schedule posting time from two weeks to three weeks prior to the beginning of the next schedule.
      • Additionally, nurses designated as “Rotator” nurses and working in non-inpatient areas will not be required to switch between day and night shifts any more frequently than after a full two-week pay period.

    • Remote Work: Agree that the hospitals’ policies addressing remote and hybrid work, including the policy titled “Remote Work” will apply to CRONA-represented nurses.

    • PTO Usage: To enhance greater schedule flexibility for nurses, the hospitals agree to permit nurses the ability to have another nurse work for them while using unpaid time if the nurses’ PTO bank is depleted.

  • We look forward to continuing our momentum and making additional progress during today’s session.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

March 28 Session

Dear Colleagues,

Friday, March 28, marked the last bargaining session for the week as we continue into sessions on both Saturday and Sunday. We also have a session scheduled for Monday. Highlights include:

  • Our team returned a comprehensive package response that included additional movement on several issues to narrow gaps and get closer to an agreement:
    • Annual wage increases of 3.5%, 3.5% and 3%
    • Relief differential increases of 20% for A, B, C and D relief nurses
    • Additional language protecting the current BSN waiver:
      • “Any nurse holding a valid BSN Waiver as of April 1, 2025, shall continue to be eligible to maintain their Clinical III or Clinical IV status in accordance with the PNDP for the term of the parties’ 2025 – 2028 Agreements.”
    • Withdrawal of our ATO cap proposal

  • Over the last two sessions, the hospitals’ team has now provided responses to all outstanding topics and looks forward to receiving CRONA’s next passes over the weekend.

  • We look forward to continuing the momentum during these next three sessions as we remain focused on reaching an agreement by the March 31 expiration.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

March 27 Session

Dear Colleagues,

Thursday, March 27, marked the third of four bargaining sessions scheduled for the week, with two additional sessions now scheduled for this weekend. Today resulted in additional progress including:

  • CRONA returned a comprehensive economic package, which narrowed the gaps on wages, Relief Differential and Retiree Medical Benefits.

  • The parties reached a tentative agreement on New Technology, further reducing the total number of open items.

  • Our team passed responses on Weekend Staffing, PNDP and a mini package that included Schedule Posting, Remote Work, Mix of Shifts and PTO Usage.

  • The parties return to the table on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, March 28, 29, 30 and 31, in an effort to reach an agreement by the contract’s March 31 expiration.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

March 26 Session

Dear Colleagues,

Wednesday, March 26, concluded the second of four bargaining sessions scheduled for the week. The parties continue to make progress:

  • The parties exchanged proposals on Immigration Enforcement and New Technology and CRONA passed four other non-economic proposals.

  • Our team is looking forward to receiving CRONA’s next economic response on Thursday, March 27.

  • On Wednesday evening, we distributed a Did You Know handout that highlights the progress made so far. The handout also lists tentative agreements reached to date and the areas in which the hospitals have agreed to CRONA’s proposals within topics still being negotiated. You can view it here in case you missed it.

  • The parties return to the table on Thursday and Friday, March 27 and 28. The hospitals’ team proposed additional bargaining sessions to be scheduled on Saturday and Sunday in order to reach an agreement by the contract’s March 31 expiration.
    • We’re pleased that CRONA accepted those additional bargaining dates last night, and the parties are now meeting every day through Monday to reach an agreement.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

March 25 Session

Dear Colleagues,

Tuesday, March 25, marked the first of four bargaining sessions scheduled for the week. It was a busy day with a lot of back-and-forth discussions on several topics:

  • Responses on New Technology and Immigration Enforcement
    • New Technology: We reinforced our proposed language, which states that “the use of technology shall not limit the Nurse’s exercise of clinical judgment in assessment, evaluation, planning, and implementation of care, nor from acting as a patient advocate.” Our proposal further clarifies that new technologies are not intended to eliminate the nurse’s role in the delivery of patient care.
    • Immigration Enforcement: Our response calls for the hospitals to share with all nurses in very specific terms how staff should respond to law enforcement officers.

  • An enhanced economic proposal despite industry headwinds
  • Further discussions on PNDP
    • Our team returned a response to PNDP that focused on process and administrative improvements that both sides agreed were important. We continue to be open to expanding PNDP eligibility should CRONA be open to our criteria.

  • Withdrawal of proposals to generate movement
    • We withdrew our proposal on vacancies and internal transfers and our proposal on expanding the radius of floating nurses to include different work locations. Despite the importance of these withdrawn proposals to the hospitals, our team withdrew them in a good faith effort to get closer to an agreement. The parties also now have a TA on the removal of the side letter on strategic recruitment and retention.

  • We return to the table on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, March 26, 27 and 28, optimistic we can continue to close gaps and make progress toward an agreement. We’ve also let CRONA know we are available over the weekend on both Saturday and Sunday.

  • As always, you can find these updates, as well as stories of extraordinary nurse care, on our website.


Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

March 20 Session

Dear Colleagues,

Thursday, March 20, wrapped up the last of three bargaining sessions scheduled for the week. Highlights of the day include:

  • CRONA provided responses on eight non-economic topics and shared that they hope to provide their next response on economics on the morning of Tuesday, March 25.

  • Our team is also in the process of quickly responding to new data requests from CRONA as we want to make sure they have the information they need to help form their responses.

  • Finally, to help ensure we have every opportunity to reach an agreement before the contract expires on March 31, we let CRONA know we’d be available for three additional days next week (Friday, March 28, Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30).
    • CRONA agreed to Friday, March 28, and stated they can be available for March 29 and 30 as needed. We greatly appreciate CRONA’s willingness to expand the bargaining schedule.

  • We return to the table on Tuesday, March 25, and we look forward to continuing our progress next week, closing gaps and reaching as soon as possible an agreement that our nurses are proud to support.


Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

March 19 Session

Dear Colleagues,

Wednesday, March 19, marked the second of three bargaining sessions this week. Highlights include:

  • The parties reached one Tentative Agreement and are getting very close to agreement on two additional topics
    • The parties reached a tentative agreement in concept on Relief Nurse Attendance and are near closure on the inclusion of the Side Letters reached over the past three years. We are down to one open issue on Mixed Shifts and hope the parties can resolve that issue soon as well.

  • Our team passed an updated proposal on New Technology that further protects a Nurse’s role and clinical judgment
    • Our proposal states that “the use of technology shall not limit the Nurse’s exercise of clinical judgment in assessment, evaluation, planning, and implementation of care, nor from acting as a patient advocate.” It further makes clear that new technologies are not intended to eliminate the Nurse’s role in the delivery of patient care.

  • Our team’s response to CRONA’s package of proposals includes additional improvements for nurses
    • Our advance preparation enabled us to quickly and thoughtfully respond to CRONA’s package of proposals that we received on March 18. Our reply included additional improvements for nurses, including:
      • Enhanced wage increases so we continue to provide competitive wages based upon the market.
      • A 20% increase to the differential pay for non-benefitted relief nurses—from $10 per hour to $12 per hour.

  • Our immigration enforcement response reinforces support for employees
    • We discussed our existing Hospital policy and committed to providing nurses with additional instructions and tools for interacting with law enforcement, including immigration enforcement officials, reinforcing the message from Stanford Medicine leaders during the March 19 Town Hall.

  • The hospitals remain committed to providing a pathway for nurses interested in pursuing professional development and advancement
    • The hospitals’ original proposal expanded eligibility for the PNDP program to include ADNs and diploma nurses who meet certain threshold eligibility requirements. Under the current PNDP, ADNs and diploma nurses are not eligible at all.

    • Unfortunately, after three rounds of back-and-forth proposals on this topic, CRONA’s proposals never included any of our core requests. Since negotiations require a give and take from both sides, the hospitals withdrew their PNDP proposal yesterday.

    • However, we are still open to negotiating this important topic and having further discussions with CRONA should CRONA advance a proposal that addresses our core requests.

    • As a reminder, some of the new elements of our PNDP proposal included:
      • Addition of a brand-new category in which nurses can earn up to 15 points for participation in process improvement, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and/or research projects, including Research and EBP fellowships.
      • Elimination of the PNDP’s current CEU requirement.
      • Continuation of the current BSN waiver language affecting existing nurses who didn’t have a BSN as of March 2022 and who had attained a Clin III or Clin IV level to maintain that level under the PNDP.


The parties return to the table on Thursday, March 20, and are scheduled to meet multiple days next week leading up to the expiration of the contract.

We have every intention of reaching an agreement that continues to make our hospitals a place where the best nurses want to spend their entire careers while also ensuring that our hospitals remain financially stable in the face of real revenue threats.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

March 18 Session

Dear Colleagues,

Tuesday, March 18, was the first of three bargaining sessions this week. The day’s activities included:

  • The parties spent the morning working independently.
  • The groups came together in the afternoon, and our team was pleased to receive a comprehensive response from CRONA on the package of proposals we passed last Tuesday, March 11.
  • Our team has already begun to review CRONA’s latest package of proposals and is looking to respond as promptly as possible to keep the momentum going.
  • The parties return to the table on Wednesday and Thursday this week, March 19 and 20.


Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

March 13 Session

Dear Colleagues,

Thursday, March 13, marked the third and final day of bargaining for the week. The parties once again worked mostly independently in their caucus rooms. Both sides came together briefly in the afternoon, with CRONA providing us with responses on two non-economic topics. At this point, besides these two topics and PNDP, all other open topics are included in the comprehensive package proposal our bargaining team provided to CRONA on Tuesday. 

We appreciate the CRONA bargaining team flagging the typo that was briefly on our website. We immediately corrected this information and can confirm that the information shared with CRONA at the table and in the email update to nurses following the March 11 session was accurate.

We also provided CRONA with supporting details and information that further validates the following data points previously shared with CRONA:

  • Our current LPCH/SHC wage rates are already higher than current Kaiser Permanente wage rates by 1.7% (average of $4.81 more per hour).
  • Our current LPCH/SHC wage rates are already higher than current UCSF wage rates by 0.6% (average of $2.54 more per hour).


We look forward to receiving CRONA’s response to our initial economic proposal and continuing discussions on the remaining open topics when the parties return to the table next week on March 18, 19 and 20.   

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

March 12 Session

Dear Colleagues,

On Wednesday, March 12, the parties largely worked separately in their caucus rooms on responses to each other’s proposals. We look forward to receiving CRONA’s response to our initial economic proposal and continuing discussions on that and other open topics.  

The parties return to the table for one additional bargaining session this week, March 13, and then again for three sessions next week on March 18, 19 and 20.   

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

March 11 Session

Dear Colleagues,

Tuesday, March 11, marked the first of three negotiations sessions for the week.

  • During the session, we provided CRONA with our initial economic proposal response. It is important to note that this proposal is a starting point for further discussion, and we are dedicated to reaching an agreement that recognizes our nurses and puts us in a place for mutual success.

    • We are committed to continuing to provide competitive wages based upon the market. Before factoring in any new increases reached as part of these negotiations:
      • Our current LPCH/SHC wage rates are already higher than current Kaiser Permanente wage rates by 1.7% (average of $4.81 more per hour).
      • Our current LPCH/SHC wage rates are already higher than current UCSF wage rates by 0.6% (average of $2.54 more per hour).

    • We are committed to being among the market leaders when it comes to benefits.
      • Our team shared how current medical, dental, retirement and PTO benefits for our CRONA nurses compare favorably against national benchmarks.

    • We are committed to fully supporting our nurses and their careers, and our high retention rates show it. It is our goal that nurses want to stay and grow with us.
      • Our nurses have turnover rates well below other hospitals:
        • 2024 SHC: 6.6%
        • 2024 LPCHS: 5.97%
        • 2023 Benchmark: 18.4% (most recent data available)

  • We encourage you to view our presentation to CRONA, which further highlights many of the things we should all be proud of. The presentation also flags various governmental and other revenue risks that we are actively monitoring and that have already had significant impacts on the healthcare sector, such as:
    • Proposed cuts to Medicaid by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
    • Impacts of tariffs on medical supplies, devices and medications
    • National Institutes of Health funding changes

  • We look forward to continuing these important discussions around economics and all other open issues in our future sessions.

  • The parties have two additional bargaining sessions this week on March 12 and 13.

  • Please visit our website for the latest updates and to submit questions.

Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

March 5 Session

Dear Colleagues,

Wednesday, March 5, marked the last of three negotiations sessions for the week.

  • The union provided a counter on PNDP, and we had further discussions on this topic.

  • The Hospitals’ most recent PNDP proposal both expands and reinforces our commitment to providing a pathway for nurses interested in pursuing professional development and advancement. Our proposal:
    • Expanded eligibility for the PNDP program to include ADNs and diploma nurses who meet certain threshold eligibility requirements. Under the current PNDP, ADNs and diploma nurses are not eligible at all.
    • Added a brand-new category in which nurses can earn up to 15 points for participation in process improvement, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and/or research projects, including Research and EBP fellowships.
    • Eliminated the PNDP’s current CEU requirement.
    • Maintained the current BSN waiver language, which allows nurses who didn’t have a BSN as of March 2022 and who had attained a Clin III or Clin IV level to maintain that level under the PNDP

  • The parties spent the remainder of the day in separate caucus rooms working on their respective proposals.
    • Our team also continues to focus on CRONA’s initial economic proposals.

  • The parties return to the table next week for three additional bargaining sessions on March 11, 12 and 13.

  • Please visit our website for the latest updates and to submit questions.


Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

March 4 Session

Dear Colleagues,

Tuesday, March 4, the parties wrapped the second of three bargaining sessions for the week. Highlights include:

  • The groups spent the majority of the day working in separate caucus rooms.
    • Specifically, our team continues to conduct their due diligence on CRONA’s initial economic proposals.
  • The parties return to the table on Wednesday, March 5, with three more sessions scheduled for next week.
  • As always, latest updates may be found on our website.


Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

March 3 Session

Dear Colleagues,

Monday, March 3, launched the first of three days of bargaining this week. The session’s highlights include:

  • Our team passed multiple proposals including New Technology and PNDP.
    • Our New Technology proposal includes strengthened language that makes it clear the hospitals are not looking to curtail or limit nurses in the exercise of their clinical judgment.
    • We look forward to continuing to work together on these topics and to having further discussions.
  • Meanwhile, our team continues to diligently review CRONA’s initial economic proposals.
  • The parties return to the table on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 4 and 5.
  • For the latest information please visit our website.


Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

February 27 Session

Dear Colleagues,

February 27 marked the end of three days of bargaining with CRONA this week. The session’s highlights include:

  • We were pleased to receive CRONA’s comprehensive economic opener, which means that all topics are now on the table and can be considered in aggregate.
  • CRONA also passed PNDP, New Technology and Rotator Schedules.
  • Our team has already begun to work on responses with the intention to reply in an expeditious manner.
  • The parties return to the table on Monday, March 3, with additional sessions scheduled for March 4 and 5.
  • For the latest information please visit our website.


Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

February 26 Session

Dear Colleagues,

Wednesday, February 26, wrapped up the second of three bargaining sessions scheduled for this week. The day’s highlights include:

  • The day was once again spent in caucus rooms as the groups continued to work through topics, including the Professional Nurse Development Program.
  • Both parties are committed to continuing to make progress before the week’s sessions conclude.
  • The final session for the week is scheduled for February 27, and three additional sessions are scheduled for next week on March 3, 4 and 5.
  • For the latest information please visit our website.


Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

February 25 Session

Dear Colleagues,

Tuesday, February 25, kicked off the first bargaining session of the week and marked our 15th session in total. Highlights include:

  • The groups spent the day working diligently in separate caucus rooms in anticipation of passing additional proposals and responses this week.
  • Given where we are in the process and the work that has already been achieved, working sessions can be extremely helpful in advancing proposals and keeping the momentum going.
  • We have two more negotiation sessions scheduled for this week, February 26 and 27.
  • For the latest information please visit our website.


Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

February 20 Session

Dear Colleagues,

We held our final negotiation session of the week, and the 14th overall, on Thursday, February 20. Highlights from the day’s session include:

  • Our team passed a response on the Professional Nurse Development Program (PNDP) that includes an entirely new category in which nurses can earn up to 15 points for participation in process improvement, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and/or research projects, including Research and EBP fellowships. Our proposal also adds points to some existing sections.
  • The hospitals also provided a response on New Technology that upholds nurses’ decision-making and clinical judgment in providing world-class patient care. The language ensures that the hospitals have the flexibility to adopt new and emerging technologies that will further our shared commitment to providing that exceptional care.
  • We have three negotiation sessions scheduled for next week, during which we hope to continue closing some of the remaining gaps.
  • For the latest information please visit our website.


Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

February 19 Session

Dear Colleagues,

We held the second of three negotiating sessions this week, and the 13th overall, on Wednesday, February 19. Highlights from the day’s session include:

  • CRONA responded to our team’s Professional Nurse Development Program (PNDP) proposal from Tuesday. We appreciated the further discussion and points of view, and our team spent much of the afternoon working through CRONA’s response and preparing proposals on other topics.
  • The Hospitals also provided responses on Internal Vacancies and Transfers, Weekend Staffing, PTO and Rotator Schedules.
  • Our final session this week will take place today, February 20.
  • For the latest information please visit our website.


Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

February 18 Session

Dear Colleagues,

On Tuesday, February 18, we kicked off the first of this week’s three bargaining sessions with heavy hearts in remembrance of Marion Mullin, CRONA’s founder and first president. Highlights from the day’s session include:

  • The parties reached conceptual tentative agreements (TAs) on the five topics our team passed at the last session: Staffing, Education Reimbursement, Investigations and Written Warnings, Grievance and Arbitration and Workplace Violence Prevention.
    • We are especially pleased to have come to an agreement on Workplace Violence Prevention, a top priority for both the union and the hospitals.
    • The Grievance and Arbitration TA includes each party advancing the names of four new potential arbitrators.
  • Our team passed its initial response on the Professional Nurse Development Program (PNDP). Our response included testimonials from three nurse managers (who are all former CRONA-represented nurses). They shared how the PNDP contributed to their career development as bedside caregivers and reinforced the importance of a rigorous PNDP in further driving nursing excellence.
  • Negotiations will continue today, February 19, and tomorrow, February 20.
  • For the latest information please visit our website.


Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

February 13 Session

Dear Colleagues,

Thursday, February 13, marked the end of three bargaining sessions this week, as well as the 11th session in total. A small earthquake shook the bargaining table but couldn’t rattle the parties as we made further progress in negotiations. Highlights from this session include:

  • Our team put together a package of five important topics: Staffing, Education Reimbursement, Investigations and Written Warnings, Grievance and Arbitration and Workplace Violence Prevention.
  • We believe this package reflects the priorities of both sides as well as the movement made by both sides over the previous 48 hours. It is our hope that this package allows the parties to close these non-economic issues out, and that we can reach agreement on this aggregate package prior to our next session.
  • CRONA passed counterproposals on Weekend Staffing and New Technology.
  • The parties return to the table for three days next week, February 18, 19 and 20.
  • For the latest information please visit our website.


Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

February 12 Session

Dear Colleagues,

On February 12, the parties wrapped up day two of three bargaining sessions scheduled for this week. This session marked the 10th day of negotiations since the process started. Session highlights include:   

  • We had a productive day, with CRONA getting back to us on a number of proposals.
  • The parties have now exchanged counterproposals on almost all non-economic topics (13 of 15), including Staffing, On-Call Sleep Rooms, Rotator Schedules, PTO, Remote Work, Staffing Plans, Reduced Commitment, Workplace Violence Prevention, Educational Reimbursement, and New Technology.
  • In terms of our response on New Technology, our proposal recognizes the importance of our Nurses and their skills, decision-making and clinical judgment in providing world-class patient care, while also ensuring the hospitals have the flexibility to adopt new and emerging technologies that will further our shared commitment to providing that exceptional care.
  • Our team is also working diligently on the Professional Nurse Development Program (PNDP) section and plans to pass an initial response during today’s session.
  • Today, February 13, will be the final day of bargaining for the week, but the parties return to the table for three days next week, February 18, 19 and 20.
  • Please visit our negotiations website for the latest updates.


Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

February 11 Session

Dear Colleagues,

February 11 marked the first of three days of bargaining with CRONA scheduled for this week and our ninth day of negotiations overall. Highlights include:

  • Our team started the day by passing five counterproposals on Educational Assistance, PTO, Relief Nurse Attendance, On-Call Sleep Rooms and Staffing.
  • The CRONA team provided responses on Weekend Staffing and Rotator Schedules.
  • In the afternoon our team came back with counterproposals on both Rotator Schedules and Weekend Staffing.
  • A number of our passes include added protections and improvements for nurses.
  • We look forward to making continued progress this week during our session today, February 12, and tomorrow, February13.
  • As always, you can find the latest negotiations updates on our website.


Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

February 5 Session

Dear Colleagues,

February 5 wrapped up three days of bargaining with CRONA this week and marked the eighth day of negotiations since the process began. Here are the highlights:

  • Both parties are in agreement regarding the critical importance of the Workplace Violence language to protect our nurses while ensuring the highest quality of patient care. While the parties are not yet fully aligned, our team is focused on listening to and understanding CRONA’s position.
  • Our team passed counterproposals on Staffing, Reduced Commitments, Rotator Schedules and Workplace Violence.
  • The CRONA team provided responses on Staffing, PTO and Relief Nurse Attendance.
  • We look forward to responding to additional proposals and making continued progress during our three sessions next week – February 11, 12 and 13.
  • As always, you can find the latest negotiations updates on our website.


Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

February 4 Session

Dear Colleagues,

February 4 marked day two of three bargaining sessions this week and our seventh session in total. The day’s highlights include:

  • While most of the day was spent with both teams working separately in their caucus rooms, the teams exchanged several counterproposals.
  • Our team passed counterproposals on Weekend Staffing, Grievance and Arbitration and Relief Nurse Attendance.
  • The CRONA team provided responses on Staffing, On-Call and Sleep Rooms, Reduced Commitment and Workplace Violence.
    • Our team plans to respond to as many of these counterproposals as possible during our session today to carry the momentum from this week’s discussions into our three sessions next week – February 11, 12 and 13.
  • Remember to check out our negotiations site for the latest negotiations updates.


Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

February 3 Session

Dear Colleagues,

We returned to the table on February 3 for our sixth bargaining session with CRONA and the first of three scheduled this week. Our team continued its effort to close gaps and make progress on the issues CRONA has raised. The day’s highlights include:

  • The parties reached tentative agreements (TAs) on Nurse Practice Committee (SHC) and Information Requests (SHC and LPCH).
  • In addition, our team passed counterproposals on On-Call and Sleep Rooms, Staffing, Investigations and Written Warnings, PTO and Workplace Violence, as well as a response on Reduced Commitments.
  • The CRONA team provided responses on Investigations and Written Warnings, Grievance and Arbitration and Workplace Violence, the last of which both teams continue to prioritize.
  • The parties will meet again today, February 4, and tomorrow, February 5.
  • Remember to check out our negotiations site for the latest negotiations updates.


Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

January 30 Session

Dear Colleagues,

January 30 marked the third day of contract negotiations this week and our fifth session in total. The tone continues to be collaborative and professional, and the teams are steadily moving through proposals and closing the gaps where we can. The day’s highlights include:

  • Our team passed our first counterproposals on Investigations and Written Warnings and Grievance and Arbitration. We also passed our second counterproposal on Workplace Violence.
  • The CRONA team provided responses on Staffing, On-Call and Sleep Rooms, Schedule Posting and Workplace Violence.
  • The teams focused much of their time on Workplace Violence, continuing important discussions and successfully narrowing differences.
  • The parties made steady progress toward closing gaps on multiple sections and are optimistic that additional tentative agreements (TAs) can be reached when we meet next week on February 3, 4 and 5.
  • Remember to check out our negotiations site for the latest negotiations updates.


Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

January 29 Session

Dear Colleagues,

January 29 marked our fourth negotiation session with CRONA for our SHC and LPCH nurses and our second of three sessions scheduled for this week. The tone was again both positive and productive. The day’s highlights include:

  • Our team passed counterproposals on Nurse Staffing, On-Call System and Sleep Room, Schedule Posting, Workplace Violence and Vacancies and Internal Transfers.
  • The CRONA team provided responses on Shift Trades, Vacancies and Internal Transfers, and Nurse Practice Committee.
  • The parties reached their first tentative agreement (TA) on SHC’s proposal on Section 22 – Time Off For CRONA Officers.
  • In terms of our team’s Workplace Violence proposal, the safety of our staff and patients remains a top priority. Our proposal commits to:
    • Using best efforts to offer reassignments to RNs who have been subject to workplace violence or threats while continuing to ensure we meet our commitment to patient care.
    • Providing quarterly updates on both the number of workplace violence incidents as well as data on the reassignments offered.
  • We will return to the table today, January 30, with both parties looking to exchange additional counterproposals and continuing to narrow gaps.
  • Remember to check out our negotiations site for the latest negotiations updates


Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

January 28 Session

Dear Colleagues,

January 28 brought us back to the table with CRONA for our third day of contract negotiations for our SHC and LPCH nurses. We had another positive and productive session. The day’s highlights include:

  • Our team focused the discussion on four of CRONA’s non-economic proposals (passed during the prior session). We asked clarifying questions to ensure our complete understanding of what CRONA is trying to solve for.
  • Based on those discussions, our team will present our first counterproposals during today’s session on Nurse Staffing (Section 32), On-Call System and Sleep Room (Sections 7.7 and 7.7.1), and Schedule Posting (Section 17.9).
  • We will also return to the table tomorrow, January 30, and we look forward to providing additional responses this week.
  • Remember to check out our negotiations site for the latest negotiations updates.


Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

January 15 Session

Dear Colleagues,

January 15 marked the second day of contract negotiations with CRONA on new contracts for the nurses of SHC and LPCH. We are happy to report another productive day. The session’s highlights include:

  • CRONA kicked off the day by giving our team their full set of non-economic proposals. We greatly appreciate CRONA providing these so early in the process as it helps provide certainty on the issues to be discussed.
  • Our bargaining team has already started reviewing these proposals and will also use multiple working sessions next week to prepare as many proposal responses as possible for when we meet again with CRONA on January 28, 29 and 30.
  • During the session our team also provided CRONA with our own non-economic proposals. All non-economic proposals are now on the table, and we look forward to discussing these topics at our future sessions.
  • Remember to check out our negotiations site for the latest negotiations updates.


Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

January 14 Session

Dear Colleagues,

We have officially begun formal contract talks with CRONA, the first step toward our shared goal of reaching agreements on new contracts for the nurses of SHC and LPCH. We greatly appreciated the professional and productive discussions on our first day. A few points to highlight:

  • The parties return to the table again on Wednesday, Jan. 15.
    • Both bargaining teams will provide their full set of non-economic proposals during the session.
  • There is a great deal of work ahead, and as we mentioned in our earlier communication, we have an ambitious bargaining schedule. With the exception of next week, our schedule includes negotiations two to three times every week over the next three months.
  • With negotiations, each day is unique. Some sessions may only require a very brief update, as the parties may be primarily in caucus or focused solely on a single important topic. Other updates may include much more detail—it will all depend on what happens at the table.
  • Remember to check out our negotiations site. This site is your one-stop resource for updates and related bargaining information.


Thank you for your dedication and please stay tuned!

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford

Upcoming Contract Negotiations

Dear Colleagues,

As we look ahead to contract negotiations scheduled to begin on January 14th, we want to share our commitment to you throughout the upcoming negotiations process.

We are committed to working together with CRONA to achieve our goal of delivering safe, high-quality patient care while recognizing the critical role our nurses play in our health care system and reinforcing our commitment to supporting you and the nursing profession.

Negotiations can be difficult and there may be differences of opinion during bargaining. That said, we are dedicated to working toward solutions that promote our productive, constructive partnership. We’re confident that’s possible because we share the same goal – contracts that promote superior patient care, support your work, your professional aspirations and your life away from work.

We currently have sessions scheduled throughout January, February and March, and we look forward to keeping you updated along the way. We also encourage you to visit this website, your central source for the latest updates and information.

We are grateful to be a part of this extraordinary nursing team, and we look forward to reaching an agreement as soon as possible so you can benefit from the improvements a new contract provides.

Dale Beatty, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nurse Executive & Senior Vice President; Patient Care Services
Watson Caritas Coach®
Stanford Health Care

Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services
Stanford Children’s Health | Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford