Sharp HealthCare has ratified a new contract that will significantly increase wages for its registered nurses. This announcement follows a protracted negotiation period lasting seven months with the United Nurses Associations of California and the Union of Health Care Professionals. The new contract takes effect after the previous agreement expired on September 30, 2025.
The four-year agreement includes several key provisions aimed at improving the working conditions and financial compensation for nurses. Under the new contract, all Sharp bargaining-unit registered nurses will receive a base-pay increase of 5% in the first year, followed by 4% annual increases for the next three years. Additionally, the agreement provides 72 hours of sick leave that will be frontloaded, allowing nurses to utilize other paid time off or unpaid leave if they need more time than allotted. Improved benefits for retirees are also part of this new contract.
Dr. Susan Stone, Senior Vice President of Health System Operations and System Chief Nursing Executive at Sharp HealthCare, expressed satisfaction with the agreement, stating, “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.”
The nurses’ union also emphasized the importance of the wage increases in retaining talent. Andrea Muir, a registered nurse and President of the UNAC/UHCP affiliate at Sharp, highlighted that this achievement represents more than just a contract. “Sharp registered nurses stood together to ensure that the San Diego community gets the health care they deserve and has access to skilled, dedicated caregivers in their moments of need,” she remarked.
The tentative agreement was reached on January 12, 2026, marking a significant milestone for both the nurses and the healthcare system in San Diego. As healthcare demands continue to grow, the enhanced compensation and benefits are expected to play a crucial role in attracting and retaining qualified nursing professionals.
This new contract reflects an ongoing commitment to improving healthcare quality in the region, ensuring that patients receive the care they need from well-supported healthcare providers.
