Bryan, Texas, December 12, 2025
Over 700 registered nurses at St. Joseph Health Hospital in Bryan, Texas, have voted to join the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United. This decision highlights their commitment to improving patient safety and staffing levels. The nurses aim to negotiate their first contract focusing on crucial workplace issues. This movement reflects a growing trend among healthcare professionals in Texas advocating for better working conditions.
Bryan, Texas
Registered Nurses at St. Joseph Health Hospital Vote to Unite
Over 700 Registered Nurses at St. Joseph Health Hospital Vote to Join National Nurses United
In a decisive move, more than 700 registered nurses at St. Joseph Health Hospital in Bryan-College Station, Texas, have voted to join the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU), the nation’s largest and fastest-growing union of registered nurses. The election, conducted by the National Labor Relations Board on December 9 and 10, 2025, signifies a significant step toward enhancing patient care and addressing workplace concerns.
The nurses’ decision to unionize stems from deep concerns about patient safety and the need for improved staffing levels. By joining NNOC/NNU, they aim to advocate more effectively for their patients and themselves, seeking to establish a strong contract that ensures quality care and fair working conditions.
A Response to Industry Trends
St. Joseph Health Hospital, a 316-bed facility, reported profits of $1.1 billion last year. The nurses believe that these substantial profits provide the resources necessary to address their concerns regarding patient safety and staffing levels. The unionization effort in Bryan-College Station follows a broader trend of nurses in Texas seeking collective bargaining rights. In March 2024, registered nurses at Ascension Seton Medical Center in Austin voted overwhelmingly to join NNOC/NNU, highlighting a growing movement among healthcare professionals in the state to advocate for better working conditions and patient care standards.
Moving Forward: Goals and Negotiations
The nurses at St. Joseph Health Hospital are now preparing to elect representatives from each unit and department. These representatives will collaborate with hospital leaders to negotiate their first contract, focusing on issues such as staffing ratios, patient safety, and work-life balance. The goal is to ensure that nurses have a voice in decision-making processes that directly impact their ability to provide high-quality care to their patients.
The Impact of Unionization
This development underscores the ongoing efforts by healthcare workers to improve conditions within the industry and aims to create a more supportive environment for both staff and patients. The outcome of this election may serve as a catalyst for similar movements in other healthcare facilities across the state and the nation. As Texas continues to experience a surge in healthcare professionals pursuing union representation, the conversation about labor rights and patient care standards is likely to expand.
Future Perspectives
The impact of the recent unionization vote at St. Joseph Health Hospital highlights the importance of addressing the needs of healthcare workers amid profitability in the sector. With healthcare being a top priority for many communities, ensuring that nurses are heard and that their concerns are addressed can contribute positively to patient outcomes and overall healthcare quality. The engagement of nurses in the decision-making processes reflects an entrepreneurial spirit among healthcare professionals, promoting collaboration and innovation.
Key Features of the Unionization Effort at St. Joseph Health Hospital
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Nurses Involved | Over 700 registered nurses at St. Joseph Health Hospital in Bryan-College Station, Texas. |
| Union Represented | National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU). |
| Election Dates | December 9 and 10, 2025, conducted by the National Labor Relations Board. |
| Primary Concerns Addressed | Patient safety, staffing levels, and workplace conditions. |
| Hospital’s Reported Profits | $1.1 billion in the previous year. |
| Next Steps | Electing unit and department representatives to negotiate the first contract focusing on staffing ratios, patient safety, and work-life balance. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU)?
NNOC/NNU is the nation’s largest and fastest-growing union of registered nurses, representing over 225,000 members nationwide. The organization focuses on advocating for improved patient care, safe staffing levels, and better working conditions for nurses.
Why did the nurses at St. Joseph Health Hospital decide to unionize?
The nurses cited deep concerns about patient safety and the need for improved staffing levels as primary reasons for their decision to unionize. They aim to advocate more effectively for their patients and themselves by joining NNOC/NNU.
What are the next steps for the nurses after the vote?
Following the vote, the nurses will elect representatives from each unit and department. These representatives will collaborate with hospital leaders to negotiate their first contract, focusing on issues such as staffing ratios, patient safety, and work-life balance.
How does this unionization effort relate to other movements in Texas?
This effort aligns with a broader trend of nurses in Texas seeking collective bargaining rights. In March 2024, registered nurses at Ascension Seton Medical Center in Austin voted overwhelmingly to join NNOC/NNU, highlighting a growing movement among healthcare professionals in the state to advocate for better working conditions and patient care standards.
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