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Langhorne Today
By the People, for the People
St. Mary Medical Center Nurses Ratify New 3-Year Agreement
The new contract includes significant pay raises and improved staffing language.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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Nurses at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, Pennsylvania have ratified a new three-year contract that includes substantial base wage increases of up to 17% as well as improved staffing provisions and language around patient safety and a non-punitive environment for reporting errors.
Why it matters
The new contract aims to address caregiver retention issues and improve patient safety at the hospital by providing competitive wages and strengthening staffing requirements. This is an important development for the local healthcare system and community.
The details
The new 3-year agreement was approved by 94% of the 630 registered nurses who are part of the St. Mary United Nurses Union (SMUNU). It includes increases in base wages, differentials for evening, night, and weekend shifts, as well as tier/pool differentials. The contract also locks in staffing grids until December 2027 and maintains 'Just Culture' language to support a non-punitive environment for reporting errors.
- The new 3-year contract was ratified on February 24, 2026.
- The staffing grids are locked in until December 31, 2027.
The players
St. Mary United Nurses Union (SMUNU)
The union representing 630 registered nurses at St. Mary Medical Center.
Julia Smith
Co-president of the SMUNU.
Bob Bozek
Co-president of the SMUNU and an MSN, RN.
Debbi Bozeman
A Med/Surg nurse at St. Mary Medical Center.
Paulette Petrizzi
A Quality Analyst at St. Mary Medical Center with the titles MSN, RN, CPHQ, CAPA.
Joe Gentile
A 47-year Cath Lab nurse at St. Mary Medical Center.
What they’re saying
“We secured a strong contract for nurses and patients. A strong foundation was built with management during the process, and we hope for future accomplishments through mutual respect and shared commitment.”
— Julia Smith, Co-president of SMUNU (patch.com)
“The contract's emphasis on patient safety and nurse recruitment is important. We hope continued collaboration will elevate the hospital as an industry leader in the region.”
— Bob Bozek, Co-president of SMUNU, MSN, RN (patch.com)
“Seasoned nurses are the backbone of healthcare. This contract respects our expertise and rewards our essential role in patient care.”
— Debbi Bozeman, Med/Surg Nurse (patch.com)
“Maintaining 'Just Culture' language is essential for identifying risks, resolving system issues, and strengthening patient safety.”
— Paulette Petrizzi, Quality Analyst, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CAPA (patch.com)
“Nurses feel seen and heard by management. We have a voice to advocate for ourselves and our patients, using that voice to create positive changes for the hospital.”
— Joe Gentile, 47-year Cath Lab Nurse (patch.com)
What’s next
The new contract will go into effect immediately and remain in place until December 31, 2027.
The takeaway
This new 3-year agreement between St. Mary Medical Center and its nurses' union demonstrates a commitment to improving nurse retention, patient safety, and the overall quality of healthcare in the local community. The significant pay raises and staffing provisions are expected to have a positive impact on the hospital's ability to attract and retain top nursing talent.
