An Update for the Community
Contract Negotiations Between the Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod and the Massachusetts Nursing Association
(Hyannis, MA - October 15, 2025) – In light of recent developments in the contract negotiations between the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Cape Cod and the Massachusetts Nursing Association (MNA), the union representing our nurses, we are committed to keeping our community informed and aware of the current status of this process. We assure our VNA patients and their families that we will always be here for them - we are steadfast in our mission to serve all with excellent care, and there will be no disruption to these critical services for our patients.
The VNA has remained dedicated to bargaining in good faith with the MNA. On September 11, we presented our Last, Best, and Final Offer, a package that includes wages significantly higher than any of our competitors and a comprehensive benefits plan that also exceeds industry standards.
This offer was made in the face of challenging financial realities. Reimbursements for home health and hospice agencies have been significantly reduced, and the VNA has experienced operating losses for several consecutive years. Despite these pressures, we have prioritized investing in our nurses and the care they provide.
Unfortunately, the MNA continues to promote a misleading narrative around wages and turnover. The challenges of attracting and retaining qualified staff are not unique to the VNA, they are widespread across the home health industry. In fact, our current RN turnover rate stands at just 6.82%, compared to a regional average of 27.04% in New England.*
Our proposal includes highly competitive wages designed to attract new nurses to the home health and hospice fields. However, the union continues to compare home health nursing roles to those in acute care hospitals, an inaccurate comparison given the fundamental differences in services, settings, and reimbursement structures.
To ensure continuity of care, the VNA has used short-term contracted RNs (travelers) as a temporary solution to cover open positions and leaves of absence. While the union raises concerns about staffing, it also criticizes our use of travelers, a necessary measure to maintain high-quality patient care during ongoing recruitment efforts. Efforts made to support our nursing staff have unfortunately been mischaracterized by the MNA in an effort to influence public opinion.
The VNA deeply values its nurses and the exceptional care they deliver to our community. This is precisely why, even amid financial constraints, we have extended an offer that not only meets but exceeds industry standards. We remain hopeful that a fair agreement can be reached soon. In the meantime, we are fully committed to ensuring that our patients continue to receive the high-quality care they deserve, even in the event of a strike.
* 2024-2025 Home Care Salary Benefits Report – HHCS Inc.
