After a long struggle, Albany Medical Center nurses have ratified a three-year contract.

“There is a spirit in the hospital today that I haven’t felt in a while,” Albany Medical Center President and CEO Dr. Dennis McKenna said.

The agreement comes after more than three years of contentious negotiations.

“We are one team,” said Albany Med chief nursing officer Lisa Massarweh. “Our words and our actions heal bodies and hearts."

The three-year contract guarantees nurses a 1.5% annual raise with an additional 1.5% annual merit-based raise.

“We’re hoping to attract the best of the best nurses,” said Albany Med nurse Kathy Whalen. “And we’re hoping to retain the nurses that we have.”

On-call compensation will increase to $3 an hour from $2.50 an hour in the first year, with more increases throughout the contract.

“I truly believe that the market adjustments and the merit plan that’s in here will allow us to continue to be competitive,” said McKenna.

All nurses, regardless of union representation, will be covered by the terms.

“Yes, this contract is for the nurses. But it's also to protect the community,” said Albany Med nurse Angela Burns. “Which is one of the most important things for us.”

And while it was a tumultuous journey, the nurses hope to have set a precedent for others.

“We’ll have other people in Albany look at this fight as being an example of standing up and trying to live a better life,” said Albany Med nurse Michael Fitzsimmons.