SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A union representing 5,700 registered nurses voted on Friday to authorize a strike against Sharp Healthcare, one of the largest care providers in San Diego County.

In a 97% vote, Sharp Professional Nurses Network (SPNN)—an affiliate of the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP)—authorized a possible strike following contract negotiations that have been ongoing since July.

The union is advocating for better patient care, pay and sick leave policies. Full-time Sharp nurses must currently work at least 10 weeks to make up for one shift of sick leave, according to the union.

Registered Nurse (RN) Nieysha Richard has worked at Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women and Newborns for nearly 20 years. Richard shared that sh

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