Officials with Appalachian Regional Healthcare say registered nurses approved new three-year contract. West Virginia Media, April 20, 2011 Beckley -  Seven hundred-fifty registered nurses represented by Southern United Nurses in West Virginia and Kentucky voted to ratify a new three-year contract Tuesday, April 19, 2011. The deal goes in to effect on May 1. Hospital officials said they entered negotiations with a goal of reaching a fair contract with competitive wages and benefits. ARH owns nine hospitals in the two states, including Summers County Appalachian Regional and Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospitals. Copyright 2011 West Virginia Media. All rights reserved.