Leaves of absence without pay may be granted to nurses for up to one (1) year. Nurses who work as PD or EH shall be compensated on an hourly basis in accordance with the provisions of the County of Santa.Santa Clara County's public hospital nurses have reached a deal with management after a contentious labor dispute rocked the region's health system. Santa Clara County and a major nurse's union have reached an agreement on a new contract, officials said on Saturday.