But testimony before key Senate committee underlines gulf between nurses and hospitals on the issue

Union leadership called it, in a statement, a historic agreement

Union membership still has to vote on the deal

Senator questions what RWJ University Hospital pays substitute nurses, CEO

Staffing ratios still major sticking point

RWJ nurses back in negotiations after failed mediation session last week

The union says replacement nurses are earning as much as four times what union nurses make

Union president 'frustrated' no round-the-clock negotiations; hospital spokesperson says union 'misrepresents the facts'

Interview: Judy Danella, president of the United Steelworkers Local 4-200

Volunteers being sought at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

Nurses are preparing to go on strike next week if an agreement can't be reached

Ten-day notice period goes into effect, allowing for continued negotiations