The case for strict staffing ratios in American hospitals and skilled nursing facilities is remarkably straightforward: They save lives and reduce nurse turnover.
Instead of increasing public oversight, California has relaxed it, allowing private nursing homes to cut staffing. This is a recipe for disaster.
Negotiating committees at each of the hospitals are nurses elected by nurses. They have the final say prior to ratification by the entire nurse membership. Approved by a 2/3 majority, the contract breaks new ground in establishing safe staffing.
After a strike threat and a contentious ratification vote, 13,000 members of the New York State Nurses Association settled a contract that achieved gains but fell short of the union’s goal of winning safe nurse-to-patient staffing ratios.
While NYSNA's headlines claim a historic win, a groundswell of rank-and-file nurses are staunchly opposed to the deal.
Nurses at San Francisco General attempt to meet with Mayor Ed Lee about staffing shortages in the busiest emergency room in the city. Nurses have filed 300 official reports in the last two years, detailing unsafe conditions, but there has been no response from hospital management.
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