ANA Opposes Minimum Staffing Laws

California recently passed a law creating a maximum nurse-patient ratio of 1:5. I am dismayed to hear that Organized Nursing, i.e the ANA has opposed such legislation. Numerous studies have shown that lower nurse-patient ratios lead to better patient outcomes. With job dissatisfaction at an all time high in nursing, I would venture to guess that lower nurse-patient ratios would also impact retention. California has withdrawn from the ANA and along with nurse associations in Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, and Pennsylvania, has formed a new organization called the American Association of Registered Nurses. I am disappointed in the ANA for not supporting such legislation and for not taking a firmer stand with other important issues in nursing, like education. Without laws like these, there will continue to be unsafe patient care environments and a continued mass exodus from the profession.

And We Wonder Why There's A Nursing Shortage....

I am a 15 year veteran of the Nursing Profession. Twelve and a half of these years have been spent in the Intensive Care Unit, a place where no mortal can survive without the special talents of a good nurse. I have stood on my feet for twelve hours straight anticipating the course of death. I have mocked the Grim Reaper by dragging my patient through a maze of hemodynamic remedies only an expert in this field could imagine. In my time as a nurse I have developed enough self respect to know I deserve more credit than I receive.
Please imagine my disgust when low and behold enters the Chief Surgeon. He is the one I have not spoken to but once in my career. He is making rounds with the Attending Surgeon. The two walk to my patient’s bedside. The Chief Surgeon asks me not to speak when he is at my patient’s bedside.  I am stunned because I think, wait a minute: Do you mean ME, the one who anticipated and remedied every dip in blood pressure, every change in filling pressure, and every drop in electrolyte; ME the one who kept his prized patient alive for twelve hours. Certainly he can’t mean ME?!  
I look at the Chief Surgeon in utter disbelief. He shoots a glance which is reeking of “Get out of my presence NURSE!”  I think to myself, he can’t be serious. Reeling from the misguided order from the Surgeon in Ego Bliss, I tell myself not to worry. Soon he will be retiring and will not get the respect he expects when he cashes his Social Security check.  


Source: The Center for Nursing Advocacy