Issue link: https://nnumagazine.uberflip.com/i/1521816
RNs in Motion » 17 NATIONAL RATIOS CAMPAIGN Safe Staffing Ratio Laws — More Than Just the Numbers NNOC and NNU are now working to pass comprehensive federal legislation establishing safe RN-to-patient staffing ratios. The federal bills have multiple provisions designed to remedy unsafe staffing in acute-care facilities. » Mandates minimum, specific, numerical ratios for each unit to apply at all times, including break coverage. » Allows for additional RNs and ancillary staffing based on patient needs — ratios establish a minimum. » Assures RNs the legal guarantee to serve as patient advocates. » Prohibits use of mandatory overtime. » Regulates use of unlicensed staff. » Restricts unsafe floating of nursing staff. » Whistle-blower protections for caregivers who report unsafe practices. » LVNs/LPNs are not in the ratio count and are assistive to the RN. » RN workforce initiatives: › Education assistance programs for associate and baccalaureate degree applicants. › Preceptorship and mentorship programs. » Federal assistance for the purchase of safe patient handling equipment. » Strengthened emergency-preparedness capacity — mandatory paid leave for participation in disaster relief with employment, rights, and benefits. » Safe hospital care workplace standards — zero-lift policy to replace current practices of unassisted manual lifting, repositioning, and transferring of patients with the use of patient transfer devices, lifting devices, and lift teams.