Issue link: https://nnumagazine.uberflip.com/i/198747
NewsBriefs 12/12/06 2:31 PM Page 7 NEEDED LAWS Critics of "nurse-friendly" laws that the Texas Nurses Association does manage to pass say those efforts get so watered-down or are so cumbersome for nurses to use that they are ous to practice in Texas, increasing numbers of RNs are leaving the bedside. While some try to parlay their nursing experience into a healthcare-related job, Higginbotham observes that many are quitting the profession entirely, becoming housewives, teachers, or retail clerks. "I don't think we have a shortage of nurses in Texas, I think we have a shortage of people who are willing to deal with what the hospitals are dishing out," said Higginbotham. Leonard said that she and other Texas RNs were energized by the unprecedented rally they staged in Austin. Texas nurses have been without leadership and influence for so long that Leonard and Higginbotham both acknowledged it will be a challenge to convince many of them to speak up. But NNOC events such as this one are progress, they said. "Silence is not an option anymore," said Leonard. "After Nov. 14, I felt really moved into action, like, 'Let's get going.' I was so proud to be an RN among RNs who are standing for the rights of our patients." —staff report UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation of little value. For example, Texas has had a "safe harbor" law on the books for more than 10 years intended to protect registered nurses who report situations where they believe they are being asked to violate their duty to patients. Yet among nurses, the law is viewed simply as a way for nurses to file a complaint, but as powerless to prevent the retaliation and termination that often follows a report. "Eighty percent of nurses have no idea what safe harbor is, and the ones who do know it's not worth the paper it's written on," said Liz Higginbotham, a Texas RN and attorney who often represents nurses in lawsuits and disciplinary actions and is an active NNOC supporter. Because nursing has become so dangerNOVEMBER 2006 W W W. C A L N U R S E S . O R G REGISTERED NURSE 7