Health and Safety with National Nurses United 12
Break Coverage
The ratios apply "at all times,"
including during meals and breaks.
No Averaging
There can be no averaging of the
number of patients and the total
number of RNs.
No Cuts in Ancillary Staff
as a Result of Ratios
In the first year of implementation,
CNA successfully fought off
challenges from several California
hospitals who responded to the
ratios by attempting to cut back
on LPNs/LVNs and unlicensed per-
sonnel, going against the intent of
the law. The California Department
of Health Services' safe staffing
standards maintain the existing
staffing model which utilize RNs,
LPNs/LVNs, and unlicensed assis-
tive personnel.
NNU RNs Across the Nation
Take Up the Fight
NNU's ratios campaign is com-
mitted to improving upon the
standards won in California.
RNs In Action: Fighting for Ratios
RNs in states throughout the
country are actively working with
NNU to win their own mandated
direct-care RN-to-patient staffing
ratios. Building upon the success
achieved by CNA/NNU in Cali-
fornia, RNs in Illinois, Maine,
Achusetts, Minnesota, Arizona,
Texas, Ohio, and elsewhere are
actively organizing in support of
Hospital Patient Protection Acts
in their states.
There can be no compromise on
the need for mandated, minimum
RN staffing ratios:
• RNs must take a highly visible,
very public lead in this fight.
• The alliance that counts is
between RNs, patients, and the
public. RNs must act collectively
in support of ratios.
