Drawing on the lessons from California
RNs in states throughout the country are actively working with CNA/NNU to win their own mandated
direct-care RN-to-patient staffing ratios. Building upon the success achieved by CNA/NNU in California,
RNs in Illinois, Florida, Missouri, Texas, the District of Columbia, and elsewhere are actively organizing
in support of Hospital Patient Protection Acts in their states.
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There can be no compromise on the need for mandated, minimum RN staffing ratios
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RNs must take a highly visible, very public lead in this fight
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The alliance that counts is between RNs, patients, and the public
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RNs must act collectively in support of ratios
The California safe staffing law gives
nurses hope
"I am a float RN and so I see how RNs in every unit throughout our hospital finally
have the time to do proper nursing care, and fully evaluate each patient's needs. We
now have time to check each patient's chart and make sure there are no treatment
delays. And finally there is time to do the patient and family teaching that is essential
to avoiding future complications and hospitalizations."
— Kathy Dennis, RN
Mercy General Hospital, Sacramento, California
