A little over a month ago, I attended the Labor Notes Conference. On day two, my colleague Grace and I stood alongside Nurse Erica and other dedicated labor advocates in solidarity, reminded that "When we fight, we win!" It was an eye-opening experience that strengthened our commitment to fighting for fair nurse pay.

Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, providing skilled, compassionate care every day. Yet too many nurses continue to be underpaid despite the critical role we play in keeping patients safe. Low wages contribute to burnout, staffing shortages, and retention challenges that ultimately affect patient care.

This petition calls on Florida leaders to take action. We urge the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to strengthen hospital oversight by addressing nurse retention and compensation concerns, and we ask the Florida Board of Nursing, under Chair Fidelia Roster, DNP, RN, CCRN, CNRN, to publicly discuss how inadequate pay affects Florida's nursing workforce and patient outcomes. We also call on the Florida Legislature and its healthcare committees to prioritize policies that support fair nurse compensation and workforce retention.

The momentum from the conference inspired action but lasting change requires all of us. By signing this petition, you're sending a clear message that Florida's nurses deserve fair pay, stronger workplace support, better ratios and a healthcare system that values the professionals patients depend on every day. Together, we can create meaningful change for nurses, patients, and communities across Florida.