As an SRNA (State Registered Nurse Aide) in the state of Kentucky, I have personally witnessed the overwhelming challenges faced by healthcare professionals due to inadequate staffing ratios. This petition aims to address a critical issue that affects patient safety and quality of care in medical/nursing facilities in Kentucky.

I recently worked on the day shift at a nursing home where I was solely responsible for caring for 24 patients. This workload was not only physically and mentally exhausting but also compromised my ability to provide optimal care to each individual. It is disheartening that while there are nurse-to-patient ratios already in place, there is no corresponding CNA-to-patient ratio, leading to an unbalanced burden on healthcare providers.

The absence of an SRNA/CNA-to-patient ratio poses significant risks to patient well-being. Overworked and understaffed healthcare professionals may experience burnout, resulting in decreased attentiveness and increased potential for errors or oversights. Patients may suffer from delayed response times, inadequate monitoring, medication errors, falls, infections, or other preventable complications.

To ensure safe patient care and promote positive health outcomes, it is crucial that medical/nursing facilities implement a mandatory SRNA/CNA-to-patient ratio policy. By establishing reasonable limits on the number of patients assigned per SRNA or CNA caregiver, we can enhance patient safety while supporting healthcare providers' ability to deliver high-quality care.

Supporting Facts:
1. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that lower nurse staffing levels were associated with higher mortality rates among surgical patients.
2. According to research conducted by Linda H. Aiken et al., higher nurse staffing levels were linked with reduced hospital readmission rates.
3. The American Nurses Association (ANA) recognizes appropriate staffing as a key factor in ensuring patient safety and quality care.
4. Several states, such as Arizona and Ohio, have already implemented CNA-to-patient ratio laws, resulting in improved patient outcomes and increased job satisfaction among healthcare professionals.

By signing this petition, you are advocating for the implementation of an SRNA/CNA-to-patient ratio policy in all medical/nursing facilities. This will not only safeguard patients' well-being but also support the dedicated healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to provide compassionate care.

Together, let us urge policymakers and regulatory bodies to prioritize patient safety by establishing mandatory staffing ratios that ensure adequate SRNA/CNA coverage. By doing so, we can create a safer and more effective healthcare system that benefits both patients and healthcare providers alike.

Sign now to make your voice heard and demand change for safer patient care!