For years, nurses have watched their work loads increase dramatically without additional support from healthcare administration. The pandemic made things far worse. Nurses are burnt out and tired, leading to high turnover in systems nationwide. The only way to increase retention is increased support from our healthcare systems and state government, and safe staffing ratios would support nurses in their work. 

Multiple peer-reviewed studies exist showing that increased patient loads increase patient mortality and failure-to-rescue events. They also increase nurse dissatisfaction and nurse burn-out. Mandating safe staffing ratios for nurses will keep patients safe, as well as increase job satisfaction and retention. Safe staffing ratios will allow nurses to provide  effective care to our increasing patient population. 

Pennsylvania House Bill 106 will mandate minimum staffing ratios for nurses in multiple patient care settings. It has already been passed by the House of Representatives, and is now in the hands of the Senate. In June, CNOs, Nurse Managers, and Nurse Educators sent a letter to the General Assembly, asking them to oppose the bill, but they do not represent bedside nurses who work with patients every day. Nurses need to speak up and defend HB 106,  telling the Senate we support minimum staffing ratios to protect our patients and ourselves. 

We must make our voices heard! Sign this petition and tell the  Senate that nurses support HB 106.