HOSPITAL NURSES IN ILLINOIS ARE PUSHING FOR STATEWIDE STAFFING STANDARDS.

ADVOCATES SEEKING SET NURSE-TO-PATIENT RATIOS SAY “SAFE STAFFING SAVES LIVES.” THEY ARE SUPPORTING A BILL CREATING THE HOSPITAL PATIENT PROTECTION ACT, WHICH IS SPONSORED BY REPRESENTATIVE THERESA MAH OF CHICAGO.

HELEN BERNARD HAS BEEN A NURSE FOR MORE THAN 42 YEARS.

THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PATIENTS NURSES CAN BE ASSIGNED WOULD DEPEND ON THE CARE NEEDED, SUCH AS IF THE PERSON IS IN THE I-C-U OR IN LABOR. A SIMILAR BILL IS PENDING IN THE SENATE.