Ensuring adequate nurse-to-patient ratios is crucial for patient safety and the well-being of healthcare professionals. The current staffing levels in many hospitals leave nurses and nurse technicians, like myself, with overwhelming patient loads.
As a nurse technician, I often care for as many as 13 patients, which can make it challenging to provide the level of care each patient deserves. Research has shown that higher nurse staffing levels correlate with lower patient mortality rates, fewer complications, and shorter hospital stays. Legislation like H.R. 3165 and H.R. 2581, focused on implementing national strong textnurse staffing standards, would require hospitals to maintain a safe number of nurses and nurse technicians per patient. These standards would not only improve patient outcomes but also reduce burnout for staff, supporting those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
As healthcare continues to evolve, it is critical that we address these staffing issues to create a safer and more sustainable environment for patients and providers alike. Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter.