CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM
Nurses held a strike outside Kapiolani Medical Center on Jan. 23.
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The nursing profession in Hawaii is in trouble. Hospitals and care facilities have become toxic and unsafe work environments.
The biggest issue that plagues nurses is unsafe nurse-to-patient ratios, which are not currently sustainable. Research has proven that having set nurse-to-patient ratios in place decreases patient mortality, medical errors and ultimately helps with nurse retention and job satisfaction.
Although nurses are suffering and our work-life balance is obsolete, it is the patient that is ultimately at risk for errors and not given the care they deserve.
The Legislature is considering a bill that would write healthy ratios into law (“Nurse-to-patient staffing ratios in Hawaii Senate bill prompt debate,” Star-Advertiser, Feb. 13). As nurses in Hawaii fighting for safe staffing, we ask the public to support Senate Bill 1580 so you and your family will get the absolute best care — the care you all deserve.
Amy Propst
Ewa Beach
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