In an effort to improve safety for patients and working conditions for nurses, the Registered Nurse Safe Staffing Act of 2013 was introduced in Congress on April 30, 2013. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA) Safe Staffing fact sheet, nursing budget cuts and an increasing nursing shortage have led to unsafe nurse staffing decisions in many hospitals. Nurses are working with less help for longer hours and caring for sicker patients, which ANA believes "compromises care and contributes to the nursing shortage by creating an environment that drives nurses from the bedside."
The RN Safe Staffing Act was formulated with input from ANA, and it has sponsors from both major political parties. If the bill passes, hospitals will be required to form committees that will create nurse staffing plans by unit, taking into consideration number and condition of patients on the unit, experience of the RNs, availability of backup staff members, and technology resources. Among other things, the bill will also ensure that nurses aren't forced to work on units for which they don't have the appropriate education and experience.
According to ANA, focusing on safe staffing of hospital nursing units will help keep patients safe, retain experienced nurses, and cut costs. When nurse staffing levels are appropriate and balanced, patient outcomes improve. In fact, ANA says that "higher staffing levels by experienced RNs are linked to lower rates of patient falls, infections, medication errors, and even death." Appropriate nurse staffing levels also provide nurses with a more positive work environment, which encourages them to stick around.
Seven states have already enacted safe nurse staffing legislation at the state level (i.e., Connecticut, Illinois, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, and Washington), but a federal bill will push the issue forward. To read the American Nurses Association's full press release about the RN Safe Staffing Act, click here.
If you've considered furthering your nursing education through the pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), you've likely wondered about the potential benefits of holding a BSN. While there are many routes that lead to a solid nursing education, the most direct and beneficial route involves becoming a bachelor's-prepared nurse. In fact, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's 
We hope you've enjoyed our tribute to influential nurses throughout history in honor of Nurses' Week 2013. These extraordinary women accomplished great things to change the face of healthcare as we know it today. How will you make an impact on the future of nursing?
Did you read today’s article in the Times-Herald on the increasing nursing shortage in the state of Georgia? 
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Since the 2011 release of 
Most of us have considered going back to school at one point or another. I want go back to school to get my master's degree. I, like you, research programs to see what will work best for my lifestyle. I will need to continue to work my full time job and run my household, while I obtain my degree. The reasons that we decide to go back to school as an adult are much the same--no matter what degree that we pursue. 
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As I watched coverage of the horrible storm that hit the East coast --I was thankful that my friends and family were safe and sound. When a disaster of this proportion hits our country, we see the best in people. Neighbors helping those without electricity, and sharing food and shelter as well. It reminds us that we are one country, built on the commonality that we will always help those in need.
week as you desire.
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