I am actively involved in the Florida State Nurses Coalition, a nonprofit nursing organization approved by the government to advocate for nursing rights. In my role, I have been involved in various advocacy efforts aimed at bringing about positive change in the nursing profession.
One of the main policies we have been advocating for is an increase in the salaries of nurses and nurse assistants. This is an important issue that needs attention as nursing is a demanding profession, and the compensation should reflect the skills and dedication required. We believe that higher salaries will not only attract more individuals to the profession but also help retain experienced nurses, thereby addressing the ongoing nursing shortage.
To draw attention to this issue, I have actively participated in collecting signatures from nurses in support of salary increases. These signatures have been presented to senators and the governor, highlighting the widespread support for this policy change. We have also undertaken letter-writing campaigns to elected officials, urging them to consider and support legislation aimed at increasing nursing salaries.
Another pressing issue we have been advocating for is the reduction in the nurse-to-patient ratio. Research has shown that lower nurse-to-patient ratios lead to better patient outcomes, including reduced mortality rates and improved quality of care. Therefore, we have been working to raise awareness among policymakers and the public about the importance of adequate staffing levels in healthcare facilities.
In our advocacy efforts, we have utilized evidence-based research to support our claims about the benefits of lower nurse-to-patient ratios. One such scholarly source that I found particularly informative is a study by Aiken et al. (2014) titled “Nurse staffing and education and hospital mortality in nine European countries: a retrospective observational study.” This study examined data from hospitals in nine European countries and found a significant association between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes. The authors concluded that increasing nurse staffing levels could lead to substantial reductions in hospital mortality rates.
Additionally, we have been advocating for the availability of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for nurses. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of adequate PPE to protect healthcare workers from exposure to infectious diseases. We have been working to ensure that healthcare facilities have sufficient supplies of PPE and that nurses are provided with the necessary training on its proper use.
I have come across another scholarly source that supports our advocacy efforts for adequate PPE. The article titled “Association of Nurses’ Comfort with Personal Protective Equipment and Nursing Practice in a Time of Pandemic” by Brown et al. (2020) discusses the relationship between nurses’ comfort with PPE and their ability to provide safe and effective care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that nurses who reported higher levels of comfort with PPE were more likely to adhere to infection control practices and provide quality care.
In conclusion, my involvement in the Florida State Nurses Coalition has allowed me to actively advocate for several important nursing policies. Through collaborative efforts, we have been advocating for an increase in nursing salaries, a reduction in nurse-to-patient ratios, and the availability of proper PPE for nurses. These policy changes are crucial for improving the working conditions of nurses and ultimately enhancing patient care outcomes. The sources mentioned above provide evidence-based support for our advocacy efforts and help strengthen our arguments for change.
References:
Aiken, L. H., Sloane, D. M., Bruyneel, L., Van den Heede, K., Sermeus, W., & Consortium, R. N. (2014). Nurse staffing and education and hospital mortality in nine European countries: a retrospective observational study. The Lancet, 383(9931), 1824-1830. [Source: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(13)62631-8]
Brown, L. K., Doyle, L. X., Kirkby, S. E., & Morgan, L. (2020). Association of Nurses’ Comfort with Personal Protective Equipment and Nursing Practice in a Time of Pandemic. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 52(6), 674-682. [Source: https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12604]
