Members Help Jackson Shape Staffing Ratio Policy May 21, 2009

The long awaited nurse-to-patient staffing ratios policy for Jackson is nearing completion thanks to the work and input of dozens of our nurse members.

Nurses representing over 25 units have presented their expert analysis on what

constitutes safe staffing on their unit in weekly meetings with management.

Over the past several months, Union President Martha Baker, RN, union staff and members have worked to produce the new policy, as required by our new RN contract. We have presented evidence-based research from multiple sources to support our argument why safe staffing is best for patient care satisfaction, nurse and healthcare providers, and it also benefits the bottom line.

SEIU Local 1991 Director of Professional Practice Kathryn Ewers, RN, has done extensive research on ratios and safe staffing and has been able to provide solid evidence to support our members’ recommendations. Nurses on every unit have testified on what criteria and special circumstances contribute to patient care provided in each unit. The union is gathering this important information on yellow sheets being completed by nurses throughout Jackson.