Advocacy Through Legislation: The Problem of Nurse-Patient Ratio in California

Advocacy Through Legislation: The Problem of Nurse-Patient Ratio in California
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Advocacy Through Legislation: The Problem of Nurse-Patient Ratio in California
Advocacy Through Legislation
Identify a problem or concern in your state, community, or organization that has the capacity to be advocated through legislation. Research the issue and complete the sections below. For each topic that requires the listing of criteria, a minimum of two criteria should be identified and discussed. Add more rows as is appropriate for the topic/proposal.
Problem
In no more than 250 words, describe the problem, who is affected, and the current ramifications. Explain the consequences if the issue continues.

The complication of nurse-to-patient ratios refers to the number of nurses assigned to care for patients in hospital settings. Nurse-to-patient ratios are important because they can directly affect nurses’ working place and the quality-of-service patients receive. This issue directly impacts nurses as they are supposed to provide high-quality care to patients during their recovery periods. This issue also affects patients, as the overworked and stressed nurses may fail to provide quality care. More significant nurse-to-patient ratios are linked to lower patient death rates and complications, highlighting the importance of nurses having enough time to provide individualized care to each patient (Montgomery, 2019). The current consequences of the issue are that it creates a stressful work environment for the nurses, who too many patients outnumber, and it can cause a reduction in the quality of care for patients. Furthermore, it could lead to a shortage of nurses in the state, worsening the problem. If the issue continues, it could significantly impact both nurses and patients in California. High nurse burnout rates could also cause a shortage of qualified nurses, making it difficult for hospitals to provide adequate staffing. This action could lead to a decline in the overall quality of care and more errors, such as accidents and harm to the patients.

Idea for Addressing Solution
In no more than 250 words, outline your idea for addressing the issue and explain why legislation is the best course for advocacy.

One possible response to the problem of nurse-to-patient ratios in California hospitals is to gather data and evidence on the impact of the current laws and use these findings to educate legislators and the public about the benefits of stricter ratios. This education could involve reaching out to media outlets and working with other healthcare organizations and advocacy groups to build support for the issue. Experts could use the collected data to support the connection between patient outcomes and improved nurse-to-patient ratios, which could be used to make a case for more stringent legislation. Another possible strategy would be to convince the California state legislature to pass new laws or modify laws related to nurse-to-patient ratios in healthcare facilities. Advocates could work with legislators to draft and promote bills that would increase the minimum percentage of nurses to patients and establish minimum staffing levels that ac...