Nurses Back Franken Bill to Eliminate Heavy Lifting
Direct care registered nurses are injured at a higher rate than laborers, movers and truck drivers because they reposition, move and lift patients, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A proposed bill would protect the health of RNs, ensure patients get the care they need and decrease work injuries, say leaders of the United American Nurses (UAN) and the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA).
The Nurse and Health Care Worker Protection Act of 2009 (S. 1788), introduced by Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.), requires the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to develop and implement a standard to eliminate, as much as possible, manual lifting of patients through the use of mechanical devices. The bill is a companion measure to H.R. 2381, introduced this session in the House by Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.).
Minnesota Nurses Negotiate Landmark Emergency Staffing
When disaster strikes, nurses and other first responders go far beyond the call of duty in rescuing and treating victims. Minnesota nurses answered that call in 2007, when the I-35 bridge collapsed into the Mississippi River.
Yet as Elizabeth Shogren, Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) an affiliate of United American Nurses (UAN), health and safety specialist, points out:
“What is not seen, however, are the heart-wrenching tensions and potential danger facing these heroes behind the scenes.”
She was referring to dangers like short staffing that make it difficult or impossible for nurses to provide the quality care patients deserve all the time, including during emergency situations. Now, a landmark agreement between MNA and Allina Hospitals & Clinics establishes emergency response working conditions.
