In Washington, they have been pressing, with bipartisan support, for increased federal subsidies for nursing education. And last month, Representatives Tom Lantos, Democrat of California, and James P. McGovern, Democrat of Massachusetts, introduced legislation that would ban mandatory overtime for nurses. California, Kentucky and Virginia are setting standards for appropriate staffing. Legislators have introduced less specific proposals in New York, Ohio and Oregon. Maine passed an overtime measure, and New Jersey is drafting overtime regulations.
Nurses have to work overtime when they are exhausted.
The nurses have a tremendous fear of making mistakes. It's a patient safety issue. Privacy Information Stay connected to the news that interests you with free e-mail alerts from The New York Times.