What I asked Hillary Clinton

Larry Hutson
Bone marrow transplant nurse at the Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center
Ohio Nurses Association

I was honored to spend two days in Washington, D.C., this week when three of the candidates running for president met with the AFT executive council for open and honest discussions about where they stand on the issues. I was one of seven AFT members from around the country who got to ask the candidates questions about the issues that matter most to me and my colleagues.

I asked Hillary Clinton this question about healthcare:

"As a bedside nurse, I am concerned for both the safety of my patients and the quality of care they receive. We continue to see healthcare costs skyrocket, allowing healthcare institutions to profit at the expense of patients. The increased cost to consumers often comes with cuts at the bedside. Nurses and healthcare professionals are expected to maintain a high level of care and ensure positive patient outcomes while working more hours with increased patient-to-nurse ratios. If you are elected our next president, what specific actions will you take to ensure that healthcare remains affordable and that patients' needs are put before profits?"

I was pleased that Secretary Clinton responded by talking directly about issues that are important to me as a nurse, like safe staffing levels, and also promising to build on the successes of the Affordable Care Act and improve the law. Safe staffing levels are so important to helping me and all of our nurses better serve our patients, ensure their safety and improve their outcomes.

This was a great opportunity for a rank-and-file AFT member like me to participate in the union's endorsement process. I got to hear directly from the candidates about where they stand on the issues and help decide who can move the country forward.

The work we do as nurses is so important, and we have a stake in the policies that affect what happens at the bedside. When we have a strong voice as a group, we can make a positive impact on our country and our profession. If we don't speak up and become active, who will?