Hawaii nurses unite to push for safe staffing legislation

A coalition of unions representing more than 5,000 nurses in Hawaii is calling for safer staffing to improve patient care and strengthen the state’s healthcare system. The Hawaii Nurses’ Association, Hawaii Nurses and Healthcare Professionals, and the United Nurses and Health Care Employees of Hawaii gathered at the state Capitol in Honolulu to support legislation expected to be introduced by state Rep. Sean Quinlan that would establish enforceable patient-to-nurse ratios in hospitals.

“When our keiki or kupuna enter a hospital, we shouldn’t have to worry whether a nurse will be available to give them the attention they need for their recovery or to identify symptoms that require immediate intervention. That’s what we pay for,” said Christian Fern, executive director of the AFT-affiliated University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, during a news conference. “This law will set a standard for all hospitals across our state and will ensure our ohana will receive quality care and ensure all of Hawaii’s valued nurses are treated fairly and equitably.”

The AFT has long championed safe staffing; the issue is a cornerstone of the union’s CODE RED campaign, which is focused on combating understaffing, shortages and other detrimental conditions through strategic measures to ensure our nation’s healthcare system is a place where patients and communities thrive.

Hawaii’s legislation would also require hospitals to create hospital registered nurse staffing committees. and appropriate funds to the department of labor and industrial relations to enforce these requirements. Rep. Quinlan is introducing the bill in the state Legislature this year in the hope that it will be debated and passed in this session.

[Adrienne Coles]