The Massachusetts Nurses Association, in an attempt to fight staffing, labor and safety concerns, is pushing for a new law that could significantly impact the healthcare industry in the state.

The resulting efforts would place legislation on the state's ballots to require a cap on the number of patients per nurse in hospital departments like emergency rooms, a change that could have a major effect on hiring and employment levels in its facilities.

If approved, according to MassLive, the act would require all hospitals to adhere to new standards, likely ensuring no more than four patients for every one nurse at any time, under the threat of a $25,000 fine per day. Seventy thousand signatures are necessary to put it on the ballot in 2014, and the legislation has risen in order to combat consolidations and changes in healthcare laws that have led to job cuts and a reduced staff overall.

Many new hospital patients are facing longer wait times than ever before receiving care, lowering the overall quality of their stays and potentially leading to further complications. Current levels at some Massachusetts hospitals average five patients for every nurse, some of whom have reported being overworked while lacking the ability to provide care as effectively as they'd desire.

Effects on hospitals
More than 40 studies in medical journals hold evidence that overburdening nurses with too many patients leads to increased hospital costs, potential patient complications and can even raise patient mortality rates, the union told the Boston Globe. All of these can have markedly negative effects on overall patient care. With upcoming legislation determining that hospitals can gain or lose money contingent on patient satisfaction rates and low readmittance numbers, this new act can fundamentally help Massachusetts hospitals ensure better care. More nurses can lead to faster attention and resources becoming less stressed, both of which can drastically increase overall efforts.

As a result, demand for qualified nurses will only grow in the event of the act's passage. Many hospitals will be required to boost their hiring numbers if the act passes, which bodes well for educated and trained nursing candidates. Additional training or certifications can increase their value as candidates in the market – while costs at the affected hospitals would likely rise, there would be a large need for the highest-quality professionals.

While patient care can change heavily between different hospitals' approaches and practices, the potential passage of the MNA's legislation will have positive effects for nurses in Massachusetts. With that in mind, now's the time for nursing professionals to take advantage of the legislation's promises by strengthening their resumes and boosting their professional value.