Maine nurses push for safer staffing ratios and better working conditions

AUGUSTA — Maine nurses are calling for change, pushing for higher standards and safer workplaces.

The Maine State Nurses Association says short staffing, workplace violence and high turnover are putting both patients and healthcare workers at risk.

Registered nurses from Maine Medical Center and Northern Light gathered in Augusta on Tuesday, demanding stronger patient safety measures and fairer staffing levels.

“We’re here today to announce our intention to propose language that would mean safe patient ratios, which we’ve been fighting for for a long time,” said Meg Sinclair, a nurse at Maine Medical Center.

Union leaders say better nurse-to-patient ratios could lead to fewer medication errors, injuries and patient falls.

“Less medication errors, less falls and injuries, less bedsore