MAINE, USA — Nurses at two of Maine’s largest hospitals are speaking out, saying staffing shortages are making it nearly impossible to deliver quality care—and it's taking a toll on both patients and providers.

At a press conference held Tuesday, nurses from Maine Medical Center in Portland and Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor shared firsthand accounts of what they describe as unsafe conditions inside their hospitals. Many said they’re asked to care for five or more patients per shift, a number far above what they believe is safe.

“Nurses are rushing from one room to the next, frantically juggling care for too many patients,” one nurse said.

These healthcare professionals say the math is simple: more patients per nurse means less time for each—leading to mistakes, overlooked care,

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