By Patricia Eakin, RN, Letter to Editor
Philadelphia Inquirer

As an organization of direct-care nurses, we appreciate the alarm that the authors sound in their commentary regarding the nursing shortage ("Recession is making nursing shortage worse," Tuesday).

We welcome improvements to nurse education; however, the shortage is caused by problems with nurse retention as much as, if not more than, recruitment. Hospitals often staff too lightly, and during this economic downturn, many have cut staffing to dangerous levels. When patient care gets dangerous, nurses leave.

Fortunately, in Pennsylvania, we have bills in the House and Senate that would protect patients by requiring that a minimum number of nurses are available to patients at all times. California enacted similar legislation, and enough nurses have returned or come into the workforce to fulfill the requirements for safe staffing.

Patricia Eakin, RN

President

Temple University Hospital Emergency Department

Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals

Philadelphia