Critical Limits: The Case for Safe Patient Limits in U.S. Hospitals

Course Description

This continuing education course explores the impact of legislation that guarantees minimum, mandatory registered nurse to patient limits on patient safety and nursing practice in U.S. hospitals. Focusing on the success of California's 2004 legislation, the course demonstrates how safe registered nurse staffing ratios can improve patient outcomes, enhance the quality of care, and support better working conditions for nurses.

Through research and real-world examples, participants will learn about the political, economic, and advocacy efforts that have shaped the movement for safe staffing in the U.S. The course highlights the power of collective patient advocacy and how organized nurses have driven these critical changes. It also examines the global movement for safe staffing, showing how the lessons learned in California have inspired similar campaigns around the world, strengthening the case for safe patient limits everywhere.