Respond to letter about the layout of the letter. Add detail evidence based practice to agree or disagree with points. 4 APA 7th edition references to support
Dear Representative Theresa Mah,
My name is SJ, a registered nurse, and I’m writing to you to ask that you help pass Illinois Bill HB3328, a bill that addresses the urgent need for safe patient limits in medical institutions. I am a healthcare worker, and I have seen firsthand the severe difficulties that result from understaffed settings. For these reasons, I am convinced that this measure is essential to guaranteeing the security and welfare of patients as well as healthcare providers.
According to research, hospitals with sufficient nurse-to-patient ratios see a decrease in medical errors, a decrease in death rates, and an increase in nurse job satisfaction (Aiken et al., 2018). Illinois currently lacks enforceable patient restrictions, which puts nurses and patients at danger and raises the possibility of errors, burnout, and subpar care (Bae et al., 2017). Enacting laws that safeguard employees and patients is more important than ever considering the chronic lack of healthcare workers.
This is a very personal matter for me because I have a close friend who works as a registered nurse and was seriously hurt while on a mental health unit as a result of understaffing. A lack of staff at the hospital resulted in inadequate surveillance and delayed responses, exacerbating her injuries. Events such as this underscore the critical necessity for safe staffing levels, particularly in high-risk settings where patients and nurses depend on prompt attention and care.
I implore you to back Illinois Bill HB3338 to establish safe patient limitations and stop more tragedies similar to the one that befell my friend. Smaller steps like funding research or experimental projects to evaluate how nurse staffing affects patient outcomes could further bolster this vital endeavor.
I appreciate your consideration of my plea. I’m interested in knowing your thoughts on this matter as well as any intentions you may have to back this significant piece of legislation. Many Illinois residents, including myself as a healthcare worker, may experience significant life changes as a result of your leadership.
Sincerely,
student sj
References
Aiken, L. H., Sloane, D. M., Ball, J., Bruyneel, L., Rafferty, A. M., & Griffiths, P. (2018). Patient satisfaction with hospital care and nurses in England: An observational study. BMJ Open, 8(1), e019189. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019189.
Bae, S. H., Mark, B., & Fried, B. (2017). Impact of nursing unit turnover on patient outcomes in hospitals. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 42(1), 40-49. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1547 5069.2010.01330.x.