Carol Bragg, RN, Local 1998, SEIU, Dimensions Staff Nurse Chapter, 10526 Apple Ridge Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20886, 301/840-9068, pwilson@dpeaflcio.org

The U.S. is experiencing a severe nurse staffing crisis that will intensify as baby boomers age and the need for health care grows. This presentation will discuss the conditions in hospitals that are contributing to the serious problems of understaffing from the perspective of a direct care hospital nurse and union leader.

Learning Objectives: At the conclsion of the presentation, the participant will be able to

• Understand from a nurse's perspective what it is like to work in a hospital, and particularly understand the staffing problems and how they affect the quality of care provided to patients.
• Understand the impact of a nurse's union on the problems of understaffing and patient safety and quality care.

Keywords: Nurses,

Related Web page: www.seiu.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.