LaMarche Applauds Nurses on International Nurses Day

Augusta, Maine — It is International Nurses Day and Pat LaMarche, Green-Independent candidate for governor has taken time out of campaigning to salute nurses. "Nurses are clearly our front line in healthcare," said LaMarche, "when you go to a doctor's office, the emergency room, or the hospital, the first healthcare provider you encounter is usually a nurse."

LaMarche used the opportunity to call for minimum nurse-patient ratios. She says hospitals too often cut costs by eliminating bedside nursing positions. To make matters worse, hospitals often count unlicensed employees in their overall tally, making it appear there are more staff members available for patient needs.

"Maine has more registered nurses working in non-nursing, non-medical jobs than any other state," said LaMarche, "and the number one reason nurses give for leaving nursing is concern about growing patient load, which ultimately compromises safety."

Today we celebrate the incredible contribution nurses across Maine and everywhere make for all of us. But, in the months ahead, we must ensure that there are enough nurses at the bedside.