CRONA
Committee for Recognition of Nursing Achievement
Area Representatives and Membership Meetings
May 5 and 7, 2009

Foundations for Safe Staffing: Back to Basics

As Registered Nurses we are accountable for patient safety.

We are required under Title 22 (California law) to act as patient advocates .

Acting as a patient advocate includes insuring that you are staffed within the ratios and acuity (see Staffing Ratios or AB 394 that is posted at crona.org ). In addition, it means exercising your responsibility and professional judgment to adjust staffing that is not addressed by your acuity system (see CRONA contract Section 28.3.3.a at SHC and Section 27.3.3.a at LPCH).
Keeping the Resource Nurse informed about changes in your patient’s condition will enable the RSN to exercise his/her right and professional responsibility to modify staffing for patient safety. If the RSN is not able to meet the need, it is his/her right and professional responsibility to notify the manager and follow the chain of command.
Communicating inadequate staffing can sometimes be uncomfortable and intimidating. We fear retaliation or the possibility that we will be evaluated as disorganized and unable to satisfactorily perform our job.

CRONA can help by way of the Assignment Despite Objection Form (ADO). This is a joint management/CRONA form and is outlined in our CRONA contracts. The form can be downloaded from crona.org. Submitting an ADO will help insure appropriate follow up by the hospital and CRONA about staffing concerns. It is through collaboration and effective communication that we can continue to advocate for our patients and the nursing profession.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the CRONA office or email crona@crona.org.

Bonnie Balfour, R.N.
Executive Vice President
CRONA

Dear CRONA Nurses,
On this special week we honor you for your passion, strong commitment and hard work. The compassion you bring to work, the pains you ease, and the care you provide make a special difference in this world. It is a privilege to work with you and to represent you.
All the care and kindness you show leave a lasting impression on your coworkers, your patients, their families and friends and the community.
Thank you for sharing your expertise, commitment and caring with us.
Happy Nurse’s Week,
The CRONA Executive Board