Dear Jesse,

Thank you for your love and commitment to your wife Carolyn. As the Lord states, “He who finds a wife, finds a good thing.” She was a Godly woman and she loved her husband. Remember whatever the outcome of all the struggles you are about to face, your efforts will not be in vain; for “all things work together for good for those who love the Lord.”
During my 33 years in the nursing field, I experienced many different circumstances in the Healthcare field pertaining to patient care. Nurses have direct contact with patients and their families, while dealing with staffing issues. A nurse’s primary care and focus should be to the patient. A real nurse, who is called to this profession based on their passion, should possess a strong desire to help others. They must also show a level of understanding and knowledge of the patient’s and their family’s needs. All medical staff including doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, techs, and dietary must show empathy toward the patient and their loved ones.
When I was younger and worked in the nursing field, before the internet and modern technology, we had doctor’s orders written out by hand. I have experience in hospitals, nursing homes, and with private duty patients. During that time, patient to nurse ratio was very low. In my experience, I have had 40-50 patients during a shift with 3 or 4 nursing assistants to rely on for help. With working conditions such as this, it wears down on a nurse physically and mentally. The nurse becomes tired and burnt out very quickly.
Changing the patient to nurse ratio in the long-term nursing care facilities will involve contacting local, state nursing boards, and nursing organizations. I recommend the following changes/considerations be examined when reviewing nurse to patient ratios:

  • No more than 10 patients per nurse per shift including nursing assistants
  • Good communication between all shifts
  • Doctor’s orders need to be clear, concise, and understood
  • The facility should be staffed to honor breaks and lunches for all staff
  • Knowledge and proper training of all equipment
  • Wages and benefits should match care expectation
  • The nurse should not be expected to work double shifts

Thank you, Mr. Ruffin for allowing me to provide my input on this matter. I hope this will help you. I am not trying to discourage you by telling you that this issue has existed since I was in nursing in the 1970’s. I want you to be empowered with knowledge and I want you to know what you are up against. Although this is an uphill battle, continue to hold onto God’s unchanging hands- He will never fail. My family and I will keep you in prayer during this time. Carolyn’s law will be able to help many people and families in the future. May God Bless and Keep you Always.

Your sister in Christ, Marjorie A. Partee