WASHINGTON STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION FILES LAWSUITS AROUND THE STATE FOR ADEQUATE REST BREAKS FOR REGISTERED NURSES, IMPROVING WORKING CONDITIONS AND PATIENT SAFETY

Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), representing more than 16,000 registered nurses in Washington State, has filed lawsuits against four hospitals around the state for failing to provide nurses with rest and meal breaks. Research confirms that nurses working long hours have decreased alertness and vigilance which can lead to an increase in medical errors and compromised patient care. WSNA has been working for several years to ensure that nurses receive full, uninterrupted breaks because that dedicated time to rest is critical in preventing fatigue and fatigue-related errors. continue reading