An analysis of survey data by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute and the University of Illinois' Project for Middle Class Renewal found nurse-patient ratios may lead to improved working nurses and better patient care. "By reducing patient-to-nurse ratios, enacting a safe patient limits law in Illinois could improve occupational safety, increase nurse retention rates, and promote better health outcomes for patients and have little to no negative impact on the financial performance of Illinois' hospitals," the report said.

A survey of nurses and other providers in Illinois and other Midwest states showed a lack of comfort in talking with HIV patients about the science behind the concept of "undetectable equals untransmittable" virus levels. Survey data showed 71% of nurse practitioners and registered nurses and 75% of other advanced practice nurses discussed U=U more than 50% of the time but only 64% of NPs, 43% of RNs and 50% of other APNs were comfortable with the science behind it.

Nursing and healthcare stand at the precipice of radical change. As such, a unique opportunity presents itself for us to take on a larger and more pivotal role in healthcare beyond anything that most of us could have ever imagined. As this new role takes shape, nurses will need to change their way of seeing themselves, their profession, and their capabilities. It's time to stop whining and start owning our power! Donna Cardillo, RN, The Inspiration Nurse, will present this keynote at the Professional Issues conference on Nov. 2. Register today.