An improved economy with quality jobs in central Minnesota would increase our health, well-being and safety. I wish our senator would focus on improving our well-being. Instead, Sen.Gazelka is blasting holes in our safety. He just voted for the “Stand Your Ground” bill (SF1467) which allows for shooting whenever there is a perceived threat, even if the shooter could safely walk away. I do not feel safer because of this vote.

Yvonne Leiser

Rural Brainerd

With all of the changes in health care in the last few years; computerized charting and new technologies. The nurse has much to complete in day; charting, showers, helping people to the restroom, medical procedures, and giving medications. An individual nurse may have anywhere from one (private duty nursing to 45 (nursing home) to care for in a day. The more patients a nurse is assigned to take care of, the less attention each client will get. “When nurses work short staffed, three quarters of all nurses say patient care suffers through delays in following through with orders, assessment and critical watching is not done to best practices, and there is inadequate time for appropriate delegation and supervision of non-RNs” (Minnesota Nurses Association, 2007, para 8). Currently, there is no legislation in place in Minnesota that mandates the ratio of nurses to patients, and it is up to the nurses collective bargaining units to keep safe staffing levels. Let the legislators hear your voice and stand up for your rights for safe care.

Stephanie Rasmussen

Rural Pequot Lakes