nurse shortage

As the end of another session comes quickly, it’s unlikely nursing staffing bills will move before December, when all legislation either goes to Gov. Mike DeWine or dies.

Nurses across the state are pushing for hospitals to adopt mandatory staffing ratios, amid overwhelming patient loads. But hospitals and rural providers say it could make things worse.

The bipartisan bill hopes to relieve the nursing shortage by requiring staffing levels that are "legally enforceable", as well as putting money toward a program to help people who want to be nurses in Ohio.

Former Dean of the Ohio State University College of Nursing, Bernadette Melynk, wants more focus on fixing stressful conditions that cause burnout, depression and a shrinking number of nurses.

Right now, there are no bills under consideration that would require staffing ratios in medical facilities in Ohio.

But the Ohio Hospital Association says those services come with a steep cost.

Recently, four area hospitals agreed to cooperate in the recruitment of nurses. A nursing shortage is expected in the next few years and hospital…