Feb 10 2025, we delivered several Valentines cards to Brandon Douglas, current VP and former CNE at SMGH. All of those hearts that you signed asking our employer to "Have a Heart - Nursing Ratios Now!" were meant to go to the Interim CEO, but as the CEO was unavailable he delegated this to Brandon. Which was in a way, better - as Brandon himself is a nurse - and has had significant influence in decision making that has impacted things such as... nursing ratios.I am so proud of every member who signed a heart, has signed the petitions, who was able to deliver the Valentines with us.. The fight for better, safer, working conditions and other improvements to our work and profession is going to take ALL of us. We have the courage, and we have the heart to see this through. Patric and I couldn't carry all of these cards by ourselves.. and we would have looked REALLY silly trying to show the strength of ONA55 by only showing up 2 strong. I know that ratios might not impact members in outpatient areas to the degree they impact inpatient areas - but the solidarity we show each other is key in our fight to win. We have to show up for each other. Regardless of department, sector, or location - nurses and other ONA members across this province are fighting for our profession and our patients.
So, without further ado. I want to share the poem we delivered, and the "speech" I shared with Brandon, and the group of members who were able to join us today. I want you all to know that you are NOT alone in this fight for safer working conditions and patient care. Team ONA55 is with you and we have your back. Don't give up. It's time for the rubber to hit the road.. We've got this!
No Love Without Safe StaffingRoses are red, violets are blue,Unsafe ratios are hurting you too.Patients suffer, nurses break,How much more will you let us take?This isn’t burnout—it’s a system on fire,Yet you demand that we climb even higher.We hold the line, we give our all,But without real change, we watch it fall.No more bandaids, no more delay,Safe staffing needs to start today.If you truly value the work we do,Prove it now—we’re watching you.
Good afternoon, and thank you for taking the time to listen.We stand before you today as nurses—professionals who have dedicated our lives to patient care. But we are also human. And right now, we are being asked to do the impossible.We just read a poem, but this is not poetry. This is our reality. Unsafe nurse-to-patient ratios are not just numbers—they are the difference between life and death.When nurses are stretched too thin, patients suffer. Delayed medications, missed assessments, preventable complications—these are the consequences of unsafe staffing. Research is clear: better nurse-to-patient ratios lead to better outcomes, fewer errors, and lives saved.But let’s talk about the nurses, too. Burnout is skyrocketing, and so is turnover. When we are overworked and unsupported, we leave. Not because we want to, but because we have to—to protect our health, our licenses, and our ability to care for others. Retention isn’t just about wages—it’s about working conditions that allow us to do our jobs safely and effectively.We cannot continue like this. We are demanding real action. Safe staffing is not a privilege—it is a necessity. It protects patients, it retains nurses, and it strengthens our healthcare system.The choice is yours. Will you invest in safety, quality, and the future of nursing? Or will you wait until there’s no one left at the bedside?We urge you to act—because patient lives, and our profession, depend on it.
Stay tuned, friends. We aren't done yet. We will continue to apply pressure and we will continue to create opportunities for your voices to be amplified.
If you ever have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to Patric or myself.
We appreciate you all.
In solidarity,
Steph