Pressuring hospitals about injured nurses

A proposal by Representative Hazel Rogers of Lauderdale Lakes would require hospitals to track injuries and form committees. The Florida Nurses Association has no formal position on the bill. But Jeanie Demshar, a director, says FNA members are complaining about the problem. "You've got back injuries, you have shoulder injuries and I've heard it causing sciatica down the back and the leg. I'm sure there's upper back injuries as well, but mostly lower back." But a National Public Radio investigation credited Baptist Health Systems in Florida for aggressive policies that reduced lifting injuries 80 percent. Martha DeCastro, vice president for nursing with the Florida Hospital Association, says Rogers' bill isn't necessary.