State Senator Receives 1,700 Decks of Cards After Comment About Nurses 'Playing Cards' At Work Sparks Backlash

Apr 29, 2019 by apost team

Nurses are on the frontlines in hospitals. Anyone who has been a patient in a hospital or who has supported a loved one while they were being treated understands that nurses are tasked with critical responsibilities.

They must be on-call to respond to patient requests at the push of a button. They must provide customized care to each patient at specific times throughout their shift. Their skills and experience dictate the excellent level of care that patients receive while at a hospital.

When one lawmaker in Washington suggested hardworking nurses likely play card games throughout a large portion of their shifts, she understandably sparked outrage.

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The statement was made by Senator Maureen Walsh on the senate floor while discussing a proposed bill. If passed, the bill would require mandatory breaks for hospital workers, including nurses. Walsh, however, said that nurses probably get the breaks they need and that this strict mandate was not needed.

Her words about playing cards reached the ears of nurses, who were outraged. Many of those who felt insulted by Walsh’s comments responded by mailing her a deck of cards. Altogether, the senator has received more than 1,700 decks.

In addition, nurses have started a petition asking the senator to shadow a nurse and to witness first-hand the intense labor and skill that the job demands. This petition has received more than 700,000 signatures.

"Yeah, if I could ever reel back in a comment, that would be the one," she said, according to Kiro 7.

Since making her comments, Walsh has responded by apologizing publicly. However, she has not changed her position on the issue, and she states that her words were not contextually understood.

How do you feel about Walsh’s comments? Have you had any first-hand experiences with nurses that support your position? Please join in the conversation by leaving a few comments in the space below and passing this along to any healthcare professionals you know.