To cope with the nursing shortage, some hospitals are making ends meet by overworking the few nurses they have. However, a new law enacted in Pennsylvania prohibits facilities from disciplining nurses who do not work past their scheduled shifts.

In response, an editorial in FierceHealthcare examines what it takes to find and keep nurses during this time of scarcity.

It’s not the money—higher salaries may initially attract nurses, but nothing stops them from leaving as soon as the hospital down the street has a bigger offer. What nurses really crave is the empowerment that allows them to be involved in patient care decisions.

Laws like the one being enacted in Pennsylvania should not be necessary, says FierceHealthcare. Facilities should be respecting their nurses, not overworking them. Additionally, well-rested nurses are more likely to provide better and safer patient care.

Does your facility require you to work overtime?