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Nurses call on federal officials to increase OSHA standards for COVID workplaces

Andrea Piacquadio for Pexel

Michigan nurses took their concerns about COVID-19 workplace issues to members of Congress Thursday.

Many Michigan hospitals are at or near their capacity limits as the state struggles with another surge in COVID cases.

During a zoom conference with Michigan congresswomen Debbie Dingell and Rashida Tlaib, nurses said the recent surge in COVID cases is showing again problems in Michigan hospitals that have existed since the pandemic began.

Jamie Brown is the president of the Michigan Nurses Association. She says the Biden administration must follow through on promises to improve conditions for nurses treating COVID patients.

“We need the federal government to bring real tangible results to nurses at the hospital bedside and we need it now,” says Brown.

Nurses say they feel “demoralized” as they provide care to COVID-19 patients, when they don't have enough protective gear.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.