Virtual week on the Hill begins

(ABC 6 NEWS) – This week, Governor Tim Walz is hearing from Minnesota’s nurses about what changes they want to see during the legislative session.

As part of "Virtual Week on the Hill" nurses will be sharing their stories, talking about what they want the legislature to do to help them, and how the pandemic has impacted them.

"We have been working so hard in these almost two years now, it’s work that we still can’t describe but people are starting to become aware of it. You have this incredible experience and you can continue to use that momentum for good, you are the expert within your own story," nurse Rachel Hanneman said.

They’ll also be talking to the Governor about the "Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act." This would address the staffing crisis at Minnesota’s hospitals.

"We need to put our patients before their profits to protect nurses, patients, and the healthcare system in Minnesota," Mary Turner, president of the Minnesota Nurses Association said.

Gov. Walz agrees with Turner, more work needs to be done.

"We can do this, we can recruit and retain and there are ways to make the education piece of this more affordable, all of the things necessary to do what can make a difference that we know will work," Gov. Walz said.

This "Virtual Week on the Hill" event runs through Friday.