A bill in the Massachusetts House of Representatives would make Massachusetts one of only two states - California is the other - to regulate nurse-to-patient ratios. As healthcare facilities across Massachusetts struggle to source nursing candidates, nursing union representatives are striving to make the employment conditions agreeable for those nurses already gainfully employed. The end result of such a bill nursing union representation would suggest, is improved patient care.

Choosing a field of study or vocation is often the result of what one hears about the "benefits" of employment - compensation, healthcare, training, work/life balance. It is not until one is knee deep in his or her chosen career that the "conditions" of employment - physical and mental - become so important.

Savvy candidates are increasingly investigating the conditions of employment; understanding that the type of work and the associated workload not only affects their wellbeing, but the level of care given to the customer. The nursing profession was one of the first to recognize this.

So what is the lesson here? If you have assessed the conditions in your workplace and find them head and shoulders above the industry shout it to the mountain tops and candidates will come a runnin´. Simply put... it can help you attract candidates.And just as importantly retain customers.

 If you find your working conditions are on the opposite end however, your workload just got a bit heavier.