I graduated from a state where nurse to patient ratios were policy/nurse driven. There, the nurse to patient ratio was 1:4. Now I'm at a hospital where on a MedSurg floor, a nurse can have up to 8 patients (unsafe). How can I implement this policy?

At your level of nursing, you do not have the authority to implement staffing policies. Only your nursing administration can enforce safe policies and implement them on your floor, it sounds like they are not. As a staff nurse you can either put up with it or have a frank discussion with the nursing administration..... here is what I did. I planned on a 15-minute Q&A and asked questions such as," I come from a job where there are 1:4 ratios do you think this will change here"? (don't offer anything more than questions!!!-no discussion on your part ( you never want them to say you can't handle the stress or patient load, then fire you for speaking out), so don't negotiate, because these will be clearly yes or no answers) take notes and ALWAYS write down the answers to your questions, if the answers are all no, no, and no, at the end of your list, BRIEFLY reiterate the questions and answer, and point out your notes where you have written no, no no, no..... Next, say, "Based on your answers I am giving you my two-week notice", (and be prepared for them to escort you out of the building). If they practice unsafe practices you should find a job where you are comfortable, but more importantly, they need to know why they are losing nurses. You have choices in life. Peace of mind is more important than the money, you'll find another job or put up with it. (OR they will change their ways?-don't think so).

It is sad.the ones that suffers are the patients .this is what the law makers should be focusing on or are they waiting for more law suits.
Under staffing is so unsafe for patients. The nurses are humans and not robots.
Get it right hospitals
NY NJ GEORGIA AND FLORIDA are the main culprits