Safe staffing and the novice nurse

[JudithL_in_NH]

Eight weeks from graduation here, and I'm working on a paper regarding novice nurses and safe staffing. I'd appreciate some info/feedback from new nurses, if you have the time.

1) Was the issue of safe staffing addressed during your education as a nurse? Did your educational institution give you any tools/methodology/procedure to follow if you feel an assignment is potentially unsafe for you at the novice level of practice? Has your first employer?

2) In general, do you feel your educational institution empowered you to act as an advocate for yourself and for your profession? If so, how?

Thanks!