A state senator in Washington who last week suggested that nurses “probably play cards for a considerable amount of the day” has now said she would shadow a nurse for 12 hours.

The state senator, Maureen Walsh, a Republican, made the remarks on the Senate floor on April 16 while denouncing a bill that would allow nurses to get mandatory, uninterrupted meal and rest breaks. She said she opposed the legislation because it “does not apply” to districts like hers with many critical access hospitals, which have fewer than 25 beds.

“I understand helping with employees and making sure we have rest breaks,” said Ms. Walsh, who voted against the bill, House Bill 1155. “We need to care for patients first and foremost.”

Ms. Walsh’s comments were met with backlash by nurses around the country. A nurse in Chicago, Juliana Bindas, 27, started a petition on Change.org asking Ms. Walsh to spend a day shadowing a nurse so she could gain a deeper understanding of what a nurse’s basic shift is like. The senator has since indicated that she will accept the invitation.