Safe Nurse to Patient Ratios
Finding Safe Nurse to Patient Ratios
Augsburg College
Abstract
Determining nurse-to-patient ratios in nursing facilities remains a challenge for the nursing profession. Two main staffing methods that are currently used in most nursing facilities are staffing by patient acuity using patient classification systems and staffing by mandated nurse-to-patient rations. Each method has an impact on patient outcomes, safety and overall satisfaction determined from different articles and studies done on each staffing method. There are pros and cons to each staffing methods. Nursing facilities look at many of these pros and cons when determining staffing methods that are used, cost, patient outcomes, nursing satisfaction and safety. Staffing is a big issue in nursing, if left unresolved can have major consequences for patients and nursing staff. Keywords: Acuity, mandated nurse-to-patient ratios
Finding Safe Nurse to Patient Ratios Currently there is no set approach used to determine how to decide nurse-to-patients ratios in health care. The two most common staffing methods used are staffing based on patient acuity and mandated nurse-to-patient ratios. The debate over how to best decide nurse-to-patient staffing ratios has been an ongoing issue. ANA President Barbara Blakeney(2012) stated “Inappropriate nurse staffing is the number one concern of nurses today. More than a decade of research has shown that RNs make the quality difference in patient care and that when RN care is insufficient, patient safety is compromised and the risk of death is increased” (p.1). Patient outcomes, nursing staff satisfaction, and cost are all things considered when evaluating the outcomes of the different staffing methods. There have been on going studies into the effects of both staffing methods on patient care. Research needs to continue to find a safe way to staff nursing facilities. Staffing by nurse-to-patient ratios or by patient
Augsburg College
Abstract
Determining nurse-to-patient ratios in nursing facilities remains a challenge for the nursing profession. Two main staffing methods that are currently used in most nursing facilities are staffing by patient acuity using patient classification systems and staffing by mandated nurse-to-patient rations. Each method has an impact on patient outcomes, safety and overall satisfaction determined from different articles and studies done on each staffing method. There are pros and cons to each staffing methods. Nursing facilities look at many of these pros and cons when determining staffing methods that are used, cost, patient outcomes, nursing satisfaction and safety. Staffing is a big issue in nursing, if left unresolved can have major consequences for patients and nursing staff. Keywords: Acuity, mandated nurse-to-patient ratios
Finding Safe Nurse to Patient Ratios Currently there is no set approach used to determine how to decide nurse-to-patients ratios in health care. The two most common staffing methods used are staffing based on patient acuity and mandated nurse-to-patient ratios. The debate over how to best decide nurse-to-patient staffing ratios has been an ongoing issue. ANA President Barbara Blakeney(2012) stated “Inappropriate nurse staffing is the number one concern of nurses today. More than a decade of research has shown that RNs make the quality difference in patient care and that when RN care is insufficient, patient safety is compromised and the risk of death is increased” (p.1). Patient outcomes, nursing staff satisfaction, and cost are all things considered when evaluating the outcomes of the different staffing methods. There have been on going studies into the effects of both staffing methods on patient care. Research needs to continue to find a safe way to staff nursing facilities. Staffing by nurse-to-patient ratios or by patient
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