Nurse Staffing Ratio In Nursing

Nurse Staffing Ratios Nurse staffing ratios have been a topic of debate for many years. Inadequate staffing ratios can lead to patient, and staff endangerment, a decrease in patient and staff satisfaction, and a high turnover rate, along with employee burnout. Thus, sever staffing models have been implemented to aid with staffing rations, and federal and state requirements have been implemented. Although, nursing managers and leaders my approach nurse staffing differently, a professional approach should always be used to ensure satisfaction and safety.

Staffing Models There are three main types of staffing models that are used; budged based, nurse-patient ratio, and patient acuity. According to research there is no perfect staffing model,

There are many committees that are open to staff such as staffing committees, unit practice counsel, nurse practice counsel, and so on. Having direct dialog with leadership and managers such as Clinical Managers and Directors of Nursing gives the ability to observe the insight of how the staffing grid is developed.

At Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the staffing is determined by the patient census. Ideally, on the Surgical/ Trauma unit, Registered Nurses will have approximately 4-5 patients, with a post-operative nurse that comes in at 10am to assume care of the post-operative patients that discharge from PACU to the floor. The post-operative nurse typically receives up to five patients per shift. The CNA’s on the unit will have anywhere between 7-13 patients depending on the staffing on the floor, with the help of a unit secretary that rovers the unit, and offers help as needed. In 2014 the unit grid for the 9th floor was re-vamped by the assistance of the unit practice counsel. After discussion with a nurse leader on the 9th floor, the clinical manager sat down with the unit practice counsel, and the unit practice counsel chair to discuss budget, and staffing. It was noted after slight changes, the increase in employee satisfaction. The staff members felt their voice was heard, thus they were able to make slight changes that the entire unit was able to agree upon, with staying within budget. Furthermore, with the ability for the unit practice council members to be able to visualize what goes into maintaining a budget, and getting budgets approved, there was a greater appreciation for decisions that were made. Finally, with the new changes, and tweaks there was a decrease in unapproved