Nurse-to-Patient Ratios

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the importance of the nurse-to-patient ratio in the care of patients, particularly those in acute care. It discusses the effects of cutbacks in nursing staff numbers to patient safety and how this can be improved by the nursing staff and skill mix. The paper then discusses nurses' safety and positive legislation in California regarding this issue. The paper concludes by briefly discussing individual nurse's roles in ensuring patient and nurse safety.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Patient Safety
Nurse Staffing / Skill Mix
Nurse safety / Job Dissatisfaction
Legislation
Professionalism And My Role
Nurse-To-Patient Ratios: How I See Myself In This Role Now And In The Future
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Determining nurse-to-patient ratios is an arduous task with no single or definite solution. Too many variables exist to develop definitive guidelines to cover every possible situation in an acute care facility. The mix of RNs and LPNs, including individual experience levels of each staff member and training in specialized areas, is a relevant factor to determine appropriate staff. (Currie, Harvey,West, Mckenna, and Keeney, 2005). Needs of patients vary greatly from individual to individual. Many factors determine the acuity of the patient and, therefore, may alter the amount of attention required by a patient. No single ratio solves all problems. Many states have tried passing legislation to mandate ratios, and, all but California, have been unsuccessful. More research is needed to effectively resolve this issue."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Aiken, L. H. (2005). Improving quality through nursing. In D. Mechanic, L. B. Rogut, & D. C. Colby (Eds.), Policy Challenges in Modern Healthcare (pp. 177-188). New Jersey: Rutgers University Press.
• Aiken, L. H., Clarke, S. P., & Sloane, D. M. (2002a). Hospital staffing, organization, and quality of care: Cross- national findings. Nursing Outlook, 50(5), 187-194. Retrieved December 11, 2006, from Elsevier Health.
• Aiken, L., Clarke, S., Sloane, D., Sochalski, J., & Silber, J. (2002b). Hospital nurse staffing and patient mortality, nurse burnout, and job dissatisfaction. Journal of the American Medical Association, 288 (16), 1987-1993.
• American Nurses Association (ANA). (2000). Nurse staffing and patient outcomes in the inpatient hospital setting. Washington D.C.: American Nurses Publishing.
• American Nurses Association (ANA). (2005). Legislation: Staffing plans and ratios, Retrieved December 11, 2006, from http://www.nursingworld.org/gova/state/2005/staffing.htm

More papers on Nurse-to-Patient Ratios:

• Research Paper # 96907 : "Nursing Ratios"
• Research Paper # 99322 : "Nurse Staffing Ratios"
• Term Paper # 131884 : "Nurse Patient Ratios in the ICU"

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