Staffing Ratios

Staffing RatioIssue Analysis Presentation Erin Burdi NURS 450 Ferris State University

Introduction

The nursing profession is facing an ever growing threat of a continued nursing shortage. Erenstein and McCaffrey (2007) estimate, that by the year 2020, the United States will experience a shortage of 400,000 registered nurses (p.303).Introduction (cont)One of the greatest contributing factors to the nursing shortage is the lack of nursing retention due to job dissatisfaction. Staffing ratios directly influence the healthcare working environment and nursing's ability to provide safe, quality, patient care. There-fore contributing to increased job dissatisfaction.

Introduction (cont)Nurses desire excellence in providing patient care.the art of nursing is based on caring and respect for human dignity and a compassionate approach to patient care carries a mandate to provide that care competently (ANA, 2010, p.23). Nursing focuses on the promotion and maintenance of health and the prevention or resolution of disease, illness, or disability. The nursing needs of human beings are identified from a holistic perspective and are met in the context of a culturally sensitive, caring, personal relationship (ANA, 2010, p.23).

In response, nursing as a profession has developed a specialized knowledge set that gives us the tools to provide systematic, quality, evidence-based patient careIntroduction (cont)Working environments which impede our ability to establish this patient relationship through perceived factors that are beyond our control, such as staffing, may cause nurses to become overstressed, burned out, and potentially leave the profession.the prime candidate for burn-out would be the nurse who strives for excellence in a toxic environment (Cullen, 1995, p.26).

Introduction (cont)when a nurse works in a system where she's never allowed to give her best, one of two things happen: ..s/he lowers her standards, in which case s/he works apathetically but comfortably for the rest of their career2) ..s/he continues trying to give their best, constantly bucking a system that doesn't put excellence first, until s/he finally burns out

(Cullen, 1995, p.26). Introduction (cont)Consequences from the nursing shortage can affect the delivery of healthcare and the profession of nursing; continuing evidence exist that states that unsupportive and unhealthy environments contribute to medical errors and unsafe working conditions(Erenstein &McCaffery, 2007, p.303). Inadequate staffing has the potential to increase inherent stressors and responsibilities of nursing, causing increased job dissatisfaction, poor nurse retention, and perpetuating nursing shortage.

??? The Question???What Effect does Staffing RatiosHave on Nurse Retention?

Theoretical Base

Assessment of Healthcare Environment

Variability in Patient Demand.

Inferences/Implications ConsequencesPatient Outcomes QSEN Quality & Safety CompetenciesPatient Centered Care SafetyEvidence-Based Practice (EVP)Teamwork and Collaboration InformaticsQuality Improvement (QI)ANA Standards of Nursing Practice