SEPPD and HPPD: more effective control of nursing care costs

A study of acute care hospital inpatient units demonstrates that the level of correlation between salary expenses per patient day (SEPPD) and hours per patient day (HPPD) is not strong enough to support the continued use of HPPD as the only parameter for monitoring and controlling nursing salary expenses. Findings indicate that chief nursing executives (CNEs) must consider hours and dollars, if they are to achieve effective fiscal management and appropriate influence within the organization.