Eight patients per nurse is unsafe

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Nursing leaders from practice, education, research, and professional organizations recognized the critical need to address hospital staffing.
• Existing staffing models may not adequately support patient safety and quality of care.
• The Safe and Sound--the Safe Staffing Alliance was formed to advocate for evidence-based staffing practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and issue a consensus statement on optimal hospital staffing levels.
• To provide guidance for healthcare organizations on establishing safe and effective nurse staffing.
• To promote a unified approach to safe staffing across the nursing profession.

Main Methods:

• Formation of a multidisciplinary alliance of nursing leaders.
• Development of a consensus statement based on expert opinion and existing evidence.
• Dissemination of the consensus statement through Nursing Standard's Care campaign.

Main Results:

• A consensus statement on hospital staffing levels has been issued.
• The statement outlines key principles and recommendations for safe staffing.
• The alliance aims to influence policy and practice regarding nurse staffing.

Conclusions:

• Adequate hospital staffing is essential for patient safety and quality care.
• A collaborative, evidence-based approach is necessary to achieve safe staffing levels.
• The consensus statement provides a framework for improving nursing workforce management.