Effective utilization of a scarce resource: RNs

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Nursing Workforce Optimization
• Hospital Operations

Background:

• Nursing costs constitute a significant portion of hospital budgets.
• The registered nurse (RN) shortage intensifies financial and operational challenges.
• Inefficient task allocation reduces RN productivity and direct patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a nurse extender program utilizing nursing students.
• To determine the impact of the program on RN productivity and patient care.
• To assess the program's effectiveness in RN recruitment and reducing orientation costs.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a nurse extender program.
• Delegation of non-RN-specific tasks to nursing students.
• Monitoring of RN productivity and patient care metrics.
• Tracking of graduate nurse recruitment and orientation expenses.

Main Results:

• Increased RN productivity was observed.
• Enhanced opportunities for direct RN patient care.
• Successful recruitment of RN graduates through the program.
• Reduced orientation costs for newly hired RNs.

Conclusions:

• Nurse extender programs can effectively utilize nursing students for specific tasks.
• This model improves RN efficiency and job satisfaction.
• The program offers a viable strategy for cost-effective RN recruitment and retention.