The High Nurse-to-Patient Ratios

This paper gives a detailed analysis of fifteen research articles. The targeted articles focus on nurse-to-patient ratios in different healthcare institutions.

Koetting, M. (2010). Safety in numbers: nurse-to-patient ratios and the future of healthcare./Hospital: man, woman, birth, death, infinity, plus red tape, bad behavior, money, god, and diversity on steroids. Journal of Health Politics, Policy & Law, 35(1), 127-133.

This article argues that better nurse-to-patient ratios are needed towards effective care. Nurses should encourage their employers to hire more practitioners. The article also describes the effects of organizational conflict (Koetting, 2010). A humanistic approach is critical whenever providing quality healthcare. The problem of nurse-to-patient ratio affects many healthcare organizations. The article offers useful arguments about the targeted problem (Koetting, 2010). This article provides meaningful information that can transform the nature of healthcare. The author offers useful concepts towards dealing with the problem of nurse shortage. The author encourages medical facilities to embrace the best practices. The article examines the need to increase the number of healthcare providers (Koetting, 2010). The approach will result in better health support.

Duffin, C. (2012). Nurse-to-patient ratios must increase to improve safety. Nursing Older People, 24(4), 6-7.

The author examines the health challenges arising from the current nurse-to-patient ratios. This scenario results in numerous health challenges. Many healthcare providers have been forced to work for more hours. The level of absenteeism is common in many health institutions (Duffin, 2012). The article explains why increased nurse-to-patient ratios will improve safety. This article gives a detailed analysis of the targeted study problem. The issue of nurse-to-patient ratio affects many health institutions. The author of the article gives a detailed analysis of the problems arising from the current shortage of nurses (Duffin, 2012). The quantitative data presented in the article explains why nursing homes should have more caregivers. The proposed change focuses on the need to increase the number of healthcare practitioners. The article explains why this approach will address the issue of job dissatisfaction (Duffin, 2012). Nurses will be ready to use modern informatics.

Tourangeau, E., Thomson, H., Cummings, G., & Cranley, A. (2013). Generation-specific incentives and disincentives for nurses to remain employed in acute care hospitals. Journal of Nursing Management, 21(3), 473-482.

The article describes how the country’s healthcare sector is characterized by many nurses from different generations. Every generation possesses unique views and concepts towards better healthcare delivery (Tourangeau, Thomson, Cummings, & Cranley, 2013). Such nurses have their unique opinions and ideas. Healthcare institutions should consider the needs of these generations in order to promote the best practices. The article gives a new perspective to the targeted problem. Nursing shortage should also be analyzed from a generational perspective. The authors have used a cross-sectional study to analyze the opinions of nurses from different generations (Tourangeau et al., 2013). This approach presents new insights that can be used to transform the future of nursing practice. Nurses and healthcare organizations are focusing on the best health outcomes. The use of proper staffing processes will support the needs of many nurses in every generation. The approach will eventually address the problem of nurse-to-patient ratio in every community (Tourangeau et al., 2013). The practice will produce positive health outcomes.

Hinno, S., Partanen, P., & Vehviläinen-Julkunen, K. (2012). Nursing activities, nurse staffing and adverse patient outcomes as perceived by hospital nurses. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 21(11/12), 1584-1593.

This article describes why the quality of care availed to different patients depends on several factors. For instance, nursing activities and staffing practices will affect the quality of care availed to different communities. Effective staffing practices will increase the number of caregivers and promote the best health practices (Hinno, Partanen, & Vehviläinen-Julkunen, 2012). The approach will ensure different caregivers have the right roles thus improving the quality of care. The article focuses mainly on nursing activities and staffing processes. The authors believe strongly that ineffective staffing processes will affect the quality of care (Hinno et al., 2012).

The cross-sectional data highlights the opinions of different Finnish nurses. The participants “included 535 and 334 RNs from Finland and the Netherlands respectively” (Hinno et al., 2012, p. 1587). This information explains why nurse staffing should be matched with different healthcare activities. The authors support the power of positive nurse staffing. The practice will attract more nurses to promote the best patient outcomes (Hinno et al., 2012). The caregivers will also embrace the best practices towards effective healthcare delivery.

Harding, T., & Wright, M. (2014). Unequal staffing: A snapshot of nurse staffing in critical care units in New South Wales, Australia. Contemporary Nurse: A Journal for the Australian Nursing Profession, 47(1/2), 7-15.

This article examines how unequal staffing affects the welfare of nurses in critical care units. Many countries are focusing on the best care for their citizens. This study describes how nurse staffing dictates the quality of healthcare (Harding & Wright, 2014). Unequal staffing processes can have numerous impacts on the quality of healthcare. Administrators should therefore consider the best competencies in order to staff their facilities affectively. This discussion explains why poor staffing methods have led to the problem of nursing shortage today. The current nurse-to-patient ratios encountered in many institutions arises from ineffective staffing methods (Harding & Wright, 2014). The study highlights powerful incentives towards better nursing practices. The authors offer meaningful ideas towards better healthcare practices. This article supports the importance of equal staffing processes in order transform the nature of nursing care (Harding & Wright, 2014). More nurses will be ready to improve the nature of patient care.

You, L., Aiken, H., Sloane, M., Liu, K., He, G., Hu, Y.,…Sermeus, W. (2013). Hospital nursing, care quality, and patient satisfaction: Cross-sectional surveys of nurses and patients in hospitals in China and Europe. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 50(2), 154-161.

The authors examine how different health resources affect the outcomes of nurses and patients. The study focuses on the performance of different hospitals in China (You et al., 2013). The number of nurses in different institutions affects the quality of care directly. Proper staffing practices should be combined with better resources in order to get quality outcomes. The authors have used incident rates from Europe and China. According to the study, nurse resources (NR) will determine the health outcomes of many caregivers (You et al., 2013). Proper nurse-to-patient ratios will ensure more institutions offer quality nursing care. This article offers a powerful solution to the problem of nursing shortage. The right number of nurses should be in place in order to improve the quality of medical care (You et al., 2013). Proper nurse-to-patient ratios will produce the best outcomes. The approach will address certain problems such as dissatisfaction and burnout.

Nurses’ views sought for law on minimum staffing ratios. (2014). Nursing Standard, 28(38), 12.

The article begins by describing the problems arising from minimum staffing ratios. Many nurses have encouraged different health institutions to identify new laws that can result in better staffing practices (“Nurses’ views”, 2014). The problem of nurse staffing is directly associated with poor patient outcomes. The problem of nurse-to-patient ratio in different parts of the world is evident in this article. The study identifies unique problems arising from poor staffing ratios. Proper ratios are therefore needed in different healthcare units (“Nurses’ views”, 2014). The practice will support the health demands of many patients. The article embraces the power of proper nursing ratios. This goal can be achieved by recruiting more nurses. The article does not present enough data to support the argument (“Nurses’ views”, 2014). However, the practice can ensure different units have the right number of caregivers.

Tellez, M. (2012). Work Satisfaction among California Registered Nurses: A Longitudinal Comparative Analysis. Nursing Economic, 30(2), 73-81.

The author begins by supporting the effectiveness of positive nurse-to-patient ratios. Such ratios will produce new benefits such as job satisfaction and empowerment. The author “advances the debate over the benefits of nurse staffing law” (Tellez, 2012, p. 79). The law will ensure more nurses are hired to improve the quality of healthcare. The US is currently facing a major healthcare problem. A longitudinal design is used to evaluate the views of different Registered Nurses (RNs) in California. The design reveals that over 18.5 percent of nurses are dissatisfied with their jobs (Tellez, 2012). The use of proper laws will retain more nurses. The important goal towards dealing with the targeted problem is having more healthcare providers. The government should therefore implement a proper nurse staffing law in order to support the needs of many patients (Tellez, 2012). Proper working conditions are needed in order to improve the level of nurse retention.

Klassen, R. (2010). Staffing ratios hinder patient care: It’s time to stop the regulation of hospital nurse staffing dead in its tracks. Nursing Economic, 28(3), 214.

The author of the article examines the problems encountered in many facilities. The problem of health workforce shortage arises from mandated nursing ratios. According to the author, mandated staffing ratios have continued to hinder the quality of healthcare (Klassen, 2010). The author explains why the existing regulations should be stopped in order to empower more caregivers. The article uses a descriptive approach to present the best opinions. The author argues strongly that the current staffing ratio laws have made it impossible for many health institutions to deliver quality care. More nurses are unable to achieve their potentials due to such laws (Klassen, 2010). This malpractice has affected the effectiveness of the country’s healthcare system. The author offers powerful incentives to support the proposed change. Nursing ratios hinder the quality of care. The descriptive study examines the need for better nursing ratio laws (Klassen, 2010). The current laws inhibit the delivery of quality care.

McKenna, E., Clement, K., Thompson, E., Haas, K., Weber, W., Wallace, M.,…Roda, I. (2011). Management/Administration. Using a Nursing Productivity Committee to Achieve Cost Savings and Improve Staffing Levels and Staff Satisfaction. Critical Care Nurse, 31(6), 55-65.

The authors support the use of new managerial practices in different healthcare settings. A Nursing Productivity Committee can be established to identify new practices that can produce the best outcomes. The committee will identify the right number of caregivers who can support the targeted outcomes (McKenna et al., 2011). The approach will also focus on the best practices that can improve staffing levels. Such nurses are incapable of supporting the health needs of their patients. This scenario continues to affect the quality of care availed to different patients (McKenna et al., 2011). Proper managerial plans will identify new incentives that can deliver the best health results. This study highlights the practices embraced by different health institutions and committees. The use of proper managerial theories and strategies will address the problem of staffing (McKenna et al., 2011). Nurses will also be equipped with better skills in order to improve the quality of patient care.

Duffin, C. (2012). Major study confirms link between nurse staff levels and care quality. Nursing Standard, 26(30), 7.

This purpose of this study was to examine how poor staffing practices affect the quality of healthcare. The number of nurses in a specific facility will affect the quality of care. Some of the major problems arising from poor staffing levels include readmission rates, increased mortality, and hospital-acquired infections (Duffin, 2012). Proper nurse staff levels will therefore increase the quality of care.

The current issue of nurse staff levels continues to affect the quality of care (Duffin, 2012). The researcher has used a large sample to analyze how poor staffing practices affect the quality of health outcomes. The best solution to the above problem is using proper staffing practices. The practice will identify and recruit more caregivers who can support the health needs of many patients. The approach will address various problems such as readmission and mortality. Proper staffing is a positive approach towards effective nursing practices.

Kendall-Raynor, P. (2011). RCN’s fight for safe staffing levels will go on despite setback in Lords. Nursing Standard, 26(14), 10.

The author explains why many institutions support the benefits of appropriate nurse-to-patient ratios. The author examines how the Royal College of Nursing has been fighting for proper staffing ratios (Kendall-Raynor, 2011). This organization is supported and financed by the Queen of England. The issue of nurse-to-patient continues to affect the satisfaction of many caregivers.

The targeted problem is ineffective nurse-to-patient ratios. This gap has made it easier for many nurses to support their communities and patients. The descriptive approach used in the study identifies the major challenges arising from improper staffing (Kendall-Raynor, 2011). The problem has led to burnout, poor medical practice, and dissatisfaction. The best change towards dealing with this problem is promoting proper nurse-to-patient ratios. Such ratios will ensure more caregivers are employed in different healthcare institutions (Kendall-Raynor, 2011). The ideas promoted by the RCN can be used elsewhere in order to empower more nurses.

Gillen, S. (2012). Most nurses are struggling with inadequate staffing, survey shows. Nursing Standard, 26(34), 9.

A study was conducted in the United Kingdom to understand the effects of nursing ratios. The author observed that many patients were unable to get proper medical support (Gillen, 2012). The study observed that many nurses were struggling with ineffective staffing. The author encourages the government and other agencies to implement the best staffing processes. This article gives a succinct description of the nurse-to-patient ratio problem. It has been impossible for them to deal with burnout and stress (Gillen, 2012). The rate of turnover has also been on the rise. This malpractice also affects the quality care availed to different patients. The author uses this study to support the best change. The article focuses on the advantages of proper nursing practices. The best solution arises from effective staffing processes (Gillen, 2012). The right individuals will be hired in order to work as teams. The individuals will also offer the best care to their patients.

de Castro, A., Fujishiro, K., Rue, T., Tagalog, E., Samaco-Paquiz, L., & Gee, G. (2010). Associations between work schedule characteristics and occupational injury and illness. International Nursing Review, 57(2), 188-194.

According to this article, poor work characteristics affect the performance of many nurses. Some of these characteristics include improper work schedule characteristics (de Castro et al., 2010). The other issue includes a poor working environment. The authors examine how ineffective staffing approaches will affect the outcomes of many nurses. Nurses encounter numerous challenges whenever providing quality healthcare to their patients. Some nurses are required to work overtime. They also have to support the health needs of many patients (de Castro et al., 2010).

A cross-sectional study was used to collect the best information from a sample of 655 RNs. Majority of the participants “indicated that mandatory overtime resulted in work-related injury” (de Castro et al., 2010, p. 191). The issue of nurse-to-patient ratio should be reexamined in order to deal with these problems. Work-related injuries are caused by inappropriate workplace practices. This problem worsens when few caregivers are expected to support the health needs of many patients. Health organizations should therefore use proper staffing processes in order to address this problem.

Working group set to establish appropriate staff numbers. (2011). Nursing Standard, 25(49), 11.

Several processes are being undertaken in Northern Ireland. These processes are aimed at improving the quality of healthcare in the country. The study highlights the importance of proper nurse-to-patient ratios (“Working group”, 2011). Such ratios will address most of the health issues affecting the country. This descriptive article describes why proper staffing methods are needed in order to support the country’s patients (“Working group”, 2011). The current ratios fail to support the needs of both the nurses and patients. The article encourages the relevant authorities to consider the best nurse-to-patient ratios (“Working group”, 2011). Proper staffing processes will support the needs of many patients and eventually improve the country’s healthcare system.

Reference List

de Castro, A., Fujishiro, K., Rue, T., Tagalog, E., Samaco-Paquiz, L., & Gee, G. (2010). Associations between work schedule characteristics and occupational injury and illness. International Nursing Review, 57(2), 188-194.

Duffin, C. (2012). Major study confirms link between nurse staff levels and care quality. Nursing Standard, 26(30), 7.

Duffin, C. (2012). Nurse-to-patient ratios must increase to improve safety. Nursing Older People, 24(4), 6-7.

Gillen, S. (2012). Most nurses are struggling with inadequate staffing, survey shows. Nursing Standard, 26(34), 9.

Harding, T., & Wright, M. (2014). Unequal staffing: A snapshot of nurse staffing in critical care units in New South Wales, Australia. Contemporary Nurse: A Journal for the Australian Nursing Profession, 47(1/2), 7-15.

Hinno, S., Partanen, P., & Vehviläinen-Julkunen, K. (2012). Nursing activities, nurse staffing and adverse patient outcomes as perceived by hospital nurses. Journal Of Clinical Nursing, 21(11/12), 1584-1593.

Kendall-Raynor, P. (2011). RCN’s fight for safe staffing levels will go on despite setback in Lords. Nursing Standard, 26(14), 10.

Klassen, R. (2010). Staffing ratios hinder patient care: It’s time to stop the regulation of hospital nurse staffing dead in its tracks. Nursing Economic, 28(3), 214.

Koetting, M. (2010). Safety in numbers: nurse-to-patient ratios and the future of healthcare./Hospital: man, woman, birth, death, infinity, plus red tape, bad behavior, money, god, and diversity on steroids. Journal of Health Politics, Policy & Law, 35(1), 127-133.

McKenna, E., Clement, K., Thompson, E., Haas, K., Weber, W., Wallace, M.,…Roda, I. (2011). Management/Administration. Using a Nursing Productivity Committee to Achieve Cost Savings and Improve Staffing Levels and Staff Satisfaction. Critical Care Nurse, 31(6), 55-65.

Nurses’ views sought for law on minimum staffing ratios. (2014). Nursing Standard, 28(38), 12.

Tellez, M. (2012). Work Satisfaction among California Registered Nurses: A Longitudinal Comparative Analysis. Nursing Economic, 30(2), 73-81.

Tourangeau, E., Thomson, H., Cummings, G., & Cranley, A. (2013). Generation-specific incentives and disincentives for nurses to remain employed in acute care hospitals. Journal of Nursing Management, 21(3), 473-482.

Working group set to establish appropriate staff numbers. (2011). Nursing Standard, 25(49), 11.

You, L., Aiken, H., Sloane, M., Liu, K., He, G., Hu, Y.,…Sermeus, W. (2013). Hospital nursing, care quality, and patient satisfaction: Cross-sectional surveys of nurses and patients in hospitals in China and Europe. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 50(2), 154-161.

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NursingBird. 2022. "The High Nurse-to-Patient Ratios." April 30, 2022. https://nursingbird.com/the-high-nurse-to-patient-ratios/.

1. NursingBird. "The High Nurse-to-Patient Ratios." April 30, 2022. https://nursingbird.com/the-high-nurse-to-patient-ratios/.


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NursingBird. "The High Nurse-to-Patient Ratios." April 30, 2022. https://nursingbird.com/the-high-nurse-to-patient-ratios/.