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Qualitative Methodology: Hospital Nurse Staffing and

Quality of Care

Keli Feathler, RN

Grand Canyon University

NRS 433v

Nora Bazydlo RN MSN

October 29, 2011

Introduction

Does the issue of nurse staffing have an effect on quality of patient care? This study addresses the topic of nurse staffing, which includes nurses (RN and LPN) and nurse’s aides. Research in Action: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) presents the study “Hospital Nurse Staffing and Quality of Care”. Nurse staffing is measured in one of two ways: nursing hours per patient day and nurse to patent ratio (Stanton, 2004). The article looks at periods of high vacancy rates, assesses the patients needs, the development of care plans and administration of medications and treatments in factoring the quality of care. It shows the effect lower staffing levels and its direct link to higher adverse outcome rates. The study of staffing and quality of care is essential, to link the two together, and prove that the issue needs to be addressed in all forums of nursing.

The way to making improvements in nurse staffing is to present documentation/research that supports the issue at hand. With factual information, ways to improve the problem can be formed. Higher levels of nurse staffing at all levels showed a 2-25% reduction in adverse patient outcomes. In order to improve the quality and delivery of health care staffing needs to be addressed, and by performing research in this area, it offers evidence based information.

Review of Literature

Lower levels of staffing are associated with adverse outcomes. Patients are requiring a higher acuity of care, but the skill levels of nursing have declined and added responsibilities cause an increase in the nurse’s workload, fatigue, stress and sleep deprivation. Avoidable adverse outcomes can raise

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