Free Essay

Intensive Mothering

In: English and Literature

Submitted By rheasawhney
Words 1789
Pages 8
Parenthood can often be extremely overwhelming and demanding. Putting aside your entire life and giving up everything to satisfy the needs of your baby is not an easy or painless task. The immense pressure to do the best you possibly can for your child poses a huge responsibility on parents. In my opinion, the critiques condemnation of attachment parenting is not fair. I believe that the concept of attachment is reasonable and infact necessary for infants to develop into skilled, independent and mature individuals who share a strong emotional bond with their parents.

First and foremost, it is essential to know what Attachment parenting is all about? It is ‘an approach of raising children who are well connected to their parents rather than a strict set of rules.’A common misconception that people have is considering intensive mothering to be a synonym for attachment parenting. Intensive mothering is based on the idea of completely sacrificing your needs and desires and devoting your life to your child or in other words letting your child dictate your life. Most of the articles such as Dr. Laura’s neighborhood focuses on the extreme extent people go to in order to raise their child in the “perfect” way. The author in a rather sarcastic tone aims to make the readers realize that even in the 1970’s and 80’s parents raised babies who turned out to be just fine without ‘the concern that they aren’t spending enough time with their kids and needing to demonstrate in countless ways each and everyday that you really, really love your child’. It lays emphasis on the fact that if you are unable to provide technologically advanced gadgets like ‘Baby-Be-Safe Crib sheet or video surveillance cameras to keep a check on the nanny looking after your baby or electronic monitors to check the babies heart rate even before he is born’ you are considered an incompetent parent.

Attachment parenting on the other hand means ‘opening your mind and heart to the individual needs of your baby and letting your knowledge of your child be your guide to making on the spot decisions about what works best for both the mother and child, that is learning read the cues of your baby and responding appropriately to those cues.’ It encourages parents to find out which parenting style fits their lifestyle in the best way and modify what does not work for them. As sears says, “Like any journey, parenting requires adjustments along the way.” Attachment parenting does not pose undue demands on women in the sense that it is not compelling you to do all the seven Baby B’s and being practical and realistic, if not impossible it is extremely difficult to do everything that is recommended. It mainly advises you to incorporate whatever makes the connection between you and your child stronger in your day to day routine. Attachment parenting does not expect parents to spend 24 hours of a day just attending to your child, instead it’s the quality of time during which you are able to develop a feeling of trust and make your baby feel that he/she can rely on you for his needs.

A frequently asked question that people have is won’t the constant nursing and attention giving to your child be problematic? People feel tied down with the seven B’s of attachment parenting and might consider them to be challenging. However, many attachment parents after being interviewed stated, "I feel so connected with my baby." "I feel right when with her, not right when we're apart." "I feel fulfilled." The seven B’s of baby wearing include, ‘breastfeeding, balance, beware of baby trainers, belief in the language value of your baby’s cry, bedding close to baby, baby wearing and birth bonding.’ Attachment parenting is a very typical way of parenting and all these practices have been practiced all over the world for hundreds of years only recently these practices have been termed together as attachment parenting. Though some people may consider the seven Baby B’s to be highly problematic if they are working mothers but as stated earlier, it is not mandatory to follow all seven of them. For instance, I feel breastfeeding is essential for the health of the baby, moreover, ‘Current studies show that babies who are breast fed tend to be healthier, more secure and even score higher on IQ tests! In addition the bond between breastfeeding mom and baby tends to help form a secure attachment for the baby as he or she grows. Breastfeeding also tends to be an economical choice for many families.’ ‘A British study of 36 middle-class mothers and their three-year-olds found that securely-attached children scored 12 points higher on the Stanford-Binet intelligence test than did insecurely attached children (Crandell and Hobson 1999).’ Since research has proven that breastfeeding is vital for healthier growth of babies I think it would be unfair for those babies who are not breast-fed.

Another topic that is highly debated over is whether a baby should co-sleep or not? Research has come to a conclusion that co sleeping reduces stress and anxiety levels among babies as they sleep in a safe and sound environment close to their parents. Co-sleeping may be a stress-reducer as well. A British study reports that children (aged 3-8) who slept in their parents’ rooms showed lower daily levels of the stress hormone cortisol (Waynforth 2007). Its is argued upon by people who say that it may be dangerous for the baby to sleep on the same bed as the parent and co sleeping may be spoiling the baby as it would not make him independent and the baby needs to learn how to sleep alone at some point. However, co-sleeping does not mean that the baby has to sleep on the same bed as the parent. The baby can sleep anywhere in the same room as the parents or in a crib right next to the parents bed it would still be considered co sleeping. The main idea is for the baby to be close to the parents so that the parents can easily tend to the baby if needed. If pondered upon, intensive mothering is much more problematic in comparison to attachment parenting. Intensive mothering is judging your capability as a mother on the basis of your ability to afford expensive and luxurious products. In that sense it can be said that attachment parenting is reasonable, as at least it is not expecting parents to go over the top to raise their child.

All Attachment parenting is asking parents to do is treating your child with love and affection and to getting to know your child better. Which part of that is unreasonable or unfair for mothers? A child is not a machine; it is not inbuilt with functions neither does it come into this wide world prepared to react to all the situations it is faced with. Parents need to understand what is going on the babies mind and respond accordingly. This can only be possible if the parent spends enough time with their baby. If parents are unable to find some time out they should not to have a baby.
As critiques put it, attachment parenting may pose undue demands on women, as she is the sole person who can provide the kind of care, love and attention that the baby requires. However, at the end of the day it is her decision to have the baby and if she is unable to devote herself to her babies needs when he/she needs it the most she is not ready for the challenges of motherhood. In western cultures, it is not an obligation for a married couple to have children. If both parents are professionals and have chosen their career over their family, it would be a wiser option not to have babies, as there is no point raising a child who is going to be neglected. In several parts of the world such as India, it is almost mandatory for a married couple to have children or else the family members along with the society raise questions and the mother is expected to leave everything aside and raise the baby. This is very customary in India, as my own grandfather did not let my mother continue with her business, as he wanted her sole attention to be on raising her children. Therefore, a majority of the Indian babies are attachment parented. However, in countries like America, no one is putting a gun to your head to have a baby. It is entirely the couple’s choice.

Therefore, in conclusion, the fact remains that every individual is unique and one parenting style cannot fit everyone. I feel that a majority of the critiques “who tend to criticize attachment parenting don’t really understand what attachment parenting is all about,” “So many studies show that if you meet the needs of a child when she’s young, she will grow into becoming more independent.” Attachment parenting is a broad parenting style that promotes seven ways to get connected with your baby. Moreover, attachment parenting is exactly what has been practiced all over the world for years only now its been given a name; the only change that has occurred is that there has been a significant increase in the number of working mothers. Attachment parenting is criticized because it is thought to pose strenuous demands on working mothers but it is always possible to try to mix and match parenting style and figure out what works for them. It is not setting out a strict set of rules to raise a baby and above all it is because of its flexibility why I feel attachment parenting is fair and reasonable.

Works Cited:

"The science of attachment parenting." Gwen Dewar. Web. 18 Sept. 2009. <http://www.parentingscience.com/attachment-parenting.html>.

Parenthood.com. Dominion Enterprises. Web. 18 Sept. 2009. <http://www.parenthood.com/article-topics/attachment_parenting.html>.

"Pros and Cons of Attachment Parenting." Surf Net Parents. Barbara Feldman. Web. 19 Sept. 2009. <http://www.surfnetparents.com/pros_and_cons_of_attachment_parenting-6025.html>.

"ATTACHMENT PARENTING (AP)." AskDrSears Homepage. Web. 21 Sept. 2009. <http://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/t130100.asp#back>.

--------------------------------------------
[ 1 ]. Pg 3,4 Becoming Attached
[ 2 ]. http://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/T130400.asp#back
[ 3 ]. http://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/T130300.asp#back
[ 4 ]. http://www.surfnetparents.com/pros_and_cons_of_attachment_parenting-6025.html
[ 5 ]. http://www.parentingscience.com/attachment-parenting.html
[ 6 ]. http://www.parentingscience.com/attachment-parenting.html
[ 7 ]. http://www.parenthood.com/article-topics/attachment_parenting.html

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Intensive Mothering

...transformation stages of its cataclysmic moments. * There were multiple important points that she raised during the lecture. Dr. O’Reilly wanted us to know the transformation stages, from what position women are at back then in an agricultural economy, moving into the industrial economy, then into the 2nd world war and after. Main Topic and Argument of Reading * Rich Reading * The author is writing about the nature and meaning of motherhood, the heavy importance of being a mother and to their children, their decisions to make, their roles, duty, and the feelings they encounter as to raising their child. * Hays Reading * The author is writing about her ideas about mothering since the middle ages, and the evolution of intensive mothering, where the mother, Rachel is responsible for her only two year old child, while keeping a well-paying job having an unsympathetic boss since her boss is childless. * The author persuades the reader to believe that, being a mother is hard work, it involves numerous responsibility, and that being a good mother requires a challenge, especially when juggling full time work, obligations, pampering and keeping an excellent nurturing of their child at the same time....

Words: 447 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

The Indian Organ

...Not only does the denial of access to culturally embedded culinary practices cause a “slippage of subjectivity” into something else, but the food itself does not seem like food at all, eliminating a bodily need that was constitutive of individual identity and destabilizing the donor identity as it interrupts its biological processes. More than forcing different cultural standards on the Prakesh family’s consumption habits, Ginny has seen to it that they receive only nourishment that has been so mitigated by technology that it no longer resembles food in any “natural” sense at all. Rather than rice, fish, or potatoes, their kitchen is stocked with “multi-colored pellets” and a specialized “cooking device.” The kitchen itself, as a space highly productive of identities marked by difference, has been “dismantled.” Concerning this food-stuff Detsi-Diamanti writes, “Being constantly monitored and fattened like the proverbial lamb before the slaughter, the characters begin to lead antiseptic lives, eating multicolored pills instead of food, avoiding human contact for fear of contamination” (italics mine, 115), of which one should note the animal comparison. In this fashion, Ginny does not merely invest in her donor population, but rather erases their own domestic identity, and replaces it with the sterilized version suitable to her commodification of their bodies and organs, as she has ordered that the guard “cleans and swabs the entire area.” Similarly, in factory farm environments...

Words: 2260 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

Factory Farming

...Tyler K Nizzi Block: 8 Benefits of Factory Farming What are the benefits of factory farming? Factory farming or industrial agriculture involves the exploitation of animals so as to ensure profits, particularly in the dairy and meat industries. As such, engaging in this kind of farming not only offers high profits, but it also guarantees more productivity. Cheap food production: Due to the use of technology and “economies of scale,” they produce food at less cost than smaller farms, thus enabling customers to save money on food purchases (1). Efficiency: The ability to efficiently produce and distribute huge quantities of food to feed large cities (1). Employment: Factory farms provide employment to nearby communities (1). Capital: Supporters argue that factory farms do invest in the communities in which they operate (1). In today’s technology factory farming and also applying chemical products, food is produced at lower costs as compared to smaller farms. A cheaper production that benefits the producers and the consumers. Meaning producers will have better profits. Consumers can enjoy on the lower priced products. The capability of providing large amounts of food is vital in huge cities. This high efficiency will benefit the people in those particular cities ensuring they always have food. Stopping food shortages is a major factory farming benefit. The produced food product can be quickly distributed to its consumers, thus supporting better overall health. Employment of...

Words: 345 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Farming

...Factory Farming Each year millions of pigs, chickens, cows, and other mass produced animals are being abused, brutally murdered, and have even become a health hazard to human beings. Many people have turned a blind eye to this world wide epidemic so they can continue to benefit from the prices and convenience of factory farmed animals. It is true that man is the ruler over animals, but they are still living creatures that do feel pain from abuse and do still suffer when neglected. It’s bewildering to realize that we as a human race have revolutionized women’s rights, civil rights, and even going as far as protecting the environment but we continue to accept the horrific abuse of animals. It’s time for a change! Today’s farming has come a long way from what it was like forty or fifty years ago but trust me not in a positive way. Since what most people focus on now a day is money that is all they seem to care about. First lets define the word brutality according to the free dictionary on on-line brutality is the state or quality of being ruthless, cruel, harsh, or unrelenting (Brutality, 2000). Many large corporation run most of the farms today due to the economy and regular farmers not being able to afford to run let alone own a farm, factory farming has become the way to do business, despite the fact that animals are meant to graze on green pastures and drink from clean watering holes many animals are instead being confined to small cages, being brutally abused, getting...

Words: 1745 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Organizational Change Plan Part Ii

...Organizational Change Plan Part II Mia A. Lowe HCS/587 December 2, 2013 Dr. Sonnia Oliva Organizational Change Plan Part II Moving, which is the implementation phase is the second phase in Kurt Lewin’s theory. During this phase, organizations begin to implement changes and the behaviors of the employees start to change (Spector, 2010). According to Lewin (2010), “Those new behaviors, must become permanent, for at least a desired period of time” (p. 29). The stakeholder’s agreement to implement a Telemedicine Intensive Care Unit (tele-ICU) in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) becomes operational. The second part of this Organizational Change Plan focuses on strategies for implementing a tele-ICU in the MICU. The chief medical director assigns a project manager to the project to oversee the implementation of the tele-ICU. The project manager schedules large weekly meetings with the stakeholders to ensure everyone is completing their assigned tasks. The project manager has an issues log containing issues categorized by subject, owner, and pending due date or completed date. The purpose of the issues log is to track and resolve issues as identified to keep the project moving forward. If the stakeholders in the meeting cannot resolve the issues, the project manager reviews the issues with the chief medical director for resolution. In addition, the project manager schedules small group meeting with different departments. The small groups report...

Words: 1760 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Research Article

...suctioning might decrease the frequency of suctioning complications. TBA Care is a novel device designed to generate a signal when secretions are present in the respiratory tract of an intubated patient, indicating the need for endotracheal suctioning. This is the first prospective randomized trial to compare different indications for endotracheal suctioning. This study compares the efficacy of TBA Care in detecting the presence of secretions in the airways to standard indications, and tested the hypothesis that different suctioning indications could impact the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia and extubation rate (Lucchini et al., 2011). This is a quantitative research study with prospective randomized trial with 72 general intensive care unit patients randomized at intubation into 2 groups, differing only in suctioning indications. The study was conducted over a 9 month period and 72 adult patients who are over 18 years and are intubated or...

Words: 1074 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

“Worst Case Scenario” – the Nightmare

...Uyanga N Chapter 3: Case Study 4: “Worst Case Scenario” – The Nightmare 1. Overview of the issue: Small acute care hospital CEO received call from night supervisor. The four-bed intensive care unit (ICU) was full and the supervisor asked the CEO if one of the ICU patient could be transferred elsewhere to receive car accidents victim from Emergency Department (ER). One of the ER patient’s injuries was so severe that she had to get into the ICU in less than two hours because only the ICU had the necessary technology to keep this patient alive. Since there are no funds to add ICU beds, what steps should the CEO of this hospital take to plan for the worst case for a full ICU bed scenario? (Longest, & Darr, 2008) 2. Statement of the questions: 1) Steps CEO should take in the planning process Systems and processes are critical in decision making process for the worst case for a full ICU bed scenario (Hick, Barbera, & Keken, 2009) . First of all, CEO should have a meeting with all managers to discuss the issues and develop strategic plan to solve this problem. Planning the worst case for a full ICU bed scenario is affected by many variables. There are four key interdependent factors that contribute to an effective full-bed response: system, space, staff, and supplies (Hick, Barbera, & Keken, 2009). Moreover, managers should consider the underlying system components during their planning process such as command, control, communication, coordination, continuity of operations...

Words: 858 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Sociology and Nursing

...sources of support Centre for Clinical Studies - Women's and Children's Health, Mater Hospital, Sth Brisbane, Queensland, AUSTRALIA Department of Health and Ageing, Commonwealth Government, Canberra ACT, AUSTRALIA What's new This review updates the existing review of "Gowning by attendants and visitors in newborn nurseries for prevention of neonatal morbidity and mortality" which was published in The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2003 (Webster 2003). No new trials were identified as a result of this updated search. The conclusions of the review are unchanged. Text of review Synopsis Gowning by attendants and visitors in newborn nurseries for prevention of neonatal morbidity and mortality Newborn nurseries and neonatal intensive care units often require staff and visitors to wear overgowns with the intention of preventing the spread of infection. It has also been thought that putting on an overgown will remind people to wash...

Words: 6846 - Pages: 28

Free Essay

Research Proposal

...Introduction……………………………………………………………………………….3 Review of the Literature…………………………………………………………………..4 Purpose……………………………………………………………………………………8 Methods……………………………………………………………………………………9 Design and research questions…………………………………………………….9 Sample……………………………………………………………………………..9 Survey instrument……………………………………………………..…………10 Research procedures……………………………………………………………..10 Informed consent and IRB approval……………………………………………..11 Strengths and Weaknesses……………………………………………………………….11 Timeline and Cost Considerations……………………………………………………….12 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………….13 Concept Model………………………………………………………………..Appendix A Sample Questions……………………………………………………………..Appendix B References……………………………………………………………………………….18 Research Proposal Research Proposal Introduction Intensive care units (ICUs) were designed to provide highly skilled, lifesaving nursing care to viable patients with acute illnesses or injuries. Patients with chronic and/or terminal illness were not expected to be admitted to these units, with the possible exception of acute exacerbations of reversible complications. Patients whose care needs changed from curative to palliative were intended to be transferred out of critical care to patient care environments more suited to end-of-life care. However, as more patients become “chronically critically ill”, critical care nurses are being asked more often to provide care to patients on their deathbeds (Puntillo et al., 2001). Deciding which ICU patients are actually dying remains an extremely inexact...

Words: 4698 - Pages: 19

Premium Essay

Literiture Review

...How the death of a patient can impact on nurses: A literature review During 2012 there were 499,331 deaths registered in England and Wales, a rise of 3.1% compared with 2011. Almost half of these occurred in National Health Service Hospitals. (Office for National Statistics, 2012). These figures indicate a substantial amount of individuals dying in a hospital setting each year, therefore a large proportion of patients will be receiving some form of care prior to and at death (Blackwell 2010 p.1). Numerous research studies have been carried out by theorists identifying the impact of bereavement on different individuals. The earliest thorough study of grief and loss developed from Freud with his classic paper ‘Mourning and Melancholia’ (Freud 1917 cited in Payne et al 1999). Freud believed that for the bereaved to detach from the deceased one must work through their grief by reviewing memories and thoughts of the deceased (Ellman 2010). Other theorists have recently identified death and the importance of understanding it. 'Death is a natural progression from life. Most nurses will be exposed to the physical and emotional effects of this experience as they care for a dying patient. The nurse is taught how to provide support for the patient and family as they proceed through the stages of grief. Often, however the nurse may not realise his or her own need to grieve'. (Brosche 2003 p. 173). Although nurses try to remain professional whilst at work...

Words: 3385 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

Pressure Ulcers

...Pressure Ulcers Donna Long Grand Canyon University NRS 433V Introduction to Nursing Research February 11, 2012 Shahin E. S. M., Dassen T., & Halfens R. J. G. (2009). Incidence, prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers in intensive care patients: A longitudinal study. International Journal of Nursing Studies 46: 413–421 Introduction Pressure ulcers refer to damage that occurs to the skin of a patient. Pressure, shear and friction are among the known causes (Shahin, Dassen & Halfens, 2009). Pressure ulcers mostly affect the lower part of the body, the elderly and patients with spinal injuries (Shahin et al, 2009). They are expensive to treat, require long periods of time and numerous treatments to heal. As a result, the cost incurred is very high and ranks among one of the most expensive ailments in the world to treat (Shahin et al, 2009). Background of the Study It is estimated that around 13% of patients in the ICU develop pressure ulcers (Shahin et al, 2009). “Pressure ulcers are the third most expensive disorder after cancer and cardiovascular diseases” (Shahin et al, 2009, p.414). This study looks into the prevalence of pressure ulcers in ICU patients, the factors related to it, and the treatment measures. Overcoming the problem of pressure ulcers is vital especially among critically ill patients who are at the most risk of developing pressure ulcers (Shahin et al, 2009). Educating nurses can reduce the occurrence of pressure ulcers...

Words: 1074 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Perception of Pain and Delerium

...at night about intensive care patients’ pain, agitation, and delirium. The authors are concerned with the level of accuracy to which interdisciplinary communication occurs in the intensive care unit. Nada Al-Qadheeb et al’s objective is to determine the perceptions of nurses and physicians communication in the intensive care unit at night, as communication between ICU caregivers can often times be complicated by the varying nature of illnesses, frequent assessments, frequent interruptions, and invasive procedures that occur in the ICU. “Ineffective nurse-physician communication in the ICU during the day can compromise patients’ safety, increase length of stay, and boost health care costs” (Al-Qadheeb et al, 2013). The article discusses the “perception” of communication between nurses and physicians at night while maintaining high-quality care to the critically ill patient. Evaluation of such perceptions has not been previously performed. The results of the study “highlights the importance of further qualitative and quantitative investigations on nocturnal ICU communication” (Al-Qadheeb et al, 2013). Further studies on this subject may help to improve nighttime communication between ICU clinicians and continue to impact interventions on outcomes that could improve patient safety, as well as quality of care. Keywords: Perception, communication, nighttime, intensive care unit Ineffective Communication on Night Shift in the Intensive Care Unit Methods...

Words: 1887 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Ventilator Associated Pneumonia

............…...8 Data collection ……………………………………..………….……………………………8 Statistics and data analysis …………………………………………………………….…...9 Expected results …………………………………………………………………………………..9 References cited………………………………………………………………………………….10 Appendix A………………………………………………………………………………………13 Appendix B………………………………………………………………………………………14 Appendix C………………………………………………………………………………………15 Appendix D………………………………………………………………………………………16 Ventilator associated pneumonia and chlorhexidine use in the traumatic brain injured patient Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP), is defined as, a nosocomial pneumonia that develops more than 48 hours following endotrachial intubation and mechanical ventilation, and is a common and serious intensive care unit (ICU) complication. VAP causes noteworthy morbidity, mortality, amplified hospital costs, and increased utilization of healthcare resources, prolonged time for ventilator support, as well as lengthened ICU and hospital stay (Caruso, 2009). Antibiotics (ATBs) have traditionally been used to treat VAP, but the occurrence of resistance...

Words: 2745 - Pages: 11

Free Essay

Nurses Impact Lives Beyond

...Nurses Impact Lives Beyond: Case Studyd Nurses Impact Lives Beyond: Case Study Nurses Impact Lives Beyond Pre-hospital Phase: It was cold and dark, when the helicopter was dispatched to a scene flight for motor vehicle crash with double entrapment one May morning at 0230. Two of the three patients, are unresponsive and in critical and unstable condition. This is the first encounter our patient would have with a registered nurse providing and directing his care. The nurse possesses both acute care and pre-hospital expertise and would work collaboratively with police, fireman, good Samaritans, EMT’s and paramedics to access the patient, provide timely triage, life -saving interventions and rapid transport to the closest trauma center. Each team member has a pre-defined and respected role; the nurse is the senior health care provider and assumes the leadership role with a calm, confident demeanor that is reassuring to the team. This patient was a 25 year old man, unrestrained driver of a vehicle that hit a brick wall head-on at a high rate of speed. Of his two passengers, one of them is a brother, all require 20 minutes of extrication time from the severely damaged vehicle. After freeing our patient, the team works together to assess and stabilize him. His initial vital signs are worrisome, with a BP of 140/80, pulse of 160 and spontaneous respiratory rate of 8. The nurse assumes his care and quickly supports his respiratory rate by bagging and suctioning...

Words: 2268 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Budget Management Analysis

...References: Clark ANA Art & Science Kelly Paubel Nur 531 May 21, 2012 Holly Stenerson PLACE PHOTO HERE, OTHERWISE DELETE BOX Subhead. Subhead. left screen page 1 Summary “INSERT PULL QUOTE HERE. DELETE BOX IF NOT IN USE.” Mandatory Nurse-to-Patient Ratio right screen page 2 Negative Influences Positive Influence of Mandated Ratios Is mandating ratios the answer. currently in California the mandated ratios are: !:2 for ICU, Critical Care, NICU, PACU, Labor & Delivery, and with ED patients requiring intensive care 1:3 for Stepdown Units 1:4 for Ante & Post partum, Pediatrics, ED, Telemetry, and other specialty units 1:5 for Medical Surgical units 1:6 for Psychiatric units. Has these ratios changed patient care and nurse satisfaction? Hospitals and nursing organizations are divided on how this change has effected patients and nurses. The California Nurses Association states that nurse retention, burnout, and morale have improved (Clark, 2010). Advocates also say that medical errors have reduced and patient satisfaction has improved. Although several states have attempted to pass laws mandating nurse-to-patient ratios, only California has successfully passed one. California Assembly Bill 394, mandating minimum, specific, and numerical nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals, passed in 1999. left screen page 2 Nursing has seen many changes with the increase in medical treatments available. This...

Words: 363 - Pages: 2