Using Science to Improve the Art of Staffing

Nurse executives are required each day to balance the costs of human resources against the anticipated clinical outcomes produced by those resources. Using sophisticated analyses, landmark studies have repeatedly demonstrated the impact of nurse staffing on clinical outcomes.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Other studies establish the business case for a value-based nursing model that produces better outcomes with fewer adverse effects while minimizing total costs of care.9, 10, 11 One author notes: “This is more than a staffing-level or nurse:patient ratio discussion.”11 The American Nurses Credentialing Center has identified that staffing levels, recognition of nurse competency and experience, and flexible care delivery systems are foundational components of a work environment in organizations that achieve Magnet® recognition.12