News - CA ratios produce better outcomes

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

The Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing has produced groundbreaking research on the relationship between adequate nurse staffing in hospitals to the reduction of deaths from common surgeries while providing nurses with working conditions that reduce burnout, improve job satisfaction, and reduce turnover.

The latest study to be produced by the Center examines the effects of California's nurse staffing legislation on surgical deaths. In 2004, California set the maximum number of patients a hospital can assign to each nurse by the demands of various units (fewer patients in intensive care units, more patients in psychiatry). By comparing California's experience to two states without such staffing mandates, the researchers found that there would have been 13.9 percent fewer surgical deaths in New Jersey and 10.6 percent fewer deaths in Pennsylvania from common surgeries if they had adopted California's standards.

http://www.nursing.upenn.edu/chopr/Pages/default.aspx

[Faeriewand, ASN, RN]

Well here's hoping that other states will follow California's example. :)

[Sugarcoma, RN]

hmm, Wonder if my manager and CNO would appreciate a copy of this study slipped under their doors. My last pt. ratio was 8 with 4 of them requiring assistance with their ADL's and 2 who were complete cares, no chance for a break and usually spend at least a 1/2 hour over shift. Yet everyone is absolutely baffled by the increase in falls and pressure ulcers...go figure.

[oldiebutgoodie, RN]

Go for it. Print off copies of the study and stick under every manager's. door.

Oldiebutgoodie

[sassy_cassie]

Who would have guessed adaquate staffing leads to better outcomes? Definatly not management.