Nursing by the Numbers: How many nurses is enough?

[tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN]

A two year study by the Minnesota Department of Health found a higher number of shift nurses correlates with lower patient mortality, reduces patient falls, and fewer drug administration errors.

Short staffing is a problem everywhere. Nurses have been dealing with this for years, and it doesn't seem to be getting any better. Nurses are having to cut corners just trying to make sure the basic care is addressed, but are unable to give the time and quality care to patients that they need.

How many nurses are enough? Who gets to decide? And how much are we willing to pay them? That answer depends on who you ask.