nursing proffession and staffing ratios

[destiney]

1. Id like to know how nurses feel? Do you believe nursing meets the criteria of being a profession? why?

2. Do you think staffing ratios enhance patient care and/or nursing practice? Why or why not?

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

Is this homework??

[bossynurse101]

1. Last time I checked it did. But so does being a hooker. Perhaps a "profession" is what you make it? Not sure what u mean.

2. See sticky number one (above) re staffing ratios.

[neurorn6]

Homework or not, it is a valid question. Yes, nursing is a profession. Unfortunately, it is a profession that other professional do not take as seriously as nurses do. Secondly, attitudes within this profession can sometimes be unprofessional.

Autonomy within some nursing areas is unheard of, physician attitude regarding nurses can and does play a part in how some nurses feel about themselfs. Facilites and administraters also play a part in this cycle.

Unfortunately, this profession is fightin an uphill battle in it's effort to be seen as a profession. Nurses are not united either nationally or globally. Think about it for a moment. If nurses in all 50 states were to unite on working conditions, salary, benefits etc what kind of effect could we have on hospitals, LTC, legislations, etc. Then look at it on a global view. Talk about change!

To the 2nd part of your question, absolutely patient/nurse ratio plays about in their care. But you also have to look at the acuity of the patients. 6 pts who are walky/talky are different then 6 pts with serious medical issues. Unfortunately, units and facility continue NOT to look at acuity of care vs staffing. This is one of the most frustating issues in nursing.

I have to applaud those facilities, states etc which have taken this issue on and who are trying to impliment change within our profession.

[mama_d, BSN, RN]

Unfortunately, units and facility continue NOT to look at acuity of care vs staffing. This is one of the most frustating issues in nursing.

Totally agree with that. We actually had an outside company come in, evaluate our minute to minute tasks, and come up with an acuity rating for us to fill out on each patient, then subtotal and total. Example: giving blood counted at 20 points. But you could tell that they had no real experience in dealing with on the floor care b/c starting an IV was like 2 points regardless of how many sticks it took. It never made any difference in staffing (like admin PROMISED it would) and after about a year they phased it out. That was money well spent.