Staffing by acuity?

[rn undisclosed name]

So there is a new law in Illinois where hospitals are required to staff by acuity. I am just wondering how this is based. At my hospital it is a number based on 1, 2, 3, or 4. The higher number = higher acuity. I personally think it is a crock. It doesn't seem to matter the acuity I have the same number of patients. Are these acuities supposed to be standard across the board or is it up to the individual hospitals to determine the acuity levels? I am failing to see how the law is set up to be of benefit to anyone. Any insight?

Also if I have a pt who is a 4 it means they have a gtt or 2, frequent turns, IV antibiotics, etc and I am on a tele unit. If this pt was in ICU would they still be a 4 or would the scale change.

Kelly

[mamason]

So there is a new law in Illinois where hospitals are required to staff by acuity. I am just wondering how this is based. At my hospital it is a number based on 1, 2, 3, or 4. The higher number = higher acuity. I personally think it is a crock. It doesn't seem to matter the acuity I have the same number of patients. Are these acuities supposed to be standard across the board or is it up to the individual hospitals to determine the acuity levels? I am failing to see how the law is set up to be of benefit to anyone. Any insight?

Also if I have a pt who is a 4 it means they have a gtt or 2, frequent turns, IV antibiotics, etc and I am on a tele unit. If this pt was in ICU would they still be a 4 or would the scale change.

Kelly

I have yet to work in a place where they take acuity in consideration as far as staffing. In my opinion, it is a crock. Like you, I still have the same number of pt's and then some. I think it's a way to protect the facility.