Decades of research shows that nurse-to-patient ratios affect almost every metric that’s important to healthcare providers. For instance, implementing stronger nurse staffing ratios can positively influence patient outcomes, safety and mortality. Such ratios can also help reduce medical errors, employee turnover, and hospital readmissions and length of stay.
Those are all important benefits, especially at a time of increasing challenges for the healthcare industry. But as most employers know, achieving them can be tough. Aside from the challenge of having enough nurses and aides to ensure the highest levels of patient and resident care, knowing just what standards need to be met in any given facility takes time, effort and expertise.
Here at CareerStaff, we’re helping healthcare operators cut through the confusion and meet this challenge head on with our new guide on nurse-to-patient and nurse staffing ratios. From hospitals to long-term care (LTC) facilities like nursing homes, our guide offers a quick reference point for employers looking to understand exactly what’s required in each of their facilities, no matter where they operate.
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Nurse-to-Patient Ratios: A State and Facility Guide for Healthcare Employers
How are requirements for nurse staffing ratios different for hospitals than nursing homes and senior care providers? And how do minimum ratios differ from state to state? Are there federal laws that employers should be aware of? If so, how are they different than ratios required at the state level?
Download our new guide for quick answers to these and other important questions. You’ll also find fast info on important topics like:
- Which states mandate specific nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals, and what those requirements are
- What new federal nurse staffing ratios for hospitals and LTC facilities might look like
- How the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act defines current ratios for LTC facilities
- How ratios for nursing homes differ from state to state
- A list of hours per resident days (HPRD) required for direct workers in nursing homes for each state (including how much can and should be done by licensed nurses)
- Which states require hospitals to publicly report their staffing plans
- Which states require hospitals to involve nursing personnel in staffing decisions
So, why should employers ask these questions? For starters, understanding what ratios apply to each of their facilities helps healthcare operators avoid fines and reimbursement penalties. As a result, it helps them maximize their revenue to better ensure financial success in the years to come.
In addition, staying on top of nurse staffing ratios helps healthcare organizations improve care and possibly improve their satisfaction ratings. And that could help them not only win new patients and referrals, but also better compete in a difficult healthcare marketplace.
Understand Nurse Staffing Ratios with CareerStaff
Yes, the benefits of maintaining strong nurse staffing ratios are probably obvious to most employers. But it also remains elusive a goal for many. Shrinking budgets, labor shortages, and an influx of older patients with more chronic conditions all stand in the way of hitting the best possible ratios for patient and resident care.
At CareerStaff, our mission is to help healthcare operators meet their most urgent workforce challenges. From a nationwide roster of contingency workers to healthcare workforce solutions, we’re proud to offer proven the resources and guidance employers need to best manage their staff, budgets, and other key factors.
Our new guide on nurse staffing ratios joins a rich library of resources designed to help employers maximize the value of their workforce management efforts. Contact us to learn more about our nurse staffing solutions, or download your free copy today!