Research shows that increased nurse workload leads to higher patient mortality. A proposed bill aims to address this issue by mandating nurse staffing committees to establish minimum nurse-to-patient ratios based on patient acuity and nurse experience. Supporters argue this will decrease medical errors and healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes, nurse retention, and patient satisfaction. The document provides contact information for those wishing to support the bill.

1. 


Problem: Research suggests that
improved nurse staffing has a
beneficial effect on patient outcomes.
Mortality (in hospital death) and
mortality following a complication
(failure to rescue) increases by 7% for
each additional patient added to RNs
workload. (Aiken, 2002)
JOIN IN SUPPORTING THIS
BILL SAFE STAFFING SAVES
LIVES
CONTACT: Patricia “Isela”
Regalado (210) 355-9745

Patricia.regalado@mavs.uta.edu

Reference:
Aiken, L.H., Clark, S. P., Sloane, D.M., Lake, E. T., &
Cheney, T. (2002). Effects of Hospital Care
Environments on Patient Mortality and Nurse
Outcomes. Journal of Nursing Administration, 38(5),





Solution: ANA Endorsed

Mandates Committees 55% direct care
RNs to establish adjustable minimum
number of RN unit-by-unit staffing
plans using acuity of patient/skill level
and education of RN
Directs Secretary of Health and Human
Services to adjust Medicare/Medicaid
payments according to compliance
Improved Staffing: decreases medical
errors, healthcare costs, RN turnover
rate (S.739), improves patient
outcomes and patient satisfaction
(ANA, 2009)





Reference:
Advance for Nurses. (2013). The Politics of Staffing. Retrieved
http://www.safestaffingsaveslives.org.