Since 1994, the recognition of the critical need for empirical data on staffing has driven many American Nurses Association activities, including identification of nursing-sensitive indicators, establishment of data collection projects using these indicators within the constituent member associations, and the ongoing urging of inclusion of these data elements within state and national data collection activities. Appropriate staffing is not simply a matter of numbers. Consideration must also be given to the preparation and experience of the staff providing care as well as to the condition of the residents receiving it and the environment in which that care is being provided. To date ANA has not developed specific numeric recommendations for nurse staffing. ANA work unique to nurse staffing and patient safety has been focused on a broader agenda--quantifying the relationship between nurse staffing and patient outcomes through research. In addition to the identification of Nursing's Quality Indicators as a means to monitor staffing and outcomes (and then adjust staffing), ANA convened an expert panel to review the literature on staffing; federal and state requirements for nurse staffing; recommendations from specialty organizations; and to help define appropriate staffing based on their review. As a result, the panel identified a set of principles that can serve as the basis for the development of best practice models. The principles are targeted to three distinct areas and their evaluation: patient care unit (defined as a cluster (not necessarily geographically-contiguous) of residents receiving care from the same general group of individuals); staff; and institution/organization.
Learning Objectives: Following attendance at this session, the learner will have the ability to: 1. Identify relevant aspects of appropriate staffing. 2. Define the long term care staffing crisis. 3. Detail ANA's "Principles for Nurse Staffing"
Keywords: Long-Term Care, Staff Retention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: American Nurses Association
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment