Publication Date
Spring 3-30-2025
Presentation Length
Poster/Gallery presentation
College
Gordon E. Inman College of Nursing
Department
Nursing, School of
Student Level
Undergraduate
SPARK Category
Research
Faculty Advisor
Linda Wofford
SPARK Session
10:15-11:45
Presentation Type
Poster
Summary
As future RNs preparing to enter the workforce in a few short months, we chose to explore the effects of nurse-to-patient ratios, specifically acuity-based staffing assignments. The Summit Medical Center’s 4th and 5th floor medical-surgical units currently utilize a fixed numerical assignment system, not considering the complexity of individual patients when assigning patients to nurses. This form of assignment-making poses potential problems with unequal workloads, contributes to an increase in nurse burnout, and potentially compromised care. Shifting to an acuity-based staffing ratio by utilizing a validated acuity assessment tool will work to improve patient outcomes and nurses’ job satisfaction. Such a change would require the combined efforts of nurse leaders, hospital management, and administrative and IT support, but the long-term benefits are undeniable. The effectiveness of the acuity-based staffing ratios would be measured using a combination of qualitative and quantitative data, such as patient outcomes, complication rates, medication errors, and surveys to assess nurse satisfaction with the change. Our goal is to improve the culture of care on these units by enhancing patient safety and supporting nurses in their ability to provide the highest quality of care to each of their patients.
Recommended Citation
Arnold, Kassandra E.; Powers, Hannah; and Evans, Sara, "ACUITY-BASED NURSE STAFFING" (2025). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 233.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/233
