Joanna Hewett, RN, BSN

The Effect of Increased Nurse-to-Patient Ratios in Hospitals and Skilled Nursing Facilities Related to Patient Falls and Pressure Injuries

Tags: acute care falls Nurse-to-Patient Ratios Patient Falls patient outcomes Pressure Injuries work environment

There has long been a debate between healthcare administration, politicians, payers and nurses on the issue of safe staffing and the effect of nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals and Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF). The purpose of this paper is to review research articles related to the effect of nurse-to-patient ratios at hospitals and SNFs on the fall rate and pressure injury rate of patients. It is the hypothesis of this paper that there will be a positive effect for patients related to the improved nursing ratios. Upon reviewing five solid research articles, as listed in the later part of this paper, the hypothesis is supported by solid evidence that both pressure injuries and fall rates of patients in the hospitals and SNF settings are directly improved by increased nurse staffing. The recommendation made from this review is that states improve regulations for hospitals and SNFs to increase and maintain adequate nurse staffing as it has a direct positive effect on patient outcomes.