Question

A task force is considering factors that contribute to high-quality safe staffing. Which statement reflects an understanding of the American Nurses Association's (ANA) Safe Staffing Saves Lives recommendations?

a. Because patient needs remain constant on a daily shift, staffing needs at the beginning of the shift should be sufficient to provide safe, high-quality care.
b. Staffing should allow time for the RN to apply the nursing process so decisions result in high-quality, safe patient outcomes.
c. Patient acuity levels affect staffing by increasing the need for unlicensed personnel to provide routine basic care rather than increasing RNs in staff mix.
d. RN staffing is not cost-effective; thus is it important for staffing models to limit the number of RNs assigned per shift.

Answer 1

The ANA's Safe Staffing Saves Lives recommendations are understood as staffing which facilitates RNs' application of the nursing process for safe outcomes. Also, rotating shifts pose issues that can be mitigated with careful scheduling. Economics shows that higher nurses' salaries may lead to reduced nurse employment. The correct option is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement that reflects the American Nurses Association's (ANA) Safe Staffing Saves Lives recommendations is: "Staffing should allow time for the RN to apply the nursing process so decisions result in high-quality, safe patient outcomes."

This principle emphasizes the importance of adequate staffing not just in terms of numbers but also in allowing sufficient time for Registered Nurses (RNs) to thoroughly assess and plan care for their patients, thereby enhancing the safety and quality of patient care.

Rotating shifts for healthcare professionals can be problematic due to disruptions in sleep patterns and work-life balance, potentially leading to fatigue and decreased job performance. Strategies to address these issues include consistent scheduling, allowing for adequate rest between shifts, and promoting a healthy work environment that supports the well-being of staff.

In economics, the relationship between nurses' salaries and the quantity of nurses hired is depicted by supply and demand curves. As salaries rise, the quantity of nurses demanded by hospitals may decline. Hospitals might respond to higher costs by reducing staffing levels, laying off nurses, or incorporating technology and less expensive staff to maintain or reduce overall staffing costs.