Final answer:
True, direct-care nurses contribute to the development of hospital-wide staffing plans based on patient needs and other factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, direct care nurses do contribute to the development of hospital-wide plans, by unit and shift, to set nurse staffing levels based on patient acuity and need at any given time, available support staff, and other factors. This is an important aspect of nurse management to ensure that patients receive the appropriate level of care based on their individual needs.
Direct-care nurses work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as nurse managers and administrators, to analyze patient data, assess staffing needs, and create plans that optimize patient care. They take into account factors such as patient acuity, nurse-to-patient ratios, and available support staff to ensure that the hospital has adequate staffing levels to provide safe and high-quality care. For example, during a busy shift in the emergency department, direct care nurses may work with nurse managers to adjust staffing levels and assign additional resources, such as support staff or additional nurses, to handle the increased patient load effectively.