Nurse Staffing
Our health care system faces immense challenges. Cost-cutting decisions, an aging population, increased patient complexity and need, and an aging workforce all contribute to the current nurse staffing crisis that is negatively affecting nurses’ mental health and well-being.
Evidence shows appropriate nurse staffing contributes to improved patient outcomes and greater satisfaction for both patients and nurses. Addressing nurse staffing challenges supports our nurses, our patients, and our nation’s health and well-being.
Minimum nurse-to-patient ratios is one of many alternatives and solutions to achieve appropriate nurse staffing. The American Nurses Association (ANA) supports enforceable ratios as an essential approach to achieving appropriate nurse staffing.
Long-standing nurse staffing challenges will require multiple strategies. When considered together, they will improve the work environment and the ability of nurses to consistently provide safe patient care.
Appropriate nurse staffing is achievable, and the ANA supports all nurses in advocating for the staffing solutions they find most suitable in their practice settings. Read on to find out more about how ANA is working to improve nurse staffing and how you can get involved.
In This Section
ANA Position Statements & Principles
Nursing Staffing Requirements to Meet the Demands of Today’s Long Term Care Consumer
Recommendations from the Coalition of Geriatric Nursing Organizations (CGNO)
CGNO Position Statement Endorsed by ANA: November 12, 2014
Principles for Nurse Staffing, 3rd Edition
The 2019 ANA Principles for Nurse Staffing identify the major elements needed to achieve optimal staffing, which enhances the delivery of safe, quality care. These principles and the supporting material in this publication will guide nurses and other decision-makers in identifying and developing the processes and policies needed to improve nurse staffing at every practice level and in any practice setting.
Legislation & Regulation
Identifying and maintaining the appropriate nurse staff numbers and mix is critical to the delivery of quality patient care. Numerous studies reveal an association between higher levels of experienced RN staffing and lower rates of adverse patient outcomes.
When health care employers fail to recognize the association between RN staffing and patient outcomes, laws and regulations become necessary.
In the News
Nurses gather to address key issues, strengthen the profession at ANA Membership Assembly
In his opening remarks, ANA President Ernest Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN, the first man elected to hold the office, spoke of the important work that takes place when nurses gather at ANA’s Membership Assembly to collaboratively address relevant issues, advance the profession and strengthen ANA.
Nurses and other stakeholders head to the Hill to advocate
As part of ANA’s annual Hill Day, nurses, students and other leaders are meeting today with members of Congress and their staff to build support for federal legislation addressing workplace violence, funding for nurse workforce development programs, and APRNs’ ability to order home health care services.
ANA Responds to Defeat Of Massachusetts Ballot Initiative on Nurse Staffing
Calls for constructive dialogue between all stakeholders.
American Nurses Association Launches Enhanced Career Center Powered by YourMembership
The American Nurses Association (ANA) is pleased to announce the launch of an enhanced version of the ANA Career Center. The newly redesigned site is powered by YourMembership — the leading provider of career center and job board services.
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