Nursing Staff in Hospitals and Nursing Homes: Is It Adequate

摘要

The purpose of this study is to determine whether and to what extent there isneed for an increase in the number of nurses in hospitals and nursing homes in order to promote the quality of patient care and reduce the incidence among nurses of work-related injuries and stress. In response, the study explores levels of quality care in hospitals and nursing homes today; the relationship of quality care and patient outcomes to nurse staffing levels and mix of different types of nursing personnel; the current supply and demand for nurses; existing ratios of nursing personnel to other measures of demand for health care; the incidence and prevalence of work-related stress and injuries among nurses; and extensive demographic information about health care services and the changing United States population.