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
American Nurses Association Underscores Urgency for Safe Staffing Solutions, Including Minimum Nurse-to-Patient Ratios
ANA underscores the urgency for Congressional leaders and the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services to advance efforts to implement safe staffing standards, including minimum nurse-to-patient ratios.
Hundreds of Nurses Urge the US Congress to Address the Nurse Staffing Crisis and Longstanding Work Environment Issues
Insufficient nurse staffing and longstanding work environment issues jeopardize patient safety and negatively impact nurses across the country.
New ANA President Dr. Jennifer Mensik Kennedy to Tackle Pressing Nursing Workforce Issues
Today the American Nurses Association (ANA), the premier association representing the interests of the nation’s more than 4.4 million nurses, welcomes its newest president, Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN.
United Health Foundation Launches $3.1 Million Partnership with American Nurses Foundation to Fight Nurse Burnout and Attrition
Today the United Health Foundation, the philanthropic foundation of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), announced a three-year, $3.1 million grant partnership with the American Nurses Foundation to fight nurse burnout.