Abstract
The frequent and widespread dissatisfaction with a patient classification system (PCS) often can be attributed to its expected, singular application: satisfaction with staffing. Utilizing systems theory as the framework to analyze the historic dissatisfaction with PCS results in the development of comprehensive and reliable PCS and staffing systems. Recognition of the independence of each of these systems, as well as each system's design components of structure and process, results in many significant outcome (patient data and staff data) applications for each of these systems. Hospital-specific successes are identified, which illustrate the value for the nurse executive when assuring that the PCS is not viewed as the "proxy" for staff "busyness."