Results: (-), statistically negative relationship between nurse staffing and the patient outcome (higher staffing is related to lower incidences or rates of that patient outcome); (+), statistically positive relationship between nurse staffing and the patient outcome (higher staffing is related to higher incidences or rates of that patient outcome); NS, results were not significant.

Notes: APD, adjusted patient-days; FTE, full-time employees; GI, gastrointestinal; HPPD, hours per patient-day; LN, licensed nurses; RPN, registered practical nurses (Canadian study); UTI, urinary tract infection.

* Acuity adjusted.

+ Medical patients only.

++ Surgical patients only.

[S] Original staffing measure studied was the patient-to-nurse ratio. Measure has been inverted in this table for consistency of explanation of results.

[//] Number of licensed nurse full-time employees (FTEs). Patient volume and acuity are controlled in the regression equation.

Results:For quantitative study results: (-), statistically negative relationship between nurse staffing or workload and the nursing outcome; (+), statistically positive relationship between nurse staffing or workload and the nursing outcome; NS, results were not significant. For qualitative or descriptive study results: (#) positive relationship between nurse staffing or workload and the nursing outcome; ($), negative relationship between nurse staffing or workload and the nursing outcome; blank cell, the specific outcome was not studied.

Table 1. Nurse Staffing and Patient Outcomes: Studies and Results, 2002-2006 (21 studies)

Table 1. Continued

Table 1. Continued

The indicated staffing or workload measure may have been one of many factors influencing the given nurse outcome.

Notes: *This is an actual patient-to-nurse ratio, obtained from administrative data and linked to nurse survey data.

Results: (-), statistically negative relationship between nurse staffing and the financial outcome; (+), statistically positive relationship between nurse staffing and the financial outcome; NS, results were not significant.

Table 2. Nurse Staffing and Nurse Outcomes: Studies and Results, 1994-2006 (23 studies)

Table 2. Nurse Staffing and Nurse Outcomes: Studies and Results, 1994-2006 (23 studies)

Notes: HPPD, hours per patient-day; LOS, length of stay.

* Nonlinear relationship: although higher staffing levels were associated with higher costs, so were below-average staffing levels.

+ Recommended nurse hrs:actual nurse hours.

++ Nurse staffing is related to increased patient complications, which is related to increased lengths of stay.

Table 3. Nurse Staffing and Financial Outcomes: Studies and Results, 1983-2007 (18 studies)