Staffing management is one of the most critical, highly complex, and time-consuming activities for nurse leaders at every level of the health care organization today. Which of the following statements is correct?

Question

A. Staffing is the implementation of a staffing pattern that indicates the number and type of workers to be scheduled per shift.
B. Variable staffing is based on a set maximum workload requirement.
C. The staffing management plan is a structured approach to the process of identifying and allocating unit-based personnel resources in the most effective and efficient way.
D. Staffing decisions are based solely on an individual's philosophy.

Answer 1

Ans: C. The staffing management plan is a structured approach to the process of identifying and allocating unit-based personnel resources in the most effective and efficient way.

The major goal of staffing management is to provide the right number of nursing staff with the right qualifications to deliver safe, high-quality, and cost-effective nursing care to a group of patients and their families, as evidenced by positive clinical outcomes, satisfaction with care, and progression across the care continuum. A staffing management plan is a structured approach to the process of identifying and allocating unit-based personnel resources in the most effective and efficient way. A staffing pattern does not indicate the number and type of workers to be scheduled per shift but rather the number of paid hours per full-time equivalent and the percent of productive hours to total paid hours. Variable staffing is not based on a set maximum workload requirements but rather below maximum workload conditions, and staff is then supplemented when needed. Staffing decisions are not based solely on an individual's philosophy but more often the average forecasted care levels and more recently the near future (2 to 4 days), with an assessment and analysis of staffing needs to ensure competent staff are more available for clients.