A nurse staffing plan takes into account:
a. Specific nurse-to-patient ratios per shift.
b. Participation of nurses in projecting staffing needs.
c. Compensation and benefits for each level of staff.
d. The occupancy load of a unit.
ANS: B
Nurse staffing plans employ nursing judgment and flexibility that is based on acuity, nurse experience, and unit configuration rather than set nurse-to-patient ratios. The American Nurses Association has opted to support the nurse staffing committee as the approach to ensure safe staffing. In 2013, national legislation was introduced that requires all acute care hospitals to establish a committee made up of 55% direct care RNs.
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