report unsafe nurse patient ratio indiana

by Rafael Labadie 7 min read

Nurse-to-Patient Ratios: A State-by-State Guide

36 hours ago  · Nurse leaders and nurses are best qualified to determine appropriate staffing for the needs of their patients. Mandated nurse staffing ratios are a static and ineffective tool that do not ensure quality care, optimal patient experience, and staff well-being. Improving nurse-to … >> Go To The Portal


A pattern of unsafe nurse-to-patient ratio can be caused by staffing problems, be they temporary or longer term. A series of actions to best resolve the problem includes: Address this unsafe situation verbally and in writing to the nurse unit charge nurse with copies to the nursing supervisor and director of nursing.

Full Answer

Do RN staffing ratios improve patient safety?

In a systematic review evaluating RN staffing ratios as a patient safety strategy, the researchers found that none of the 15 studies evaluated an intentional change in RN staffing to improve patient outcomes (Shekelle, 2013).

What are the appropriate patient–nurse ratio standards?

The results highlight that appropriate patient–nurse ratio standards may be further discussed by selecting personal burnout, client-related burnout, and job dissatisfaction as indicators. Keywords: burnout, intention to leave, job dissatisfaction, nurse, patient–nurse ratio 1. Introduction

Are high workload ratios harmful to nurses?

A 2017 Annals of Intensive Care study found that higher workloads for nurses correlated with a significant reduction in survival for critically ill patients. Moreover, the stress and burden placed on these nurses can contribute to decreased job satisfaction, burnout and turnover. How Can Nurse Administrators Improve Ratios in Their Facilities?

Is patient–nurse ratio related to nurses’ intention to leave their job?

Patient–Nurse Ratio is Related to Nurses’ Intention to Leave Their Job through Mediating Factors of Burnout and Job Dissatisfaction Yi-Chuan Chen,1Yue-Liang Leon Guo,2,3Wei-Shan Chin,4Nai-Yun Cheng,5Jiune-Jye Ho,5and Judith Shu-Chu Shiao1,6,7,* Yi-Chuan Chen

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How do I report a nurse in Indiana?

Consumer Complaint - a complaint filed by a member of the public against a licensed professional. To obtain a complaint form, go to https://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/consumer-protection-division/.

What is the nurse to patient ratio in Indiana?

A proposal in 2019 to set a state standard of 4.1 nursing and aide hours per resident per day — the minimum experts say is necessary to avoid harm or jeopardy to residents — didn't even receive a committee hearing.

What states have mandated nurse staffing ratios?

Those seven states are Connecticut, Illinois, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. California is currently the only state with a law that requires a set nurse-to-patient ratio based on a unit's speciality.

How do you report unsafe activities in healthcare?

If your employer doesn't address the situation, call the Occupational Health and Safety Contact Centre at 1-866-415-8690.

What is safe nurse to patient ratio?

The right nurse-to-patient staffing ratio For example, the nurse-to-patient ratio in a critical care unit must be 1:2 or fewer at all times, and the nurse-to-patient ratio in an emergency department must be 1:4 or fewer at all times that patients are receiving treatment, the law states.

What is safe staffing in nursing?

Safe nurse staffing means that an appropriate number of nurses is available at all times across the continuum of care, with a suitable mix of education, skills and experience to ensure that patient care needs are met and that the working environment and conditions support staff to deliver quality care.

How do you fix nurse patient ratios?

Here are four approaches hospitals can take to ensure safe nurse-to-patient ratios.Create a Formal Staffing Plan. Rigid nurse-to-patient ratios may not be the best solution for your hospital. ... Reduce Turnover by Addressing the Underlying Causes. ... Establish a Staffing Committee. ... Consult the Staff Nurses.

What states have safe harbor laws for nurses?

New Mexico and Texas are the only two states so far that offer a "safe harbor" for nurses who find themselves with possibly unsafe assignments or orders.

WHO recommended nurse ratio?

In California, the nurse patient ratio in the emergency department is one nurse to four patients. In recent years, more states are acknowledging that better staffing ratios are important to improved patient outcomes.

How do you report an illegal activity in the healthcare setting using your state or certifying agencies protocol?

Central Complaint UnitToll-Free: 1-800-633-2322.Phone: (916) 263-2382.Fax: (916) 263-2435.Email: Complaint@mbc.ca.gov.

Do nurses have a limited right to refuse work?

If you have reason to believe the equipment you are using might hurt you or someone you work with, you have the legal right to refuse the work. Some workers, such as nurses, firefighters and police officers, have a limited right to refuse work.

Can nurses refuse to treat someone?

Nurses can refuse to treat patients if their safety is compromised through a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), according to new guidance by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).

What is nurse to patient ratio?

Nurse-to-patient ratios, or the number of patients assigned to each nurse, vary widely, depending on factors such as type of facility and level of care required. While there are some existing regulations that mandate or suggest ratio parameters, many nurse managers must determine appropriate staffing for their facilities without much guidance. An online Master of Science in Nursing Administration (MSN) program introduces methods to optimize nurse-patient ratios while also being mindful of staffing budgets.

Why is it important to have a good nurse to patient ratio?

Appropriate nurse-to-patient ratios are associated with improved outcomes and fewer adverse events, complications and hospital re-admissions. Optimal ratios can also reduce staffing and overhead expenditures. When a nurse is tasked with caring for too many patients at one time, the quality and timeliness of care suffers.

What is the federal regulation for hospitals?

A federal regulation offers general guidance for Medicare-participating hospitals by requiring them to "have adequate numbers of licensed registered nurses, licensed practical (vocational) nurses and other personnel to provide nursing care to all patients as needed.".

Why should nurses review schedules?

Nurse managers should regularly review schedules to pinpoint areas of concern and encourage staff to contribute to discussions about ideal ratios. For example, if you notice that staff or skill mix has shifted in the ICU — perhaps inexperienced nurses outnumber those with five or more years of experience — then you can quickly make adjustments.

What does a nurse administrator need to know?

Nurse administrators must understand how ratios affect the quality of patient care, nursing satisfaction and an organization's financial stability. Certain segments of the population such as aging Baby Boomers or individuals impacted by evolving public health emergencies are likely to require more intensive care, ...

What to do if your shift is not safe?

At the start of each shift that is not safe document in writing exactly what the situation is and give a copy to your manager or shift supervisor. If your union provides an "Assignment Despite Objection" (ADO) or "Disclaimer" use that and keep a copy. If you don't have a form use paper.

What is the Department of Public Health?

INTRODUCTION: The Department of Public Health (Licensing and Certification Division) is the agency that determines the compliance of health facilities with state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.

Is it a HIPAA violation to provide information to hospital management?

It is not a HIPAA violation to provide information to hospital management or to a regulatory agency. Write an exact quote of what you were told and the name of the manager or supervisor. The date, time, location, number of nurses, number of patients, and room numbers of patients should be written on the form or paper.

Can a nurse sign a form alone?

That form can be used in court or a disciplinary hearing. It is best for all nurses on the shift to sign it, but do it alone if they won't. It can save your license, your job, and protect you in the event of a malpractice lawsuit. I'll type the text of a flyer on reporting to the state: Quote.

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McMaster's Passing, Policies, and Sentencing

Short-Staffed and Unsafe Nurse-To-Patient Ratios

  • Long-term care facilities, also known as nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities, are known for having sicker patients. They are a mixture of residents with: A single nurse can have anywhere from 30-60 patients. It is reported Gainey was caring for 37 patients at one time, including McMaster, on the morning of his passing. "It's a lot of work f...
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Abandoned by Administration

  • Similar to the case of RaDonda Vaught, the nursing administration failed to put systems in place to support and protect nurses from legal action. In the case of Gainey, it is reported: 1. The director of nursing and the nursing home's administration team were in violation of providing adequate supervision and interventions to prevent falls. 2. According to the CMS report, the facility "neglected to monitor and assess a resident for change in condition." …
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Creating A Culture of Safety

  • Especially now, after the COVID-19 pandemic where nurses are leaving the professionin droves, nurses are working short-staffed every day. How can nurses create a culture of safety for their patients while feeling they too are protected? Prevention is key, says Wofford. She advises getting involved in the care plans for your residents. "If something is unsafe, then speak to the administration about it," Wofford says. "If administration is not acting, I…
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4 Ways to Create A Culture of Safety

  • Increase Transparency
    Hospital administrators need to be more transparent when systems aren't working and errors occur. They must treat it as a way to improve patient quality while supporting their staff. This transparency should also be extended to the caregivers and family members of the patients.
  • Demand Safer Staffing
    The former governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, made it a law that hospitals and nursing homes must have safe staffing. A clinical staffing committee will create guidelines and submit them to the Department of Health by July 1 each year. Since 2004, California has mandated staffing ratios. Other states should follow.
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