01/12/2024
As a travel nurse, a crucial question I pose to hiring managers is about the nurse-to-patient ratio. In the midst of the COVID pandemic, I accepted an assignment in Boston, MA. To my pleasant surprise, the hiring manager informed me that although the med/surg floor was exclusively dedicated to COVID patients, the nurse-to-patient ratio would not surpass 1:3. As the situation improved, the floor transitioned to a hybrid intake, adjusting the ratio to 1:5. Despite the challenging circumstances, this opportunity was compelling.
Similarly, my experience in Oregon reflected a well-prepared healthcare setting. Working in a small swing bed hospital in 2021, I was impressed by the proactive approach. A month before starting, the manager discussed my schedule and outlined a staffing plan, including a break nurse and a float nurse for mandatory breaks. The standard staffing ratio remained at 1:5 in most situations. This positive encounter prompted my return to the same hospital system, albeit in an urban area in Oregon.
During my recent stint in Oregon, I learned about the passage of new legislation establishing a minimum nurse-to-patient ratio for select specialities. The med/surg nurse-to-patient ratio will meet its goal of 1:4 in 2026.
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Throughout my diverse experiences, I've observed that a well-established staffing matrix contributes significantly to lower turnover rates, improved quality of care, and a more positive experience for both nurses and patients.
