Ontario does not have mandated nurse-to-patient ratios butresearch has established a best practice ratio of 1:4 (one RN forevery four patients) in hospital medicine and surgery units. Somecommunity hospitals have nurse-to-patient ratios are as high as 1:6during the day and 1:7 during the night shifts and 1:9 duringovernight shifts on medicine and surgery units. Lack of funding wasthe reason hospitals gave for these extremely high patient ratios.This means that patients in these units are at risk because thereis extensive research evidence that shows improved outcomes forpatients who receive more hours of RN care. In short, a large bodyof literature demonstrates that higher RN ratios result in theprovision of high-quality care. (ONA, 2016). Using course materialand other relevant resources, including Best Practices andLeadership actions and standards, provide a meaningful answer tothe following:
How can more RN hours reduce costs for our health caresystem?
Find and explain a Canadian research study that supports nurseto patient ratios?
Find and explain a Canadian hospital policy the supports patientsafety with the nurse to patient ratios for staffing
