Nurse To Patient Ratio Essay

Does nurse to patient staffing ratios make a difference in health care? Studies have proven that increasing the nurse to patient ratio has decreased falls and aggressive behavior. Another positive effect is the improvement of range of motion, quality of care, and patient satisfaction (Shin & Hyun, 2015). However, knowing this information does not change the fact of nursing shortages and overworked nurses. The nurse to patient ratio has been a subject of conflict amongst nurses, employers, and the United States Government. The purpose of this paper is to explore conflict and ways to manage it.

I chose to explore this topic in depth because conflict touches all of our lives. Whether it is at work or in our personal lives. Like most people when you have a bad day at work; I have a tendency to bring the frustration home. Frustration at work causes me to be in a bad mood; hence that makes me argue with my spouse. However, after doing the readings on this subject, I feel I learned to take my emotions out of the situation. I learned to speak up when I am frustrated at work and home. Now, I separate my work environment from my home life. Also, I take a few minutes to calm down, so no more arguments happen over work at home. By speaking

First, the two disagreeing sides can collaborate by working together to achieve a solution that agrees with both parties. Also, this type of resolution can be considered a win-win strategy (Prause & Mujtaba, 2015). For example, the census is low with only two patients on my unit currently; however, they are high acuity, impulsive stroke patients that are heavy lifts. My boss collaborated with staff and determined a need for an aide; although, staffing ratios do not require one. This was a win-win for all parties involved. I get help: the patient gets assistance as well as supervision needed, and the hospital prevents unnecessary