When a nursing staff expresses concern about an increase in the nurse-to-patient ratio, what should the nurse-manager do?

Disseminating factual information to all nursing staff is a crucial step when addressing concerns about increased nurse-to-patient ratios. By providing accurate data and context, the nurse-manager can help alleviate staff anxiety and clarify any misconceptions about how changes might impact care delivery. This approach promotes transparency and encourages an informed dialogue regarding patient safety and care standards.

In addition, factual information can serve as a foundation for further discussions, enabling the nursing staff to understand the rationale behind the changes and how these adjustments will be addressed. By presenting relevant statistics or institutional policies regarding patient safety and staffing, the nurse-manager builds trust and fosters an environment where staff feel valued and informed.

Holding a meeting to gather feedback is also important, but it typically follows the dissemination of information; staff need context before they can provide constructive feedback. Therefore, while collecting input is valuable, it’s essential that it occurs in an informed setting where staff have a clear understanding of the situation.

While reassuring staff without providing information or implementing training might temporarily alleviate concerns, these approaches do not address the underlying challenges and complexities of increased nurse-to-patient ratios. Providing factual information lays the groundwork for meaningful conversations about staffing and care quality.