Our health care system faces immense challenges. Staff shortages brought about by cost-cutting decisions, an aging population, increased patient complexity and need, and an aging workforce places stress on working conditions for nurses and affects patient care and overall outcomes. An increasing body of evidence shows appropriate nurse staffing contributes to improved patient outcomes and greater satisfaction for both patients and staff. However, the need remains for appropriate staffing in all health care settings. For more than two decades, ANA has continued working to address unsafe nurse staffing levels to improve working conditions for nurses and achieve optimal patient outcomes.
Safe nurse staffing is essential to both the nursing profession and to the overall health care system. Staffing affects the ability of all nurses to deliver safe, quality care in all practice settings. By eliminating unsafe nurse staffing practices and policies, we can provide better health care for all.
The American Nurses Association is committed to providing the best in evidence-based policy, practice, products, advocacy and professional development to ensure safe staffing and transform health and health care delivery.
