The relationship between nurse staffing models and patient outcomes: a descriptive study.

In an era of dwindling reimbursement and rising healthcare costs, the impact of nurse staffing models on patient outcomes is a key concern. This study used a descriptive comparison design to examine the effects of a change in the staffing model on length of stay, variable cost, patient satisfaction, incidence of urinary tract infection and penumonia, and pain management in bowel resection patients. There were significant differences in the pain management outcomes between the two staffing models. Other patient outcomes were comparable despite decreasing the total number of caregivers on the unit. Recommendations for further research are discussed.