A 2010 landmark research project, the most comprehensive
study done on the California RN staffing ratio law, proved what
California nurses have long known — California's ratios are the
single most effective nursing reform to protect patients and
keep experienced RNs at the bedside.
University of Pennsylvania researchers led by Linda Aiken, RN,
PhD, director of the Center for Health Outcomes and Policy
Research at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing,
interviewed 22,000 RNs in California and two comparable states,
Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Their findings, published by the
policy journal, Health Services Research, documented that:
n
New Jersey hospitals would have 14 percent fewer patient deaths and Pennsylvania 11 percent fewer deaths
if they matched California's 1:5 ratios in surgical units.
n
California RNs have far more time to spend with patients, and more of their hospitals have enough RNs
on staff to provide quality patient care.
Groundbreaking study on Ratio Success Story
Lives saved — improved patient care
Pioneering law on nurses
found to save lives
"The differences between California and the other
states are striking," said Linda Aiken. "Nurses in
California take care of two fewer patients on
average than nurses in Pennsylvania and New
Jersey in general surgery. These differences lead
to the prevention of literally thousands of deaths."
— San Francisco Chronicle, April 20, 2010
Nurse
staffing
study
predicts
Calif.
mandate
would
save
lives
elsewhere
TUESDAY
APRIL
20,
2010
