Appropriate Staffing
A review of the literature revealed that there continues to be no clear staffing method based of patient acuity for inpatient psychiatric units. More research needs to be conducted once staffing models are developed, but there is a clear need for mental health units to have their own staffing models based on patient acuity (Hanrahan, 2012; McKee, Harrison & Smith, 2006). Research has been conducted on several aspect of how inappropriate staffing levels have an impact on the rate of violence on units, the effects of the level of licensure on staffing and patients, and the types of patient care that is missed when staffing levels are low. Research proves that higher staffing levels during high activity times was associated with few assaults and
that when there were more female staff members there was lower assault rates (Lanza, et al, 1997). Having female staff members tends to have a more calm effect on acutely psychotic patients (Lanza, et al, 1997). Furthermore, research shows that having a mix of education level tends to decrease the rate of violence on inpatient psychiatric units (Staggs, 2013). More experienced and educated nurses are able to recognizes the signs and symptoms of aggression earlier and ensure that appropriate interventions are done prior to severe escalation (Staggs, 2013). Additional research showed that the level of licensure did not have a negative impact on patient care; however, a registered nurse should not be replaced with an unlicensed staff member (Staggs, 2015). When additional staff are needed for inpatient psychiatric units often unlicensed assistive personnel should suffice (Staggs, 2015). Additionally, there is a correlation between low staffing levels and missed patient care (Kalisch, Tschannen & Lee, 2011). Missed care on a psychiatric unit can range from treatments to therapeutic conversations with patients. Increased staffing levels not only leads to improved patient outcomes, but is also attributed with shorter hospital stays (Kalisch, Tschannen & Lee, 2011).
that when there were more female staff members there was lower assault rates (Lanza, et al, 1997). Having female staff members tends to have a more calm effect on acutely psychotic patients (Lanza, et al, 1997). Furthermore, research shows that having a mix of education level tends to decrease the rate of violence on inpatient psychiatric units (Staggs, 2013). More experienced and educated nurses are able to recognizes the signs and symptoms of aggression earlier and ensure that appropriate interventions are done prior to severe escalation (Staggs, 2013). Additional research showed that the level of licensure did not have a negative impact on patient care; however, a registered nurse should not be replaced with an unlicensed staff member (Staggs, 2015). When additional staff are needed for inpatient psychiatric units often unlicensed assistive personnel should suffice (Staggs, 2015). Additionally, there is a correlation between low staffing levels and missed patient care (Kalisch, Tschannen & Lee, 2011). Missed care on a psychiatric unit can range from treatments to therapeutic conversations with patients. Increased staffing levels not only leads to improved patient outcomes, but is also attributed with shorter hospital stays (Kalisch, Tschannen & Lee, 2011).