Safe staffing ensures that an appropriate number of health care providers, with a suitable mix of skill levels, is available at all times to meet patients' needs and maintain a hazard free working environment.
Factors to be considered in determining safe staffing include the acuity level of patients, the need for nurses to have adequate opportunity and time to exercise professional judgment with respect to patient care, and acknowledgement that patient needs can change from moment to moment.
Questions about Safe Staffing? E-mail safestaffing@ana.org.