California's nurse-to-patient ratios, part 2: 8 years later, what do we know about hospital level outcomes?
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to identify and describe the impact of California's nurse-to-patient ratios on hospital level outcomes from a comprehensive literature review.


BACKGROUND
While implemented in 2004, questions remain about the effects ratios have had on hospitals' financial status and access to care.


METHODS
A comprehensive literature review was conducted.


RESULTS
Findings suggest labor costs increased, and some reductions in services were made after the implementation of staffing ratios.


CONCLUSIONS
Implementing staffing ratios had a negative financial impact on selected outcomes of California hospitals.
Author Affiliation: Assistant Professor, Orvis School of Nursing, University of Nevada, Reno.
Teresa
T
Serratt
D002140:California; D006801:Humans; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016526:Workload