What Goes Down Must Come Up! Increasing Total Nursing Hours Based on NDNQI Data

Purpose:
To describe how nursing was able to increase RN hours projected from a product ivy program in finance using NDNQI quarterly data. Explain how the increase correlates with the RN satisfaction survey data.

Significance:
This presentation is significant because it will describe how an organization was able to use NDNQI data to convince executives to increase nursing hours using NDNQI data.

Strategy and Implementation:
Nurse Managers worked with Finance and Premier representatives in establishing a productivity benchmark for hour per unit of service based on the Premier Operations Advisor™ system. Nursing was not satisfied with the many of the recommended benchmarks and the CNE/VP interceded with the executive team to describe the requirements that were acceptable to nursing. As a result, it was agreed that certain nurse to patient ratios must be maintained and use of National Database for Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI) would be used to guide decisions. The finance administrators evaluated the impact of changes on financial goals and standards were developed that were acceptable for the patient care areas. In addition, RN satisfaction scores for adequate resources were assessed

Evaluation:
Hours were increased on inpatient units and managers were allowed to hire to new budget. Vacancy rates and turnover decreased overtime to 1.6% in June 2009. RNs report less fustration with staffing levels and RN satisfaction scores will be monitored.

Implications for Practice:
Patient and nurse satisfaction, patient safety, qualty, and improved outcomes are effected by adequate nurse/patient ratios.