LAUSR

AIM The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of nurse staffing on inpatient falls performance across a multi-hospital system. BACKGROUND Evidence to support which staffing variables influence fall performance so that healthcare organizations can better allocate resources is lacking. METHOD A descriptive study design was used to analyze the impact of nurse staffing and falls performance, with units dichotomized as either high or low performing based on national benchmarking data. The impact was evaluated using 10 nurse staffing variables. RESULTS A total of 9 units were included (5 high and 4 low performing). Higher performing units showed less use of sitters and travelers, had fewer nurses working overtime hours, and employed more expert-level clinical nurses and combined nursing assistant/health unit coordinator positions, than lower performing units. CONCLUSION Findings provide evidence of how staffing variables affect a unit's falls performance. While significant relationships were found, further evaluation is needed to explore the relationship of staffing variables and quality outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Nursing managers may consider trying to reduce use of sitters and travelers, and utilize innovative staffing models, such as using combined nursing assistant/health unit coordinator positions, to help improve their falls performance.