Unsurprising Study Supports Conclusion that Nursing Understaffing Leads to Greater Patient Risk
A recent study from Japan supports conclusions reached in similar studies in the UK and the US that hospitals that have issues with nurse understaffing also have worse outcomes for patients. While it may seem obvious, the study also found that the problems appear to affect day shifts more than evening or night shifts. From a patient care perspective, this is obviously a cause for concern. But it’s also a concern for any nurse who finds themselves working an understaffed shift.
The more that nurses are stressed because of too-high workloads, the more likely they are to make a mistake. If you are a nurse who has been accused of misconduct because of one or more mistakes you made while working an understaffed shift, the LLF National Law Firm’s Professional License Defense Team can help defend you and protect your license. Contact us at 888.535.3686 or by submitting our online contact form. We’ll schedule a confidential consultation so you can tell us about your case, and we can explain how we can help.
The Japanese Nursing Study
A recent study examined more than 77,000 hospital admissions in 82 acute care hospital wards in Japan. It found that patients who were exposed to nurse understaffing in these acute care wards during day shifts had a higher risk of dying while in the hospital than patients who were in wards with adequate staffing. They also had higher rates of being readmitted during the 7-day period after being discharged.
Interestingly, the study did not find the same negative outcomes when the understaffing occurred during evening and night shifts. That said, patients who were exposed to nurse understaffing during a 24-hour period were slightly more likely to be readmitted within 30 days of being discharged than patients who experienced adequate staffing levels.
The results of the study of Japanese hospitals were consistent with a number of other studies that connect higher patient mortality rates with nurse understaffing. Nurses who work in understaffed situations are also more likely to be dissatisfied with their jobs and suffer from work-related burnout.
Effect of Overstaffing on Nurse Misconduct
Nurses who are overworked are more likely to make on-the-job mistakes. They are also more likely to suffer stress and turn to alcohol or drugs in an attempt to relieve that stress. All of this can lead to disciplinary investigations and proceedings that can have a direct impact on the nurse’s license. Nursing boards are focused on protecting the public from nurses who could cause harm for any number of reasons. If a complaint is filed against you with your nursing board, you need to take immediate steps to protect your rights and defend yourself.
The LLF National Law Firm Can Help Protect Your Nursing License
Your nursing license is probably your most valuable personal asset. It is the key to your livelihood and your career. If you are working in an understaffed situation that you believe could endanger patients, or if you have been accused of any kind of misconduct and your board of nursing has opened an investigation against you, contact the LLF National Law Firm’s Professional License Defense Team for help.
Our experienced attorneys regularly help nurses all across the country who have been accused of misconduct. We understand the laws, regulations, rules, and procedures that apply in nursing disciplinary investigations and proceedings. We know how to protect your rights and defend you against the allegations you are facing.
You can reach the LLF National Law Firm’s Professional License Defense Team today at 888.535.3686, or by filling out our online contact form. Let us schedule a confidential consultation so we can learn more about your case and explain how we are ready to help.