Complete the staffing assignment based on the acuity level.

Leadership| Leadership | Rasmussen College System

Short Staffing Plan: 12-Hour Shift

Dear Manager

You are well aware that we have a shortage of staff. We only have five registered nurses, two licensed practical nurses, and two nurse assistants to cover a 12-hour workday. Acuity-based Staffing Model has allowed me to create a job assignment that is based upon the client’s acuity.

Client Acuity level:

• Six-acuity Level 1
• Level 2 of Eight acuity
• Nine acuity levels 3
• Seven acuity levels 4

According to the level of acuity, I assigned these roles:

• Clients with an acuity of level 3 or 4 will receive RNs.
• The LPNs are assigned to the clients who have an acuity rating of 1 and 2.
• The nursing assistants are there to assist the RNs, LPNs, and all other clients with their basic needs.

Employee Staffing:

One RN has 3 clients, two LPNs have 6 clients and 2 nursing assistants have 21 clients

It is true that we are not able to provide the perfect staffing solution, but we do our best with what we have. In order to direct the staff to their assigned roles, I would provide a clear and concise handoff report at the beginning of the shift, highlighting the client acuity levels and each staff member’s role. I would also encourage open communication throughout the shift to ensure that the staff is aware of any changes in the client’s condition or needs.

To assure the best outcomes possible, I would communicate with each level of care provider regularly, providing updates on the clients’ status and any changes in their condition. All staff would be required to regularly round on their clients and communicate with the LPNs. In addition, I would encourage collaboration and teamwork between staff members.

For client equity, I’d make sure to provide care that is tailored to each individual client and their level of need. I would monitor each member of staff’s workload and adjust as necessary to make sure that no client was neglected or received inadequate care.

Overall, even though this is not an ideal situation in terms of staffing, I think that through clear communication and collaboration, as well as close monitoring, all clients can receive quality care. I appreciate your support and understanding in this situation.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

References:

American Nurses Association (2015). The Principles of Nurse Staffing, 3rd Edition.). https://www.nursingworld.org/~4af078/globalassets/docs/ana/ethics/principles-for-nurse-staffing-2.pdf

Buerhaus, P. I., DesRoches, C. M., Dittus, R., & Donelan, K. (2019). Practice environments, job satisfaction and turnover intention of nurse practitioners: implications for the primary care workforce. Health Care Management Review, 44(2), 89–98. https://doi.org/10.1097/hmr.0000000000000157