A New Business Case: Hire More Nurses to Reduce Hospital-Acquired Infections

The #1 recommendation of researcher Sean Barnes, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business? Hiring more nurses will reduce the spread of deadly or damaging hospital-acquired infections.

The evidence continues to mount about the life-saving link between nursing staffing and patient outcomes. But hospitals keep dragging their feet. Take action to help secure a Safe Patient Standard. Spread the word to friends and families to sign the petition.

1. Hire more nurses.
This strategy is simplest in terms of complexity, if not in terms of feasibility, Barnes says. “By limiting the number of patients each nurse comes into contact with, transmission can be limited significantly.”

Patient Story

Unsafe staffing costs a Florida facility $1 billion

From Trial Magazine, March 2014 issue: Trial Magazine, 3/11/14 VERDICTS & SETTLEMENTS Arlene Townsend, 63 suffered a stroke and required 24-hour care. She was admitted to Auburndale Oaks Healthcare Center, a nursing home owned by Trans Healthcare, Inc. In the three years leading up to her death, Townsend suffered numerous fall resulting in broken bones and lacerations, infections, significant weight loss, chronic constipation, skin breakdowns, dehydration, and other problems. She is survived by her adult son. Townsend’s estate sued Trans Healthcare, alleging that it had understaffed the nursing home to increase profits and failed to provide adequate care, including protecting Townsend from falls, ensuring a safe environment, and documenting changes to her condition. The court entered a judgment of liability against the defendant, and the…