Safe Staffing
Link to NZ Herald report on safe staffing published 22 September 2005
Background
A booklet released by NZNO in December 2003 outlined the key safe staffing issues. In the booklet's introduction NZNO president Jane O'Malley said many NZNO members report facing unmanageable workloads, staff shortages and unpaid overtime. Many report feeling demoralised because they cannot deliver the care they went into nursing to provide.
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New Zealand is not alone in this problem. Work overload and nurse shortages are worsening trends worldwide. International health agencies such as the World Health Organisation and the International Council of Nurses have described the problem of nurse shortage as critical. Facing these issues, nurses in the Victorian branch of the Australian Nursing Federation campaigned sucessfully for the introduction of nurse to patient ratios. Legally binding ratios were established in Victoria in 2001. Since then, more than 4000 nurses have returned to work in Victoria's hospitals. |
NZNO is campaigning forfour key components needed for safe staffing:
- Nurse to patient ratios, taking into consideration experience and skill mix
- The establishment of associate charge nurse positions
- Dedicated time for professional education and development
- The evaluation of outcomes
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