Setting appropriate ward nurse staffing levels
18 September 2006
This document provides information, tools, principles and a benchmark skill mix ratio for nurse staffing levels on NHS acute general wards.
This policy draws together:
- Research evidence linking registered nurse numbers and expertise to patient outcomes
- Nursing workforce and nurse staffing levels data
- Methods available for setting nurse staffing levels
- Discussion about setting nurse: patient ratios
It provides guidance and principles on how to review ward staffing levels including the recommendation that a benchmark ward establishment skill mix ratio is set at 65% registered nurses : 35% health care assistants unless or until a through staffing review is undertaken in accordance with RCN principles.
For further information, please email papa.ukintl.dept@rcn.org.uk
Page last updated - 14/08/2015