Nursing workforce issues and trends affecting emergency departments

Abstract

In Brief Explore current nursing workforce issues—staffing issues, nurse-to-patient ratios, current emergency department benchmarking data, and operational factors—that affect the quality of care and safety in emergency departments. Learn several recommended strategies to improve care for patients and increase the recruitment and retention of qualified nurses and personnel in emergency care settings. Numerous multifaceted issues confront the nation’s emergency departments, a frontline component of America’s healthcare safety net.