What should the nurse manager do in response to a concern about increased nurse-to-patient ratios?

The most effective response to concerns about increased nurse-to-patient ratios is to organize a meeting for the nursing staff to voice their complaints. This approach demonstrates a commitment to open communication and facilitates a collaborative environment where staff members can express their concerns and participate in discussions about potential solutions.

Meetings provide a platform for nurses to share their experiences, discuss the implications of high patient ratios on patient care, and brainstorm ideas together. This participative method not only fosters a sense of teamwork and support among staff but also helps the nurse manager to gather valuable insights and understand the scope of the issue more completely. Engaging in direct dialogue encourages transparency and can lead to improved morale as staff feel heard and valued in shaping workplace policies.

Other potential approaches, like acknowledging staff concerns individually, may not be feasible given the urgency or scale of the issue, as it might not provide a unified response to a collective concern. Implementing the policy without discussion does not allow for input from those directly affected and can lead to resentment and lack of adherence to the policy. Communicating changes solely through email lacks the direct interaction necessary to adequately address and alleviate the staff’s concerns, missing an opportunity for real-time communication and reassurance.