Problem In no more than 250 words, describe the problem, who is affected, and the current ramifications. Explain the consequences if the issue continues.

 


Nurse staffing levels in hospital settings is directly associated with patient outcomes. Nurse shortage occurs when there are too few nurses caring for a large number of patients. Nursing shortage increases mortality rates and the likelihood of medical errors. The problem affects nurses, patients, organizations and the healthcare system, Often, when nurses have too much to do, there are incidences of missed care, which affects overall patient care outcomes. The problem of having too few nurses and too many patients overwhelms the ability of nurses, and as a result patients are unable to receive the appropriate care, which leads to negative health outcomes (Griffiths et al., 2018). Also, the shortage of nurses leads to stress among nurses, further contributing to burnout and the lack of interest and motivation. Additionally, low staffing levels affects the organizations, since adverse patient outcomes lowers the credibility of an organization, while increasing the costs of handling the arising problems. People may also lose trust in the healthcare system. If not addressed, nursing shortage within hospitals will continue to negatively impact patient care, which will undermine the primary purpose of the healthcare system.
Idea for Addressing Solution
In no more than 250 words, outline your idea for addressing the issue and explain why legislation is the best course for advocacy.

The implementation of is a vital strategy that can help address the issue of nursing shortage within healthcare settings. The ratio of nurses per patient will depend on the hospital departments. Through this, nurses will be able to provide appropriate care for their patients. More importantly, patient outcomes will improve. To advocate for mandatory staffing levels, legislation is the best course for advocacy since if a law that stipulates the minimum number of patients in particular department should serve, there is more likelihood of the law being observed. It will be highly unlikely for the legislative approach to be undermined.
Research the Issue
Perform research and compile information for your idea. Present substantive evidence-based findings that support your idea for addressing the problem (studies, research, and reports). Include any similar legislation introduced or passed in other states.

Evidence 1	According to a study by Olley et al. (2019), the number of patients that a nurse cares for determines the level of patient safety, and this influences patients’ outcomes. Thus, increasing staffing levels have benefits for the patients and the nurses.
Evidence 2	Nurse to patient ratios influence patient outcomes and according to Driscoll et al. (2018), better staffing levels improves patient outcomes. Increasing nurses in hospitals is likely to reduce hospital mortality.
Similar legislation	California has implemented a state-wide mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios. It was the first state to implement this law. Improved ratios in California have been associated with lower mortality, lower nurse burnout, and better nurse retention.
Stakeholder Support
Discuss the stakeholders who would support the proposed idea and explain why they would be in support.

Stakeholder(s) Supporting 1	Nurses are the primary stakeholders for this idea. This is because they are in the frontline in caring for patients, and the idea mainly focuses on their work. Nurses would support the idea of mandatory staffing levels, considering that it will reduce their workload, stress and incidences of burnout. This would increase their motivation, and as well increase nursing satisfaction.
Stakeholder(s) Supporting 2	Hospital administrators are the individuals who run the day to day activities of an organization. They are responsible for ensuring that nurses have the resources they need to provide efficient care. They would support the issue because it would reduce the amount of funds used to address adverse  healthcare outcomes. This would increase organizational credibility thus increasing the amount of people who offer grants and loans to the organization.
 	
Stakeholder Opposition
Discuss the stakeholders who would oppose the proposed idea. Explain why they would be in opposition and how you would prepare to debate or converse about these considerations.

Stakeholder(s) Opposed 1	Hospital board members determine what should be implemented within an organization, and they are the force behind major financial decisions within the organization. Hospital board members therefore would oppose the idea on the grounds that it would increase costs of hiring new nurses.
Stakeholder(s) Opposed 2	Nurse executives have a senior administrative role within the organization. Nurse executives within the organization may also oppose this idea citing better approaches such as the development of undergraduate nursing education, and improvement of recruitment and retention approaches.
A discussion with the opposing parties would be held to help acknowledge their views. While the issues arising such as costs and the availability of better approaches, the implementation of a law is likely to effectively address the issue of nursing shortages in hospitals.