The Hazards Of Nurse Staffing - 1207 Words

Introduction Hospitals and other health care facilities have been forced to reduce operating expenses since the financial crisis of 2007 (Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board, 2015). Many resorted to reducing costs via reductions in staff. While this solution seems valuable on the surface, the unintended consequences are varied and far-reaching. Hospitals with low nurse staffing levels tend to have higher rates of poor patient outcomes such as pneumonia, shock, cardiac arrest, and urinary tract infections, according to research funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) (Stanton, 2004). Many such studies exists, yet, the problem persists. Perhaps, a qualitative research study could prove to be the catalyst needed to drive change. The Research Study This paper will construct a qualitative research study that focuses on the hazards of nurse staffing shortfalls in emergency rooms. The problem, purpose, research questions, and possible research design will be developed. An analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the qualitative approach to answering the research questions will conclude the paper. Problem Recent increases in reports of poor care attributed to inadequate staffing pose a problem worthy of further research. However, it is illogical to believe that one could examine the consequences of understaffing in all health care settings. Many research studies fail because they attempt to answer a question that is too broadShow MoreRelatedThe Issues Of The Nursing Profession1693 Words   |  7 Pagesprofession include work place violence, short staffing and hazardous environments. Research shows that these issues have been inflating across the country, and require immediate solutions to stem this growing tide. 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