U.S. nurses voice concern about UAPs
U.S. nurses voice concern about UAPs
Nearly two of every five nurses responding to a recent survey commissioned by the American Journal of Nursing (AJN) report that they would not recommend members of their own families receive care at their facilities. This is just one of several findings that indicate nurses nationwide have grave concerns about the impact that the increased use of unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) has on patient care in this country.
The survey results, which appear in the November 1996 issue of AJN, also verify that facilities nationwide are experiencing a labor trend known as "speed-up," which means expecting fewer workers to work harder and be more efficient than during the period before staffing reductions. More than 7,500 nurses responded to the survey. Some of the more significant findings include:
• More than 60% of nurses reported a reduction in the number of RNs providing direct patient care and an increase in the number of patients assigned to each nurse.
• More than 85% of nurses reported increased use of UAPs did not improve patient care at their facilities.
• More than 50% of nurses reported that there was reduced continuity of care at their facilities due to the decreased number of RNs on staff.
• Nearly 75% of nurses reported less time to comfort and talk to patients.
• More than 70% of nurses reported having less time to teach patients and their families.
• More than 65% of nurses reported less time to provide basic nursing care.
• More than 65% of nurses reported having less time to document patient care.
• Nearly 60% reported having less time to consult with other members of the health care team.
Case managers can request a reprint of the AJN survey, "1996 AJN Patient Care Survey," and the final results article, by telephoning (212) 582-8820, ext. 230.
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