@thegrittynursepodcast: Why are we “debating” whether we should have nurse to patient ratios? Ontario's hospital association needs to stop hiding behind flimsy excuses and face the overwhelming evidence that mandatory nursing ratios save lives and improve the entire healthcare system. This isn't a theory—it's a proven fact demonstrated in jurisdictions that have had the courage to put patient safety first. The Proof is in the Patient Outcomes 📉 The evidence is overwhelming and has been for decades. In places that have implemented mandatory ratios, the results are clear. California: As the first state to mandate comprehensive hospital-wide ratios in 2004, California serves as the gold standard. A landmark study found that when nurses' workloads were aligned with California's mandates, there was significantly lower mortality. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that each additional patient assigned to a nurse was associated with a 7% increase in the risk of patient death. Conversely, death rates declined in California's hospitals after ratios came into effect. Furthermore, the implementation of ratios allowed nurses to spend an additional three hours a day with each patient, leading to fewer medical errors, infections, and readmissions. British Columbia: Following in California's footsteps, British Columbia is the first Canadian province to implement minimum nurse-to-patient ratios. A new study examining BC's acute care hospitals confirms that better staffing saves lives, keeps nurses in the profession, and improves the quality of patient care. The research found that hospitals with better nurse staffing have fewer deaths, fewer readmissions, and higher patient safety ratings. This independent validation gives a clear roadmap for Ontario to follow. Financial Benefits: The "too expensive" argument from Ontario hospitals is a short-sighted fallacy. In California, implementing ratios resulted in a 32% reduction in workplace injuries for nurses. This not only makes the job safer but also saves the system millions of dollars in injury and illness claims. Beyond that, by reducing nurse burnout and improving retention, hospitals spend less money on recruiting and training new staff, which costs tens of thousands of dollars per nurse. The long-term savings from reduced patient complications, shorter hospital stays, and less turnover easily outweigh the initial investment. The time for debate is over. The data is clear, and the real-world results are undeniable. Refusing to implement ratios isn't just a political or financial decision; it's a direct threat to the health and safety of every patient in Ontario. It's time to stop the excuses and start the implementation. #safestaffingsaveslives #nursing #nurse #healthcare #fyp

The Gritty Nurse (Amie Varley)

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Region: CA

Wednesday 10 September 2025 02:43:15 GMT