Begley Voices Opposition to Staffing Ratios

In an interview with Becker’s Healthcare, AONL CEO Robyn Begley, DNP, said mandated nurse-to-patient staffing ratios remove nurse leaders’ ability to use their clinical judgment to decide what patients need at any one time. While patient safety is always a top concern, nurse leaders need flexibility to create appropriate care teams that meet their patients care needs, Begley said. Nurse leaders need to consider the technology resources available, the layout of the hospital and the makeup of the care team when determining staff levels, she said. Begley also serves as CNO and senior vice president of workforce for the American Hospital Association. (Becker’s Healthcare Review article, 7/26/23)