How Does Nurse-to-Patient Ratio Impact Patient Outcomes in Adults, 18 Years and Older, That Are Admitted to Hospitals Around the World: An Integrative Review

The field of nursing, known as the heart of health care, impacts individuals throughout every season of life: from the first cry to the last breath. It matters not how advanced the world might become; the calming presence of a nurse is irreplaceable. Considering the value of nurses, adequate work settings and staffing ratios is essential for care provision. Current practice is lacking, focusing heavily on patient satisfaction while staff contentment is not always addressed. Ratios are being increased, changing the way nurses provide care. The industry calls nurses into action to provide care that is efficient, effective, and safe. However, adequate support is necessary for these goals to be achieved. This integrative review offers perspective and support for improved nurse-to-patient ratios, which can positively impact every aspect of providing exceptional patient care. The framework developed by Whittemore and Knafl (2005) was utilized to conduct this integrative review, with a total of 22 peer-review articles for support.