Nurses play a vital role in the delivery of safe, effective patient care. When the nurse to patient ratio is at a manageable level, studies indicate a healthier outcome for patients. However, when the ratio is not at a manageable level patient and nurses suffer the consequences. Because nurse to patient ratio has such a large impact on the health of both the patient and the nurse, a public policy is appropriate for the nurse to patient ratio to establish minimum nurse to patient ratio. This can be done by requiring a specific number or by requiring hospitals to have nurse staffing committees. Nurse staffing committees can make recommendations based on each unit and patient type. Patients experience a higher number of falls, a higher infection
