Nursing characteristics and patient outcomes.

To be effective at controlling costs while still providing safe, high-quality care, it is imperative to have the appropriate number of well-prepared, competent nurses. Health care systems need to evaluate the optimal characteristics of the nurse providing care that will promote quality patient outcomes while maintaining cost effectiveness. Results from this study showed an association between the unit with the lowest nursing intensity and the highest number of overall falls. Data from this study support the premise that added cost of increased staffing may actually prevent an adverse patient outcome and the financial cost of a noncovered expenditure. As institutional leaders evaluate the staffing patterns of nurses and the characteristics of nurses caring for patients, they must be aware of the financial impact of these factors.