AACN staffing standards offer guidance for CNOs

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses recently released a set of standards to aid health systems in addressing appropriate nurse staffing in adult critical care settings. Intended to improve the processes affecting appropriate RN staffing, the seven standards are meant to be broad enough to cover a range of critical care settings, while supporting nurses and units in addressing burnout, moral distress and the overall workforce shortage. Among the standards is a directive to ensure front-line nurses participate in every aspect of staffing, including planning, implementation and evaluation. The standards can serve as a starting point for nurse leaders in determining staffing policies and making changes to reflect a healthier work environment. (HealthLeaders Media article, 5/3/24)