CNO offers four steps to determine staffing models

In selecting which innovative staffing models to adopt, CNOs should prioritize what works best for patients while also meeting the needs of nurses and supporting organizational goals, says AONL member Vicky Tilton, DNP, RN. Tilton, vice president of patient care services and CNO at Valley Children’s Healthcare in Madera, Calif., says innovative staffing models include team-based care, flexible staffing, care continuity models and telehealth nursing. Leaders should consider patient demographics, acuity levels and care needs and then ensure their workforce can address those needs with appropriate nurse-to-patient ratios, skill mix and expertise. CNOs should solicit feedback on potential care models from front-line nurses, interprofessional team members, health care executives, patients, families and community partners and communicate effectively about changing to another model. (HealthLeaders Media article, 8/12/24)