Innovative nurse staffing models offer solution to shortage, burnout

The nursing shortage provides an opportunity to discontinue outdated staffing models, according to AONL member Cynde Gamache, DBA, RN, vice president and CNO at Southeast Georgia Health System. In addition to Gamache, the article on innovative staffing models features other AONL members, including Karen Richey, DNP, RN, associate CNO for inpatient services at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Richey says the hospital has allowed each unit to identify what works for their team and patient population. For example, nurses on the hematology/oncology unit work on both inpatient units and ambulatory infusion centers. Direct care nurses should be provided with paid time to take part in or lead the development and implementation of new staffing models, one source notes. (Nurse.com article, 10/10/23)