UMaine Bureau of Labor Education Issues Paper on Safer Hospital Staffing
A new University of Maine Bureau of Labor Education briefing paper reports that unsafe staffing levels and other problems in the work environments of hospital nurses may threaten patient safety in hospitals nationwide and in Maine. Understaffing can contribute to nurse shortages, greater job stress and burnout among nurses, in addition to potentially increased risks of medical complications ranging from serious infections to higher mortality among hospital patients, according to the paper, “Working Conditions and Patient Safety: Safe Staffing in Maine’s Hospitals.” The paper, which recommends ways to address staffing issues, is available on the bureau’s website or by contacting the Bureau of Labor Education Director Bill Murphy, 207.581.4124.
Contact: George Manlove, 207.581.3756