Assignment task:
Liberty Healthcare, a 400-bed hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, currently employs 100 nurses (RNs), 10 nursing supervisors, and 1 head nurse (nursing manager) on each of 3 shifts. The hospital operates 24/7. The current staffing ratios are 4 beds/nurse, 10 nurses per nursing supervisor, and one head nurse for every 10 nursing supervisors, but a minimum of 1 head nurse for each of the 3 shifts. When a nursing manager is on vacation or otherwise not available, a senior nurse fills in on shift for the nursing manager. An additional 40-bed wing is under construction and will be completed within the next 12 months.
Currently, nursing turnover runs at approximately 30% per year; nursing supervisor turnover is 10% per year. Also, based on age and experience profiles, it is forecast that 6 staff nurses and 1 head nurse will likely retire within one year, in addition to those lost through turnover.
What actions can be taken to meet the hospital's projected staffing requirements?