Liberty Healthcare, a 400-bed hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, currently employs 100 nurses (RNs), 10 nursing supervisors, and 3 head nurses (nursing managers). The hospital operates 24/7. There is one head nurse for every 10 nursing supervisors, but a minimum of 1 head nurse on each of 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 5 staff nurses and 1 head nurse will likely retire within one year, in addition to those lost through turnover.

1. How many total nurses, nursing supervisors, and head nurses will need to be on staff at the hospital when the new wing opens in 12 months, assuming the hospital wants to retain the same patient care ratio of nurses-to-patients (beds), nursing supervisors-to- nurses, and head nurses-to-nursing supervisors? Round to the nearest whole number.

2. How many nurses, nursing supervisors, and head nurses will have to be hired over the next 12 months to meet the projected staff demands at the hospital? Round to the nearest whole number.

3. What do you see as the challenges in meeting the hospital's staffing requirements for the coming year? What can be done to meet the projected staffing requirements? Be specific as to sources and other actions. Please show all work (how answers were arrived at). This is an individual exercise; collaboration with others is not permitted.