Part I: Calculating RN Full Time Equivalents (FTEs)

As the manager, you have been asked to provide an RN staffing plan for a 40-bed in-patient nursing unit with an Average Daily Census of 40. The proposed staffing ratio is 1:6 (1 nurse for each 6 patients per shift). Using the Nursing Hours Per Patient Day (NHPPD) methodology, calculate the number of FTEs needed to staff the unit for a 14-day pay period. Use the information in the Welch and Smith (2020) article to assist with your analysis.

1. Convert Nurse Patient Ratio to NHPPD.

1. Determine the nursing unit annual volume in patient days.

1. Determine total NHPPD for the previous year.

1. Determine number of FTEs needed to staff the unit.

1. Explain why the unit uses a particular staffing ratio and how that ratio is determined.

1. Explain whether other units in the same facility would have the same staffing ratio or different staffing ratios. Justify your response.

Part II: Calculating Salary Costs

Based on the FTEs you calculated in Part I, calculate the salary cost for each nurse FTE using the hourly wage multiplied by 2,080 (number of hours worked per year), then add 30% to cover benefits. Use the following to make your calculations:RN salary: $32.50 per hour + 30% for benefits = $42.25 per hour.

1. Determine the salary per year for one RN FTE.

1. Calculate the total salary costs for the entire RN staff to determine your initial professional staff budget for the entire year.
2. Explain the importance of budgeting when making staffing decisions.