Introduction
A staffing matrix is a tool that aids in comprehending the levels of all staff groups required in a consensus-based hospital setup. The staffing matrix in nursing serves as guidance for making adjustments based on the insight and demands of the patient. A staffing matrix is critical in a healthcare context and vital to resource allocation. Although the staffing of nursing is proven to be highly important, its evidence tool to analyze requirements is weak (Griffiths et al., 2020).
The reflection discusses what a staffing matrix is in detail and indicates how many full-time equivalents (FTEs) should be assigned to the daily routine on the staffing board. As a result, it clarifies the units of service users and all financial management and allocation legislation. This gives the health unit a comprehensive picture of human resource management and the unit’s overall development. The staffing matrix assists the company in avoiding resource duplication and ensures practical resource and human resource allocation.
The reflection on the staffing matrix establishes and aids in the organization’s daily routine assignment. It creates a consistent work schedule and assigns appropriate duties and functions to individuals working in healthcare. It establishes the amount of finance available to each department, ensuring there is no overage or wastage of cash. It has demonstrated an exceptional ability to perform this function and has improved the company’s results.
According to Riley et al. (2021), all financial principles are used to better understand the various financial allocations to different sectors. The healthcare workforce will not grumble, as finances and resources will have been distributed appropriately. The matrix contributes to an increase in the quality of patient care by ensuring that nurses provide superior service due to properly assigned duties (Riley et al., 2021). The matrix fosters collaboration among members, resulting in the increased achievement of objectives. Healthcare is a team effort.
Description of Our Staffing Matrix
The staffing matrix within our healthcare setting staffed 20 nurses, two of whom will serve as three health coordinators, five nurse aides (NA), and 12 registered nurses. The staff members work three shifts, with three nurses responsible for daytime responsibilities. The three nurses will complete the assignment three consecutive days before turning it over to another trio. Week after week, the cycle repeats itself.
Because the needs and risks are more significant at night, five nurses will work three consecutive days in shifts. Increasing the number of nurses available at night reduces the workload and demand. Additionally, the additional nurses will decrease the likelihood of work being borne out, ensuring that the patient receives the best possible care. The team appears balanced, and tasks are carried out well. The nursing team will provide positive results after deploying this new staffing strategy. Furthermore, the quality of treatment offered is predicted to improve as nurses can devote sufficient time to each patient’s condition.
The mathematical expectation is that the patient’s risk of death will decrease by 25% due to improved collaboration, concerning the staffing matrix issue. Additionally, there is a possibility of receiving no remuneration because the work is done flawlessly and without any issues that may develop following completion. The nurses’ enthusiasm and a well-planned timetable will ensure they work on time, resulting in on-time delivery. Most certainly, opinion will improve by 15%, which is a significant improvement (Alali, 2020). Staff perceptions of their workload should also improve as required objectives are met.
Consequently, the budget will likely improve, resulting in significant cost savings. This demonstrates that the staff as a whole is being developed and improved. Medical errors will also decrease due to enhanced access to patient data by healthcare providers, which will result in the transmission of error prevention signals (Alali, 2020). The automated coding capacity and documentation will be expanded in terms of staffing matrix, making it simple to keep patient information secure and accessible. Moreover, it will benefit the surrounding community and the patients, as they will receive the highest quality care. Furthermore, the hospital will attract additional patients because patient pleasure and safety are prioritized.
Adjustments Based on Patient Census
However, adjustments were made to ensure the required personnel level was achieved. The above was done to adhere to healthcare’s fiscal standards. Specific resources were in short supply, while others were abundant, demanding modifications. Connecting with essential stakeholders and educating nursing units about the project was critical. The nurse units received instruction on float and trip and information on how to delegate support and RNs.
Another issue was nurse inadequacy, making it difficult to manage their workloads. This inadequacy led to inconsistent teamwork among the employees, which worried management. (Knighten et al., 2023). A budget adjustment and the addition of extra nurses were required, thus increasing the operation cost. Nurses were added to reduce the workload, resulting in the organization’s remarkable success. These were some of the modifications done to accomplish the objective.
Despite the benefits of the staffing matrix, better planning, and enhanced workflow, the number of full-time employees increased over the budgeted level. The above scenario affected how healthcare was delivered and created specific fiscal imbalances. The resources were insufficient for the available labor, as there were more FTEs than resources available. As a result, there were more personnel than resources available.
Nurses could not devote sufficient time to patients, raising the payroll bill. There was a requirement to initiate some measures aimed at resolving the problem. We choose to implement a punishment that will assist in reducing the workforce. The required number of nurses had been exceeded, necessitating a reduction. This is one strategy to employ to maintain the intended balance in healthcare.
Reallocation of Resources Based on Variance
Patients’ demands and groupings frequently change; therefore, adequate personnel levels may not be maintained. Some nurses were laid off, resulting in reduced expenditures that can be used to procure high-quality resources. A thorough investigation of the healthcare workflow and staffing matrix is required before this can be implemented successfully. I conducted a standard round of audits and rounding before letting go of a few employees to save money. Purchasing additional medical equipment will enable the healthcare system to operate properly, improving patient care (Knighten et al., 2023). This shift will increase, and some FTEs will be assigned to this position. As a result, healthcare costs will be reduced, and revenues will be more evenly distributed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using the personnel matrix and reflecting on the organization’s performance is critical. As a result, the organization can better achieve its objectives and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. There is no waste of time or human resources. One of the most important things to remember while planning an event is managing your time, which was done successfully. As a result, the business runs well, and everyone feels at ease at work. There is no underutilization because the matrix specifies the number of FTEs needed. The matrix prevents resource and human resource duplication, allowing more efficient use of available resources. The healthcare industry has seen considerable success thanks to implementing the staffing matrix.
References
Alali, M. S. (2020). Staffing level, wages, and banks financial performance. International Research Journal of Finance and Economics, 180, 48-53. Web.
Griffiths, P., Saville, C., Ball, J., Jones, J., Pattison, N., Monks, T., & Safer Nursing Care Study Group. (2020). Nursing workload, nurse staffing methodologies and tools: A systematic scoping review and discussion. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 103.
Knighten, R.N., Lynne, M., Waxman, R.N. (2023). Penner’s economics and financial management for nurses and nurse leaders. (4th ed.). Springer Publishing Company.
Riley, Y., Stitt, J., Hill, C., Stutzman, S., Venkatachalam, A., Aguilera, V., & Ifejika, N. (2021). Implementation of the MATRIX staffing grid improves nurse satisfaction with rehabilitation unit staffing. Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 53(4), 183-187.