As a nurse manager evaluating staffing needs, what action should be implemented first?

Accessing computerized data that correlates client acuity, staffing, and scheduling is essential for accurately evaluating staffing needs. This step provides a data-driven foundation for understanding how current staffing levels match the needs of the patient population. By analyzing this data, a nurse manager can identify trends, such as peak times of patient admissions or changes in patient acuity, which are critical to making informed staffing decisions.

Utilizing this data allows for a more systematic approach to staffing, as it highlights specific areas where additional staff may be necessary or where resources could be allocated more effectively. This action also helps ensure patient safety and the quality of care, as it directly relates staffing levels to the complexity of care that patients require.

Taking this approach before implementing policies or consulting with staff members ensures that the subsequent actions are based on solid evidence rather than assumptions, leading to more effective and targeted staffing strategies.