Temporary Nurses – Study Findings Indicate Highly Qualified Nurses

Temporary Nurses €“ Study Findings Indicate Highly Qualified Nurses

A study regarding the qualifications of temporary nurses and quality of care amongst institutions utilizing temporary nurses has shown positive results. The study, conducted by the University of Pennsylvania under a grant from the American Staffing Association, shows early indications that the qualifications of temporary nurses meet or exceed those of full-time permanent nurses. The study was undertaken due to an acknowledged lack of research regarding the correlations between the use of temporary staff in the medical arena and patient outcomes. The study has further indicated that:

– The quality of care for patients treated and cared for by temporary nurses is comparable to the quality of care provided by full-time, permanent nurses

– Temporary, or supplemental, nurses are more likely to have bachelor or nursing degrees (or higher levels of education)

– Temporary nurses are younger than full-time permanent nurses and come from a wider variety of ethnic backgrounds (especially Asian)

– Temporary nurses are more likely to work in intensive care units, where the need for nurses is more intense

The study’s findings were presented at Staffing World 2005 on October 20 by Linda Aiken, Ph.D., who is a professor of nursing and directory of the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research. Dr. Aiken is a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Science and former president of the American Academy of Nursing.

Organizations and Peoples Noted:

American Academy of Nursing