Inequity of Patient Assignments: Fact or Fiction?

Abstract

The leadership group of the medical/surgical intensive care unit at Children's Hospital Boston, working within the healthy work environment guidelines of the American Association for Critical-Care Nurses, heard that some staff nurses thought that their patient care assignments were unfair; specifically, certain nurses always received a single assignment while other nurses always received a double assignment. The nurses' concerns were validated and addressed, and unit leaders continue to monitor the nurses' concerns, which has resulted in more equitable assignments. Acknowledging the concerns of staff nurses is a positive first step in maintaining a healthy work environment. Staff nurses' voices were heard, and their voices resulted in a positive change in the unit that embraced a healthy work environment and supported patient care.