What is the Nurse-Patient Ratio According to Pakistan Nursing Council?

Understanding the nurse-patient ratio according to the Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC) is crucial for ensuring proper healthcare standards in hospitals across the country.  However, it is important to acknowledge that nurse-patient ratios in many hospitals in Pakistan are currently far lower than the recommended guidelines. In this blog post, we will provide a detailed analysis and breakdown of the official PNC notification on this subject. The official PNC notification on this subject is given below.

Official Nurse-Patient Ratio According to Pakistan Nursing Council:

The PNC issued a notification (No. PNC F-7-14-Admin/2021/ 3702) on 25th May 2021, outlining the minimum nurse-to-patient ratio for hospitals across Pakistan. The guidelines provided in this notification are as follows:  

 

General Hospital Units: In general hospital units, the nurse-to-patient ratio should be 1:3 beds, which means three nurses for every ten beds, with one reliever nurse for every ten beds. This ensures adequate staffing for regular breaks and shift changes.  Critical/Specialized Units: For critical and specialized units like Cardiovascular, CCU, ICU, Neurosurgery, Urology, Peritoneal Dialysis, Haemodialysis, and Kidney Transplant, the nurse-to-patient ratio is two nurses for every patient during an 8-hour shift and six nurses for every patient during a 24-hour period. Operation Theater: In operation theaters, the recommended nurse-to-patient ratio is two nurses per table per shift. Anesthesiology: In anesthesiology departments, the nurse-to-patient ratio is two nurses per apparatus per shift. Thoracic/Pediatric/Plastic/Burn Surgery and Psychiatric Emergency/Casualty/Recovery Rooms: For these specialized departments, the nurse-to-patient ratio is one nurse for every two patients during an 8-hour shift and three nurses for every two patients during a 24-hour period.

Importance of Maintaining the Nurse-Patient Ratio:

• Maintaining the recommended nurse-patient ratio is essential for several reasons:
• Improved Patient Care: Adequate nurse staffing ensures that patients receive the attention and care they need, leading  to better health outcomes and faster recovery times. 
• Reduced Medical Errors: When nurses are responsible for fewer patients, they can focus more on each individual, which can help minimize the risk of medical errors and complications.
• Lower Nurse Burnout: Maintaining the proper nurse-patient ratio can help prevent nurse burnout and stress by reducing workload and allowing for sufficient breaks and shift changes.  
• Increased Job Satisfaction: Nurses who work in environments with appropriate staffing levels are more likely to experience job satisfaction, which can lead to better patient care and improved staff retention.

While the PNC's recommended nurse-patient ratios may seem unrealistic given the current situation in many hospitals, it is crucial to recognize the importance of striving towards better healthcare standards in Pakistan.  By raising awareness, engaging with professional bodies, promoting education and training, and sharing your concerns with relevant stakeholders, you can contribute to positive change in the healthcare system and work towards improved nurse-patient ratios across the country.