Survey and critique of studies related to unlicensed assistive personnel from 1975 to 1997, Part 2.

This article is part 2 of a descriptive integrated review of research on the use of unlicensed assistive personnel in nursing. Part 1, published last month, described the methods used to find and to critique 29 research articles; it included the conceptual model and the variables identified in the studies. Part 2 presents a synthesis of the 29 studies data conclusions, implications and recommendations.

Survey and critique of studies related to unlicensed assistive personnel from 1975 to 1997, Part 1.

This descriptive integrated review of research on the use of unlicensed assistive personnel in nursing is presented in two parts. In this issue, part 1 describes the methods used to find and critique research related to unlicensed assistive personnel in nursing. It includes the conceptual model and findings related to the variables studied. Part 2 of this review, which is scheduled for publication in the next issue, will present research findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

Graduate nurse overhires. A cost analysis.

Traditionally, the process for filling vacated nursing positions has contributed to a hiatus between the departure of one nurse and the arrival of another who is prepared to assume patient care responsibility. This is due at least partially to limited work force renewal strategies. Given the cost to temporarily fill vacated positions with agency nurses or to pay nurses overtime rates, current methods of replacing departing nurses may no longer be practical in all cases. The authors discuss the strategy of overhiring graduate nurses and compare these costs to more traditional temporary methods of replacing nurses who have resigned.

Survey and critique of studies related to shift length variations in nursing from 1970 to 1993.

The purpose of this study was to describe the current status, stage of staffing change, and findings of research relating to shift length variations in nursing. This was accomplished through a review of the literature to (a) evaluate the quality of the research, (b) summarize and draw conclusions related to variations in nursing shift length, and (c) identify gaps in the literature for the purpose of making recommendations for future studies related to nursing shift length variations. Multiple methods were utilized for locating potential studies to include in this project. Smith and Stullenbarger's (1991) Quality of Study instrument was used to rate the studies. None of the research reviewed explicitly identified a conceptual or theoretical framework or model, and few studies could be classified as scientifically rigorous. This study illuminates the state of the art and findings related to length of shift variations in nursing, and as such has implications for practice and research in nursing service administration.

How the Fair Labor Standards Act affects your staffing.

The Fair Labor Standards Act allows exemption of professionals from overtime pay. However, this is often disregarded, and professional staff are compensated as nonexempt employees. The workweek definition then assumes increased importance as it may be a determining factor in the cost and availability of staff. This article discusses how altering the workweek may improve staffing. Various schedules are exhibited, and staffing and overtime pay implications of each are discussed.

Specialty maldistribution. The next nursing crisis?

Clinical specialty maldistribution is a problem in the United States due, in part, to ongoing supply and demand problems created by the nursing shortage. Although the extent of difficulty is unclear, predictions of future shortages in some specialties are startling. If unresolved, maldistribution may affect quality of care or result in rationing of care in some specialties areas.