Recommendation for the Amendment of Inpatient Nursing Fee Schedules Based on Nurse Staffing Standards in General Wards of Tertiary Hospitals and General Hospitals
10.22650/JKCNR.2022.28.2.122
- Author:
Sung-Hyun CHO
1
;
Jiyeong SEONG
;
Young Sun JUNG
;
Sun Ju YOU
;
Won Hee SIM
Author Information
1. Professor, College of Nursing · Research Institute of Nursing Science, Seoul National University, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:
Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
2022;28(2):122-136
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:This study attempted to recommend a revision of inpatient nursing fees based on analyzing current and appropriate staffing levels.
Methods:Staffing grades and their inpatient nursing fees as of the first quarter of 2022 were analyzed. Nurse managers and staff nurses answered surveys about the current and appropriate staffing levels, working days, and monthly salary. A total of 101 nurse managers and 588 staff nurses working in general wards at tertiary hospitals and general hospitals participated in the study.
Results:The results showed that grade 1 staffing was found in 73.3% of tertiary hospitals and 63.7% of general hospitals. The current staffing ratios of tertiary hospitals and general hospitals were 1:9.3 and 1:10.4, respectively. The appropriate staffing ratios according to nurse managers and staff nurses at tertiary hospitals were 1:7.6 and 1:7.0, respectively, and 1:8.7 and 1:8.8 in general hospitals, respectively. The average estimated annual working days of staff nurses were 235.2 days in tertiary hospitals and 240.0 days in general hospitals. The median monthly salary for staff nurses was 4.957 million won in tertiary hospitals and 4.140 million won in general hospitals. The new staffing grade system was suggested from 1:6 (Grade 1) to 1:12 (Grade 5). The new inpatient nursing fee schedules were recommended to be paid based on nursing hours per patient day of each grade.
Conclusion:The new staffing grade and inpatient nursing fee schedules are expected to increase staffing levels, improve the quality of nursing care, and provide a better work environment for nurses.
