Impact of Team Nursing on Hospital Costs

A new study indicates that substituting lower-wage staff for some registered nurses (RNs) can lead to significant savings in hospital operating costs. The findings suggest that this approach does not adversely affect patient outcomes, challenging the assumption that fewer RNs might compromise the quality of care. This model raises questions about the potential consequences of a reduced nursing workforce on health services. Critics argue that even minor reductions in nursing staff could detrimentally impact patient care and safety.