More Minimum Nurse-to-Patient Ratio Settings Finalized, Including Emergency Departments
The next round of minimum nurse-to-patient ratios in hospital settings have been determined, including in emergency departments (ED), neonatal intensive care units (NICU), post-anesthesia care units (PACU), maternity units, operating rooms and alternative level of care areas with implementation set to begin this fall. These ratios are part of a broader effort to improve both patient care and working conditions for nurses across a range of critical hospital units.
In a joint government-BCNU news conference on Sept. 18, BCNU President Adriane Gear commented on the announcement, calling it “yet another milestone towards achieving minimum nurse-to-patient ratios in BC”, noting the unprecedented collaboration between nursing leaders within the Ministry of Health, health authorities and the BC Nurses’ Union. “Ratios will improve the quality of patient care and conditions of work, and this work could not have been done without the feedback provided by thousands of nurses, who are dedicated to improving the experience of both patients and their fellow nurse colleagues.”
New Minimum Nurse-to-Patient Ratios by Setting:
| Setting | Nurse-to-Patient Ratio |
|---|---|
| Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) | 1:1 to 1:3 |
| Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) | 2:1 to 1:2 |
| Maternity Care - Antepartum | 1:3 |
| Maternity Care - Labour & Delivery | 1:1 during active labour; 2:1 at birth |
| Maternity Care - Postpartum | 1:3 for dyad care (nurse for both parent and newborn); 1:4 for birth parent only |
| Maternity Care - Newborn Care Nursery | 1:3 |
| Operating Room (OR) | 2.5:1 |
| Alternative Level of Care | 1:7 |
| Emergency Department - General Emergency | 1:3 |
| Emergency Department - Short Stay Observation | 1:4 |
| Emergency Department - Medical/Surgical Short Stay | 1:4 |
| Emergency Department - Trauma | 1:1 |
| Emergency Department - Critical Care | 1:1 |
| Emergency Department - Fast Track | 1:4 |
| Emergency Department - Waiting/Triage | Visits per year |
$100M for Retention and Professional Development Strategies
As part of a broader effort to address the challenges nurses face in the health-care system, $100-million dollars has been allocated from the 2023/24 minimum nurse-to-patient ratio budget to support retention and professional development, with a focus on emergency departments.
$25,000 ED Staffing Incentive
Additionally, to attract more nurses to emergency departments, the government is offering up to $25,000 in recruitment incentives for nurses who accept positions in this critical care area. This initiative is designed to directly address staffing shortages and ensure emergency departments are adequately staffed to handle increasing patient demands.
Next Steps
While this marks a significant step forward, there is still much work to be done. Expanding minimum nurse-to-patient ratios to additional health care settings and other sectors of the health-care system will be key to addressing gaps and ensuring consistency across BC.
These changes are a foundation for positive, lasting change, and BCNU remains committed to advocating for their full and fair implementation. We will continue our fight to ensure that these improvements lead to real benefits for both nurses and patients.
For more information, visit the provincial government website here.