Nursing's Role and Staffing in Accountable Care

Nurse staffing in a world of health care reform and accountable care is uncertain and creates fear not only for the nurse leaders, but all RNs. As health care reform transforms the environment, so must the role and staffing of nurses. There is still not one right answer or agreed upon manner to nurse staffing of inpatient units. This leaves nurses free to imagine roles and staffing possibilities for the future across the continuum. Including all RNs in conversations, visioning, and problem solving for the future will best prepare the profession for our role in caring for our patients.