Michigan Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) Practice Exam

What is the required ratio of licensed nurses to patients on the day shift in a nursing home?

1. 32

2. 64

3. 80

4. 96

The correct answer is: 64

The required ratio of licensed nurses to patients on the day shift in a nursing home is a critical regulation that ensures adequate nursing care is provided to residents. A ratio of 64 licensed nurses to patients reflects a commitment to maintaining high standards of care, ensuring that each patient receives attention, monitoring, and medical services as needed. These staffing ratios are established to guarantee that licensed nurses are available to address the healthcare needs of patients effectively. A higher number of licensed nurses helps to improve patient outcomes, supports timely interventions, and allows for more personalized care, which is essential in a nursing home environment where residents may have complex medical needs. In contrast, the other numbers presented would indicate a decreased standard of care, which could compromise the safety and wellbeing of residents. Adequate nursing staff is paramount for quality care in nursing facilities, influencing patient satisfaction and overall health outcomes. Therefore, the ratio of 64 enables facilities to provide sufficient support and nursing services to their residents during critical day hours.