Staffing Trends in Magnet and Non-Magnet Hospitals after State Legislation

Background: Evidence suggests that Magnet and non-Magnet hospitals differ with respect to quality of care. Purpose: Our study examined registered nurse (RN) staffing over time in Magnet and non-Magnet hospitals using unit-level, publicly available data in New Jersey. Methods: A secondary analysis of longitudinal RN staffing data was conducted using mandated, publicly reported data of 64 hospitals representing 12 nursing specialties across 8 years (2008-2015). Staffing ratios were trended over time to compare RN staffing changes in Magnet and non-Magnet hospitals. Results: Staffing was comparable in Magnet and non-Magnet hospitals for 9 of 12 specialties. On average, from 2008 until 2015, RN staffing slightly increased, with a greater percent increase in Magnet hospitals (6.9%) than in non-Magnet hospitals (4.7%). Conclusions: Over 8 years in New Jersey, RN staffing improved in Magnet and non-Magnet hospitals. Although there was a slight increase for Magnet hospitals, there was no meaningful difference in staffing for all 12 specialties.