Calculating Average Daily Census (ADC) and Occupancy Rate

Sandra has collected census information for the five units over the last month. To determine which unit is currently at 88% occupancy and is projected to experience a 20% increase in patient volume, the Average Daily Census (ADC) and Occupancy Rate for each unit must be calculated.

ADC and Occupancy Rate Calculations

Unit A
  • Total Patient Days: 941
  • Number of Beds: 31
  • ADC: 94130=31.37\frac{941}{30} = 31.3730941​=31.37
  • Occupancy Rate: 31.3731×100≈101.2%\frac{31.37}{31} \times 100 \approx 101.2\%3131.37​×100≈101.2%
Unit B
  • Total Patient Days: 424
  • Number of Beds: 15
  • ADC: 42430=14.13\frac{424}{30} = 14.1330424​=14.13
  • Occupancy Rate: 14.1315×100≈94.2%\frac{14.13}{15} \times 100 \approx 94.2\%1514.13​×100≈94.2%
Unit C
  • Total Patient Days: 372
  • Number of Beds: 13
  • ADC: 37230=12.4\frac{372}{30} = 12.430372​=12.4
  • Occupancy Rate: 12.413×100≈95.4%\frac{12.4}{13} \times 100 \approx 95.4\%1312.4​×100≈95.4%
Unit D
  • Total Patient Days: 841
  • Number of Beds: 32
  • ADC: 84130=28.03\frac{841}{30} = 28.0330841​=28.03
  • Occupancy Rate: 28.0332×100≈87.6%\frac{28.03}{32} \times 100 \approx 87.6\%3228.03​×100≈87.6%
Unit E
  • Total Patient Days: 97
  • Number of Beds: 6
  • ADC: 9730=3.23\frac{97}{30} = 3.233097​=3.23
  • Occupancy Rate: 3.236×100≈53.8%\frac{3.23}{6} \times 100 \approx 53.8\%63.23​×100≈53.8%
From the above calculations, Unit D is the one operating at 88% occupancy and is projected to increase its volume by 20% in the coming year.

Projecting FTE Requirements

With the projected 20% increase in patient volume, Unit D will need additional FTEs to maintain quality care. To determine the exact number of FTEs needed, Sandra must:
  1. Estimate the Increase in ADC:
    • A 20% increase in patient volume will increase the ADC from 28.03 to 28.03×1.2=33.6428.03 \times 1.2 = 33.6428.03×1.2=33.64.
  2. Recalculate the Occupancy Rate:
    • With the increased ADC, the occupancy rate will be 33.6432×100≈105.1%\frac{33.64}{32} \times 100 \approx 105.1\%3233.64​×100≈105.1%, which indicates that the unit will be over capacity and require additional staffing.
  3. Determine Additional FTEs Needed:
    • To staff the additional 5.61 patients per day, Sandra will need to calculate the number of FTEs required based on the nurse-to-patient ratio dictated by the patient acuity. If the unit currently operates with a 1:5 nurse-to-patient ratio, this would require approximately 1.12 additional FTEs (assuming each nurse covers an average of five patients per shift).
  4. Adjust Staffing Plans:
    • Sandra should prepare to request budget adjustments to accommodate the additional FTEs needed to manage the increased patient volume. This may include hiring additional full-time or part-time staff, as well as considering the use of overtime or agency nurses to meet the demand.

Conclusion

Sandra Chambers faces a significant challenge in ensuring that Unit D at Potter Regional Medical Center remains adequately staffed to handle a projected 20% increase in patient volume. By carefully analyzing historical data, patient acuity, and occupancy rates, Sandra can make informed decisions about the number of FTEs needed to maintain quality care. This proactive approach will help ensure that the unit continues to deliver safe and effective patient care while staying within budgetary constraints.