Missouri State Nursing Home Administrator Practice Exam

What is the minimum staffing ratio for protective oversight during the night shift?

1. 1:10

2. 1:15

3. 1:20

4. 1:25

The correct answer is: 1:20

The minimum staffing ratio for protective oversight during the night shift is set at 1:20, meaning that there should be one staff member for every 20 residents. This ratio is established to ensure that there is adequate supervision and care for the residents during the night when fewer staff typically work compared to the day shift. Maintaining a 1:20 staffing ratio allows for effective oversight, enabling staff to monitor residents' needs and respond swiftly to any emergencies that may arise. This is especially important in a nursing home setting, where residents may have varying levels of independence and require different levels of attention, even while they are asleep. The higher the number of residents per staff member, the more challenging it becomes to provide individualized care and ensure safety, which is why the regulatory standards set this ratio to balance safety with operational efficiency. Understanding this ratio is crucial for nursing home administrators as it impacts overall resident care, compliance with regulatory requirements, and the facility's operational integrity.