Several factors influence safe staffing ratios. One major factor is the level of patient acuity, which refers to the severity of patients' conditions. Units with higher acuity levels require more nurses to provide adequate care. Another factor is the type of care setting, such as intensive care units (ICUs), general medical-surgical units, or pediatric wards. The skill mix and experience of the nursing staff also play a role; more experienced nurses may be able to manage a higher patient load compared to less experienced staff.
