Improving registered nurse time at the bedside

New York-Presbyterian (NYP) is one of the premier healthcare institutions in the United States. The hospital’s mission is to provide a full spectrum of medical interventions, from the prevention of disease and treatment of illness, to the promotion of wellness and the prospect of cure. NYP is committed to excellence in patient care, research, education, and community service. NYP enlisted the Capstone team to evaluate registered nurses’ time at the bedside. Specifically, the team investigated factors that can interrupt the time dedicated nurses spend with their patients. The Capstone team performed a qualitative and quantitative analysis of select inpatient units at four NYP campuses. After examining best practices in the field, the team made recommendations to improve nurses’ time spent at their patients’ bedsides; suggested practices aimed at prioritizing and organizing nurses’ work schedules; and suggested technological investments to deliver quality, patient-centered care with greater efficiency.