Upstate New York hospitals understaffed; patient mortality 14% higher: FPI
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — Hospitals across Upstate New York are in a staffing crisis, with 90% of shifts understaffed, according to a recent report by the Fiscal Policy Institute (FPI).
Both registered nurses (RNs) and ancillary staff are in short supply, leaving critical care units, including intensive care, unable to maintain safe patient care standards. The report revealed that understaffing correlates with a 14% increase in patient mortality, amounting to hundreds of additional deaths per 100,000 hospitalizations.
Step-down units — where patients transition from intensive care — are particularly affected, with RN understaffing reported in 84% of shifts. Ancillary staff shortages are even more widespread, impacting up to 95% of hospital shifts, including ICUs. These gaps compromise patient safety and overburden the healthcare workforce.
Burnout drives workforce exodus
The pandemic has exacerbated burnout among healthcare workers. Many nurses report moral injury, high-stress levels, and exhaustion, leading to early retirements or career changes. Despite some workforce recovery since the pandemic’s peak, experts estimate it will take over nine years to reach safe staffing levels without intervention.
The FPI highlighted that during an average hospital shift in Upstate New York, 10 nurses are responsible for 54 patients — 13 more than the safe limit of 41 patients. This excessive workload places both patients and healthcare staff at significant risk, contributing to burnout and jeopardizing the quality of care.
70,000 untapped licensed nurses could help solve crisis
New York has approximately 70,000 trained RNs who are not currently working in nursing roles. Analysts suggest that targeted incentives — such as competitive pay, improved working conditions, and mental health support — could lure these professionals back into the field.
Outsourcing non-clinical tasks like administrative work or patient transport could also help alleviate the burden on existing staff. Additionally, telehealth services and remote monitoring technologies could manage less critical cases outside hospital settings.
Urgent action required to prevent collapse
The FPI calls for bold investments to recruit an estimated 5,000 RNs and 20,000 ancillary staff in Upstate New York.
Without decisive action, hospitals risk entering a full-blown humanitarian crisis that jeopardizes patient outcomes and community health.
