Nurses' levels of experience may affect pediatric mortality rates, according to a study published in the Journal of Nursing Administration.
Researchers found the odds of inpatient pediatric deaths increased as the percentage of critical pediatric care nurses with two or fewer years of clinical experience increased. The mortality ratio was highest when the percentage of nurses with two or less years of clinical experience was 20 percent or greater.
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Conversely, the odds of inpatient pediatric death decreased as the percentage of nurses with at least 11 years of experience increased.
Researchers suggest the 20 percent value is an important metric when looking at nurse staffing and hospitals should avoid exceeding that mark.
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