Horizons is an evidence-based initiative designed to promote equitable nurse-patient workloads, enhance job satisfaction, and improve retention at RVH. To achieve this, we structured the project into phases. In Phase One, we spent six intensive weeks on each inpatient unit and the emergency department, gathering baseline data through three key sources: unit demographics, patient acuity and dependency using the validated Safer

Nursing Care Tool (SNCT), and frontline staff insights from focus groups. Now, in Phase Two, we are reconnecting with units to validate our initial findings, collecting a second round of patient acuity data to reflect seasonality, and compiling the Horizons Report.

Expected Outcomes & Deliverables:

The Horizons reports will provide data-driven recommendations for optimal staffing scenarios, supporting leadership in advocating for resources and future planning.

Student Involvement:

The student could complete the placement in a hybrid model, as being on site with the team will be supportive of their learning. By the time the student starts placement the team will be creating and disseminating our reports – student will have opportunity to help analyze and synthesis both quantitative and qualitative data, prepare reports using a template, participate in collaborative dissemination meetings with RVH leadership. We also anticipate beginning a research paper and may have opportunity to have the student working alongside a

clinical research associate, as well as EHR integration of our patient acuity tool and work collaboratively with our decision support and clinical informatics teams.

Resources Required (if any):

The student will require access to the RVH network and SharePoint (provided to all student placements) as well as the Electronic Health Record for supporting patient acuity data.

Support Offered to Students (i.e. weekly meetings, mentorship, etc.):

Our team consists of practice coordinators, quality lead, and manager who will be able to provide consistent mentorship for the full placement time. The student will be able to join a variety of collaborator meetings and working groups to enhance their learning.