Impact of critical care nursing on 30-day mortality of mechanically ventilated older adults

The mortality rate for mechanically ventilated older adults in ICUs is high. A robust research literature shows a significant association between nurse staffing, nurses' education, and the quality of nurse work environments and mortality following common surgical procedures. A distinguishing feature of ICUs is greater investment in nursing care. The objective of this study is to determine the extent to which variation in ICU nursing characteristics-staffing, work environment, education, and experience-is associated with mortality, thus potentially illuminating strategies for improving patient outcomes.