Jon Van`s article on the current dialogue regarding merger of the University of Chicago and Michael Reese Medical Centers (Jan. 22) raises some critical questions:
First of all, how will this possible merger affect the nurse-patient ratio and the level of nursing care? As a certified psychiatric nurse who has worked with patients and families in both high-risk OB and neurosurgical intensive care units, I have seen the most sophisticated surgeries have long- term success, only because of the competence and precision of the nurses. Without their constant monitoring and caring for patients (and often that includes the family), even the most talented surgeon would fail.
A substantial reason for hospitalization is the need for nursing care, yet the nurse-patient ratio was never mentioned in any part of this article!
Secondly, as Ken Robbins mentioned, mergers make sense only insofar as the institutions involved consolidate their services. Surely nursing service will be affected if this merger committee really wants ”to produce a pre-eminent, world-class medical center” that will, indeed, effect change in health care, I would advise U. of C. President Gray and her trustees to think about how beneficial it would be to found an equally world-class graduate program in nursing research and nursing administration. Only in this type of effort will we continue to refine and foster an optimal quality of nursing care in these institutions.
