The Essential Role of Nurse Staffing in Preventing Pressure Ulcers: Insights from English for Nurses

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. The Link Between Nurse Staffing and Post-Surgical Risk

3. Health Outcomes Impacted by Staffing Shortages

4. Understanding the Workload Factor

5. English for Nurses: Supporting Clinical Communication

6. FAQ: End of Life Care and Clinical English Training

7. Key Takeaway & How to Contact Us

Introduction to Preventing Pressure Ulcers

At English for Nurses, we understand that effective communication is vital in delivering safe and dignified care—especially in specialised areas like end-of-life care. This blog examines the critical findings of a recent study from the University of Southampton, which highlights a direct link between nursing staffing levels and patient safety, with a particular focus on pressure ulcers and post-surgical outcomes.

Pressure ulcers, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and post-surgical infections are preventable conditions that can severely impact patient wellbeing. They are also strongly associated with nursing workloads and staffing levels. For overseas nurses and healthcare professionals working in the UK, understanding this link—and having the language skills to advocate for adequate staffing and patient safety—is essential.

Through our range of online courses, in-person training, and clinical language resources, we support nurses and healthcare staff in gaining confidence in English, empowering them to provide better care in challenging environments such as understaffed surgical wards.

The Link Between Nurse Staffing and Post-Surgical Risk

A study by the University of Southampton, involving data from 200,000 hospital admissions across four NHS trusts, found a clear correlation between nursing understaffing and increased patient risk. Each day with fewer registered nurses increased the relative risk of mortality by 9.2%, while low nursing assistant staffing raised it by 10.3%.

The safety of surgical patients depends not only on policies and procedures but also on the availability of skilled nursing staff. When staff numbers are insufficient, patient care tasks may be rushed or delayed, leading to avoidable complications such as infections or pressure injuries. The study reinforces what many nurses already know: staffing affects survival.

It’s essential that healthcare professionals understand these findings—not only to improve patient outcomes but also to advocate effectively for safe staffing. Our pocket guides and CDs include key English terminology and phrases related to staffing and patient safety, supporting nurses who need to communicate concerns to colleagues or management.

Health Outcomes Impacted by Staffing Shortages

The study revealed that where registered nurse numbers fell below expected levels, pressure ulcers increased by 6.4%, pneumonia by 5.7%, and DVT by 4.8%. In addition, patients were 2.3% more likely to be readmitted when nurse staffing was inadequate.

These statistics demonstrate that preventive healthcare cannot function without robust staffing. Complications like pressure ulcers are often the result of missed care—turning, repositioning, skin assessments—all of which are labour intensive and require time and attention.

With limited staff, essential tasks go undone, leading to longer hospital stays, more invasive interventions, and higher healthcare costs. Nurses can only deliver high-quality care if they are supported by adequate team numbers. Our in-person courses cover vital communication skills around patient safety, teamwork and clinical prioritisation—empowering nurses to speak up and work effectively even in challenging settings.

Understanding the Workload Factor

As senior research fellow Paul Meredith notes, while many safety interventions address checklists, training and communication, workload remains a “major driver of risk.” In other words, even well-trained staff are vulnerable to error if they are overstretched.

This is a reminder that patient safety is not only about systems—it’s about people. Nurses on understaffed wards face ethical stress and burnout, which can also negatively impact patient care. In the UK, where shortages of registered nurses are common, especially in specialist care, effective communication becomes more important than ever.

For international nurses, being fluent in clinical English helps not only with patient interaction but also with teamwork, documenting care, and advocating for safe practices. English for Nurses offers a range of digital learning guides and intensive courses designed by nurses for nurses, helping you build the confidence you need on the ward.

English for Nurses: Supporting Clinical Communication

At English for Nurses, our mission is to aid professional development through high-quality language training tailored to healthcare settings. Our digital download guides offer detailed vocabulary and scenarios for self-study, ideal for preparing for work on busy surgical wards or in palliative care settings.

Our pocket guide is already being used in hospitals across Europe as a quick reference for key medical terminology. Whether you are at the bedside or presenting your concerns in handover, this guide ensures you have clear, professional language at your fingertips.

Staying up to date with best practices in patient care means staying informed. Visit our blog for the latest updates, resources, and insight into the challenges facing nurses in the UK today.

FAQ: End of Life Care and Clinical English Training

Q: How can English for Nurses support me if I work in end-of-life care?

A: Our training programmes include vocabulary and communication strategies essential for delivering compassionate, clear care in emotionally complex situations like palliative care. We help prepare you for those critical conversations with patients and families.

Q: I’m a non-native English-speaking nurse. Do you offer beginner courses?

A: Yes. Our online courses are designed for a wide range of skill levels and support individual learning at your own pace or in small group settings.

Q: Can I order learning materials if I’m based outside the UK?

A: Absolutely. Our CDs and pocket guides ship worldwide. If you don’t see your country listed, contact us directly for shipping options.

Key Takeaway & How to Contact Us

The link between nurse staffing and patient outcomes is undeniable. Combining clinical expertise with strong English communication skills is essential for addressing staffing challenges and advocating for patient safety, especially in end-of-life and post-surgical care.

At English for Nurses, we are here to support you—with online courses, in-person training, and practical learning tools. To learn more or to book a course, contact us today.

Stay up to date with our latest training offers and articles by visiting our blog. We look forward to helping you build your confidence and professional language skills.