AIMS: To test the validity and reliability of the Winnipeg Assessment of Neonatal Nursing Needs Tool (WANNNT). BACKGROUND: Workforce planning is increasingly challenging. Existing tools can be inadequate. METHODS: Nurses provided estimates of patient care time. Charge nurses assessed overall safety of care. Patient levels were compared between two independent assessors. Total nursing needs was compared between the WANNNT and an independent charge nurse. RESULTS: Mean time estimates for levels 1-5 were not significantly different from the WANNNT. Nurses estimated 50% less time than the tool assigned level 6. The tool was 95% reliable in assigning patient levels between two assessors. The mean difference between the total WANNNT assessment and the charge nurse was one nurse. CONCLUSIONS: The tool provided a reasonable and reliable estimation of the number of nurses required for a given collection of patients in order to provide the highest quality of care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nurse managers incorporating this tool need to determine the additional drivers for nursing time that must be considered which may be unique to their unit or hospital. The WANNNT will be a valuable asset for making staffing decisions on a shift to shift and long-term basis.
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