For Famous Health care System (FHS), consultants from O & A determined the average daily patient demand for various nursing professionals. Table EX 7.7depicts the average number of minutes for Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Nursing Aides (NAs) needed daily in various patient care departments of FHS.

FHS decided that utilization targets for RNs, LPNs and NAs should be 85 percent, 80 percent, and 80 percent, respectively. FHS s' human resources benefit plan for RNs has seven holidays, five sick days, and eighteen paid vacation days per year. The benefit package for LPNs has seven holidays, five sick days, and fourteen paid vacation days per year. The NA benefit package has seven holidays, five sick days, and ten paid vacation days per year. FHS wants to reevaluate staffing levels according to the patient demand measurements provided by O & A, as follows:

a. Determine the core level of FTEs for each department.

b. Determine the final core levels of FTEs for the Surgical, Medical, Pediatric, and OB/ GYN departments if all staff are scheduled for eight - hour shifts using a 5/40 scheduling plan.

c. Determine the final core levels of FTEs for the ICU and CCU departments if RNs and LPNs work on a 4/40 and NAs work on a 5/40 scheduling plan.