Safe staffing

I have recently read and article about safe staffing in a journal that I receive. The focus was facilities are having changes in cost reimbursement for services and as a result the facilities are reducing nursing budget/staffing. Often the result is an increases amount of over time by staff, staff not having enough time with their patients, excessive work loads, increased start of shift fatigue and inadequately staffed units for patient's safety.
I was wondering what staffing is considered safe in facilities? How other facilities are coping with the shortage of nursing staff? What can a staff member do to advocate for the patients?