The Effect of Nurse Practice Environment on Retention and Quality of Care via Burnout, Work Characteristics, and
Mandy M Gensimore1, Ralitsa S Maduro, Merri K Morgan
1Author Affiliations: Director (Dr Gensimore), Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, Woodbridge; Biostatistician (Dr Maduro) and Manager (Dr Morgan), Sentara Quality Research Institute, Sentara Healthcare, Virginia Beach; Corporate Vice President and System Chief Nursing Officer (Ms McGee), Sentara Healthcare, Norfolk; and Nurse Executive in Research and Director (Dr Zimbro), Sentara Quality Research Institute, Sentara Healthcare, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to explore the influence of nurse work characteristics, resiliency, and burnout on retention, and patient quality and safety.
Background:
With an ongoing nursing shortage, maintaining qualified nursing staff is critical. We explored the direct and indirect effects of practice environment, nurse work characteristics, and burnout on retention, and perceived quality and safety.
Methods:
Responses from 507 RNs were collected via an anonymous online survey. Theorized relationships were explored via path analysis and invariance testing.
Results:
Positive practice environment and favorable work characteristics lowered burnout and improved outcomes. The indirect effects of work characteristics and burnout were dependent upon individual level of resilience. Social capital minimized the effects of burnout for participants reporting below-average resilience.
Conclusions:
Leader support was critical in shaping positive perception of the practice environment. A nurse leader's visibility and actions impact intent to stay. Results of this study may inform healthcare systems struggling to retain a robust, engaged nursing workforce.
Related Concept Videos
Nurses' Legal Responsibilities III
Cultivating a culture of collaboration and mutual respect among nurses transcends mere enhancement...
Accountability and Responsibility of a Nurse II
For example, a nurse demonstrating respect and compassion might listen attentively to a patient's concerns, provide...
Current Trends in Nursing II
The Professional Nurse
Communication skills: These are critical characteristics, especially speaking and listening.
Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice
Theories provide a perspective to assess patients' conditions and organize data and methods. They also assist in analyzing and interpreting information. They represent a...
Current Trends in Nursing I
