State Tested Nursing Assistants' Workplace Experiences That Threaten or Support Intent to Stay

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Quality
• Gerontology
• Nursing Workforce Studies

Background:

• Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) serve over 1 million Americans annually.
• State Tested Nursing Assistants (STNAs) are crucial direct care providers in SNFs.
• Low STNA retention rates pose a significant threat to patient care continuity and quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore intrinsic factors influencing STNAs' intent to remain employed in their positions.
• To understand the psychological needs affecting STNA job satisfaction and retention.
• To identify key drivers and barriers to STNA longevity in the healthcare workforce.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative phenomenological study design.
• Semistructured face-to-face interviews with 10 STNAs in for-profit SNFs.
• Thematic analysis of interview data to identify recurrent concepts and themes.

Main Results:

• Fulfillment of basic psychological needs significantly impacts STNA intent to stay.
• Supporting factors include self-confidence, feeling appreciated, positive workplace relationships, and willingness to exceed duties.
• Threatening factors include frustration, lack of support, and limited career advancement opportunities.

Conclusions:

• Intrinsic factors related to psychological needs are pivotal for STNA retention.
• Understanding these factors can inform strategies to enhance STNA job satisfaction and reduce turnover.
• Improving STNA retention is essential for ensuring high-quality, consistent patient care in SNFs.