Evaluating the WE CARE Program's Impact on Job Satisfaction and Intent to Leave.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Occupational Health Psychology

Background:

• Healthcare professionals face significant workplace stressors impacting mental health and job satisfaction.
• Nurse turnover is a persistent issue linked to burnout and dissatisfaction.
• The WE CARE program was developed to address these challenges through evidence-based interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the WE CARE program on the work environment, nurse mental health, and outcomes.
• To identify factors influencing job satisfaction and nurses' intent to leave their positions.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental, one-group pre-post design was employed.
• Online surveys collected data from 706 nurses pre-program and 417 post-program.
• Mixed-effects regression models were used for data analysis.

Main Results:

• The WE CARE program led to significant improvements in the work environment, workplace mental health, job satisfaction, and intent to leave.
• Job satisfaction was linked to a supportive environment, recognition, and trust, while negatively impacted by burnout.
• Burnout and distress increased turnover likelihood, whereas leadership trust and organizational support offered protection.

Conclusions:

• Evidence-based workforce engagement programs like WE CARE are effective in healthcare settings for enhancing nurse well-being and work environments.
• Targeted interventions focusing on emotional well-being, recognition, burnout reduction, and leadership trust can mitigate nurse turnover.
• The WE CARE program's success led to its continuation by nurse leaders, highlighting its value and addressing a gap in nurse well-being research.