Improving nursing morale in a climate of cost containment. Part 2. Program planning

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Nursing Administration
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• Declining healthcare resources often lead to increased workload and reduced opportunities for nursing staff.
• Rising absenteeism and decreased staff morale present significant challenges for nursing administrators.
• Previous assessment (Part 1, October 1984 JONA) informed the current program planning approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present elements of program planning for nursing administrators.
• To illustrate a low-cost model program designed to improve nursing staff morale.
• To address key factors influencing morale: workload, learning opportunities, and organizational rewards.

Main Methods:

• Building upon a prior assessment process.
• Developing a program planning framework.
• Illustrating the framework with a specific low-cost model program.

Main Results:

• The proposed model program aims to mitigate issues stemming from resource decline.
• Focuses on actionable strategies for improving nursing staff morale.
• Integrates workload management, enhanced learning opportunities, and effective organizational rewards.

Conclusions:

• Low-cost program planning is a viable strategy for addressing nursing staff morale issues.
• Addressing workload, learning, and rewards can significantly improve staff morale.
• Effective program planning can help nursing administrators manage challenges associated with resource limitations.