Head nurses as middle managers.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Management
• Healthcare Administration
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• Staff nurse turnover and job satisfaction are significantly influenced by the head nurse-staff nurse relationship.
• Increasing staff Registered Nurse (RN) attrition rates pose challenges for healthcare facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe management strategies implemented at Greater Southeast Community Hospital to address rising staff RN turnover.
• To explore the impact of redefining the head nurse role on staff retention and job satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• Upgrading head nurses to department head status.
• Developing rigorous performance standards for head nurses, emphasizing clinical expertise, managerial competence, and accountability.

Main Results:

• The study posits a direct correlation between a clearly defined head nurse role and improved clinical practice.
• Enhanced head nurse roles and standards are linked to better staff morale and potentially reduced turnover.

Conclusions:

• A well-defined head nurse role is crucial for maintaining high standards of clinical practice.
• Investing in head nurse development and clearly outlining their responsibilities can positively impact staff satisfaction and reduce attrition.