Abstract
This article describes the work experience of a national cohort of 229 RNs who participated in a survey on work environment at two different time periods. Survey results of the RNs’ experience within two and a half years of their initial RN licensure (time period two) are described in detail, and comparisons are made to their experiences one year earlier (time period one). Using Krippendorff’s technique for content analysis, six inter-related themes emerged at time period two. Findings indicate that the working environment of RNs impacts both nurses’ satisfaction and their dissatisfaction. Factors associated with dissatisfaction center on the lack of nurse manager leadership, persistent verbal abuse, high patient-to-nurse ratios, and the physical demands of bedside nursing that result in injuries. Suggestions from the nurses themselves are used to guide strategies to improve the work environment and retain nurses.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Journal | Online Journal of Issues in Nursing |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2010 |
Keywords
- Content analysis
- Job satisfaction
- Leadership
- Management
- Nurse retention
- Nurses’ work perception
- Nursing
- Professional practice
- Qualitative research
- Registered nurses
- Turnover
- Work environment
- Workload
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Issues, ethics and legal aspects