TY - JOUR
T1 - Work environment factors other than staffing associated with nurses' ratings of patient care quality
AU - Djukic, M.
AU - Kovner, C.
AU - Brewer, C. S.
AU - Fatehi, F. K.
AU - Cline, D.
PY - 2012/10
Y1 - 2012/10
N2 - Background: The impact of registered nurse (RN) staffing on patient care quality has been extensively studied. Identifying additional modifiable work environment factors linked to patient care quality is critical as the projected shortage of approximately 250,000 RNs over the next 15 years will limit institutions' ability to rely on RN staffing alone to ensure high-quality care. Purpose: Weexamined the association between RNs' ratings of patient care quality and several novelwork environment factors adjusting for the effects of two staffing variables: reported patient-to-RN ratios and ratings of staffing adequacy. Methodology: We used a cross-sectional, correlational design and a mailed survey to collect data in 2009 from a national sample of RNs (n = 1,439) in the United States. A multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the data. Findings: Workgroup cohesion, nurseYphysician relations, procedural justice, organizational constraints, and physical work environment were associated with RNs' ratings of quality, adjusting for staffing. Furthermore, employment in a Magnet hospital and job satisfaction were positively related to ratings of quality, whereas supervisory support was not. Practice Implications: Our evidence demonstrates the importance of considering RN work environment factors other than staffing when planning improvements in patient care quality. Health caremanagers can use the results of our study to strategically allocate resources toward work environment factors that have the potential to improve quality of care.
AB - Background: The impact of registered nurse (RN) staffing on patient care quality has been extensively studied. Identifying additional modifiable work environment factors linked to patient care quality is critical as the projected shortage of approximately 250,000 RNs over the next 15 years will limit institutions' ability to rely on RN staffing alone to ensure high-quality care. Purpose: Weexamined the association between RNs' ratings of patient care quality and several novelwork environment factors adjusting for the effects of two staffing variables: reported patient-to-RN ratios and ratings of staffing adequacy. Methodology: We used a cross-sectional, correlational design and a mailed survey to collect data in 2009 from a national sample of RNs (n = 1,439) in the United States. A multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the data. Findings: Workgroup cohesion, nurseYphysician relations, procedural justice, organizational constraints, and physical work environment were associated with RNs' ratings of quality, adjusting for staffing. Furthermore, employment in a Magnet hospital and job satisfaction were positively related to ratings of quality, whereas supervisory support was not. Practice Implications: Our evidence demonstrates the importance of considering RN work environment factors other than staffing when planning improvements in patient care quality. Health caremanagers can use the results of our study to strategically allocate resources toward work environment factors that have the potential to improve quality of care.
KW - nurse staffing
KW - nurse work environment
KW - nursing practice environment
KW - patient care quality
KW - work environment redesign
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84866634826&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84866634826&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1097/01.NNA.0000420391.95413.88
DO - 10.1097/01.NNA.0000420391.95413.88
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84866634826
SN - 0002-0443
VL - 42
SP - S17-S26
JO - Journal of Nursing Administration
JF - Journal of Nursing Administration
IS - SUPPL. 10
ER -