Nursing Administration Quarterly · 2008 · 88 citations · 13 references
NursingAdvanced Practice NursingNursing AdministrationLeadership CoachingPatient SafetyRecovery Room NursingClinical GovernanceNursing LeadershipWorkplace MentoringHospital Patient SatisfactionHospital Workforce ManagementMentor RolesMutual Respect In PartnershipsNurse PartnershipNurse RetentionNursing Workforce RetentionRegistered Nurses
The hospital workforce environment is a key determinant of nurse retention and patient safety, yet poor communication, intraprofessional oppression, and limited collaboration continue to disempower nurses and impede workforce improvement. This study evaluated a 3‑year academic‑hospital partnership that implemented a registered‑nurse mentor and advocacy program to enhance the RN work environment and selected patient outcomes. The partnership established mentor‑mentee teams and a Workforce Environment Governance Board, collecting preliminary data on teamwork, unit support, nurse and patient satisfaction, vacancy and turnover rates, and three patient safety outcomes (falls, pressure ulcers, restraints). Mentor‑mentee teams fostered mutual respect and a supportive culture, reduced nurse vacancy and turnover, and improved patient safety outcomes such as falls and pressure ulcer prevention.
Background The hospital workforce environment has been recognized as an important factor for nurse retention and patient safety, yet there is ongoing evidence that inadequate communication, intraprofessional oppression, and lack of collaboration and conflict resolution continue to disempower nurses and hinder improvement of workforce conditions. Purpose: A 3-year academic-hospital partnership developed and used a registered nurse (RN) mentor and advocacy program to improve the RN work environment and selected patient outcomes. Method The partnership initiated mentor-mentee teams and a Workforce Environment Governance Board, and obtained preliminary data on outcomes related to mentor-mentee teamwork, changes in the level of support within each unit, and the impact of improved working conditions on nurse and patient satisfaction, nurse vacancy and turnover rates, and 3 patient safety outcomes related to fall and pressure ulcer prevention and use of restraints. Discussion Dedicated mentors not only engaged in supporting fellow nurses but also assisted with enhancing the overall work environment for RNs. The partnership enhanced mutual respect between frontline RNs and managers, and allowed frontline RNs to improve the culture of support. Conclusions The comprehensive approach to incorporating mentor-mentee teams changes the way fellow nurses and others perceive nurses, augments support by managers and coworkers, and improves patient care outcomes.
13
Mary A. Blegen · Nursing Research · 1993 · 698 citations
Social Sciences, Nursing Administration, Organizational Behavior +13