Defense Date

7-16-2021

Graduation Date

Summer 7-16-2021

Submission Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program

School

School of Nursing

Faculty Mentor

Catherine Johnson

Keywords

nurse staffing, nurse turnover, nurse retention, nursing engagement, nursing satisfaction, patient outcomes

Abstract

An acute care rehabilitation facility in Horry County, South Carolina was the setting for this program evaluation of nurse staffing, engagement and satisfaction and if those factors had any effect on patient outcomes in the facility. Nursing department staffing, engagement and patient outcome data was evaluated for trends and themes. Through stakeholder meetings, data was collected, a qualitative and quantitative satisfaction survey was administered to nursing staff. Evaluation of the data occurred and revealed multiple factors that led to nursing department turnover between 2018 and 2020. During the increase in turnover, it was noted that patient falls, and catheter associated urinary tract infections increased. Satisfaction and engagement of nursing staff was evaluated through the annual facility satisfaction and engagement survey, a qualitative survey and quantitative survey based on Herzberg’s two factor theory of motivation revealed specific factors related to turnover including staffing, scheduling, workload and supervisory leadership style. Recommendations for decreasing turnover, increasing engagement and satisfaction and ensuring positive patient outcomes have been included in this program evaluation.

Language

English

Included in

Nursing Commons

COinS