Work environment factors other than staffing associated with nurses’ ratings of patient care quality

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.

Aim: We examined the association between RNs’ ratings of patient care quality and several novel work 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.

Conclusion: Our evidence demonstrates the importance of considering RN work environment factors other than staffing when planning improvements in patient care quality. Health care managers can use the results of our study to strategically allocate resources toward work environment factors that have the potential to improve quality of care.

Results: Workgroup cohesion, nurse-physician 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.

Authors:
Author1: Maja Djukic, New York University College of Nursing
Author2: Christine T. Kovner, New York University College of Nursing
Author3: Carol S. Brewer, University of Buffalo School of Nursing
Author4: Farida K. Fatehi, New York University College of Nursing
Author5: Daniel D. Cline, New York University College of Nursing

Primary Contact Person:
Name: Maja Djukic
Email: [email protected]

Complete Citation, if published:
Djukic, M., Kovner, C.T., Brewer, C.S., Fatehi, F.K., & Cline, D.D. (2013). Work environment factors other than staffing associated with nurses; ratings of patient care quality. Journal of Nursing Administration, 42(10 Suppl), S17-26. doi: 10.1097/01.NNA.0000420391.95413.88.