Nurse managers exert significant influence over work environments and patient outcomes, according to Press Ganey's 2017 Nursing Special Report released Wednesday.
To compile the report, the patient experience measurement and performance improvement firm analyzed 2016 survey data on 171,789 nurses from the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators, along with Press Ganey patient experience survey data. Press Ganey researchers also conducted qualitative interviews with a representative sample of high-performing nurse managers from health systems nationwide to learn about nurse manager priorities and best practices.
Here are five takeaways from the report.
- Nurse managers directly and indirectly influence outcomes for patients and other nurses. Researchers found statistically significant relationships between nurse manager ratings and the following factors in various care settings: autonomy, professional development, nurse-nurse interactions, nurse-physician relationships, participation in quality improvement activities, safe handling and mobility practices, appropriate staffing levels, and unsafe practices.
- Nurse managers also indirectly affected outcomes by influencing the work environment.
- Nurse managers who focused on autonomy and professional development demonstrated the most influence over nurse outcomes.
- Nurse managers who focused on autonomy, appropriate staffing and teamwork had the most influence on patient outcomes.
- The main drivers of nurse and patient outcomes differed based on unit type and size.
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