College

College of Health Sciences

Department

Nursing

Program

DNP Nurse Executive (Nursing Practice)

Publication Date

4-2021

DOI

10.25883/375k-eg58

Abstract

Problem: Despite efforts to improve organizational metrics for nurse satisfaction and retention, nurse manager satisfaction/retention remains a challenge for many hospitals.

Purpose: This study sought to explore factors that impact nurse manager satisfaction/retention by implementing an intervention that could positively influence work life balance, thereby improving satisfaction and retention in areas with high nurse manager turnover.

EBP Question: Is there a significant difference in the perception of work-life balance, job satisfaction, and intent to leave among inpatient acute care nurse managers before and after the implementation of self-directed compressed work schedules?

Method: A pilot study involving inpatient acute care nurse managers was conducted at a Catholic-based, Magnet hospital in Central Virginia. A convenience sample of 16 nurse managers volunteered for an eight-week intervention that reduced the typical 10-day nurse manager schedule to a self-directed 9-day, 80-hour work schedule.

Results: After an 8-week period of compressed work schedules, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed no significant difference in perception of work-life balance (Z = .000, p = 1.000), nurse manager intent to leave (Z = .997, p = .319). or job satisfaction (Z =-1.205, p = .228). There was, however, a statistically significant difference in satisfaction with work schedules after the 8-week intervention (Z = -2.549, p= .011).

Significance: This study contributes to the existing body of literature and bridges the knowledge gap regarding factors that impact nurse manager satisfaction and retention, thereby enhancing strategies to recruit younger generational nurses into the role of nurse manager in acute care.

Conclusion: While the perception of work-life balance, job satisfaction, and intent to leave after compressed work schedules were not significantly different, inpatient acute care nurse managers were more satisfied with compressed work schedules. Nurse managers reported that compressed schedules afforded them more time to participate in personal/family activities during the workweek.

Keywords

Nurse manager, Satisfaction, Retention, Work-life balance

Disciplines

Health and Medical Administration | Nursing

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Nurse Manager Satisfaction and Retention with Compressed Schedules


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