Background: Registered nurses on the frontlines of care are increasingly burdened by changes in staffing, increased turnover, demands on their time and the continual need for advanced knowledge and training. We identify employment and environmental characteristics that may ultimately affect the quality of care
Methods: Surveys were mailed to a random sample of all registered nurses licensed and residing in large southeastern US State. Responses from 10, 951 nurses providing direct patient care were compared to national findings. Descriptive statistics were used to examine demographics, the practice environment, nurse outcomes and the quality of care.
Results: Nurses in this state are more racially diverse and less educated when compared to nurses nationally. Theses nurses report high levels of burnout and job dissatisfaction, and almost one-quarter intend to leave their jobs within the next year. The majority of nurses report good working relationships with physicians, but perceive problems with workplace management.
Conclusion: Nurses report inadequate resources and the administrative support necessary to provide quality care. The proportion of nurses with baccalaureate and graduate education qualifications is less than is needed now and certainly insufficient for the future. Policy efforts must address these issues to retain our nurse workforce and improve the quality of patient care.
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