Authors

  1. Patrician, Patricia A. PhD, RN
  2. Olds, Danielle M. PhD, RN
  3. Breckenridge-Sproat, Sara PhD, RN
  4. Taylor-Clark, Tanekkia PhD, RN, CMSRN
  5. Swiger, Pauline A. PhD, RN, CNL, CMSRN
  6. Loan, Lori A. PhD, RN

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the nurse work environment, job satisfaction, and intent to leave (ITL) among military, Magnet(R), Magnet-aspiring, and non-Magnet civilian hospitals.

 

BACKGROUND: The professional nurse work environment is an important, modifiable, organizational trait associated with positive nurse and patient outcomes; creating and maintaining a favorable work environment should be imperative for nursing leaders.

 

METHODS: Secondary data from the Army Nurse Corps and the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators included the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (PES-NWI) and single-item measures of job satisfaction and ITL.

 

RESULTS: Magnet and military hospitals had identical PES-NWI composite scores; however, statistically significant differences existed among the subscales. Military nurses were the most satisfied among all groups, although this difference was not statistically significant, yet their ITL was highest.

 

CONCLUSIONS: Favorable work environments may exist in other organizational forms besides Magnet; however, the specific components must be considered.