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Authors

  1. Warshawsky, Nora E. PhD, RN
  2. Rayens, Mary Kay PhD
  3. Lake, Sharon W. PhD, RN
  4. Havens, Donna Sullivan PhD, RN, FAAN

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to develop and test a scale designed to describe and assess nurse managers' practice environments.

 

BACKGROUND: Creating practice environments supporting workers at all levels is critical to achieving excellent patient, staff, and organizational outcomes. Scales are available to assess staff nurses' practice environment; however, no comparable scale for nurse managers exists.

 

METHODS: A cross-sectional design using an electronic survey was administered to nurse managers in 25 hospitals in 9 health systems from 6 states.

 

RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis with a varimax rotation produced a final solution of 44 items loading in 8 domains. Cronbach's [alpha]'s ranged from .72 to .97. Mean scores ranged from 3.92 to 4.99 on a 6-point Likert scale.

 

CONCLUSIONS: The scale demonstrated adequate psychometric properties and warrants further use and testing. Understanding the nurse manager practice environment may reveal insights to guide opportunities to improve organizational performance.