Perfect Harmony: Maslow's Hierarchy & the Practice Environment Survey

Purpose:
The hospital practice environment is a major factor in nurse dissatisfaction and poor retention. Through an integrated review of the literature, and applying Maslow's framework, leaders may find that innovative strategies may not be as effective as more basic environmental improvements.

Significance:
Healthcare in the United States today is in crisis due to escalating costs and instability within the nursing workforce. One of the major reform strategies across the country has been focused on reducing staff turnover. For meaningful change, effective environmental improvements are paramount.

Strategy and Implementation:
Coupling Maslow's Hierarchy of Human Need and the NDNDQI Practice Environment Survey assists leaders to best assess their unique work environment, and the perceptions of their nurses related to that environment. An integrated review of the evidence reveals a myriad of retention strategies, ranging from basic to the most innovative. However, many leaders fall into the trap of adopting strategies that have worked in other environments, yet success may or may not be transferable. It is imperative that leaders carefully assess their environment as a precursor to any decision making. By coupling the results of the practice environment survey with the knowledge of human need depicted in Maslow's theoretical framework, leaders can best identify the most effective strategies to employ. Many hospital practice councils struggle with evidence based projects, and this unique look at the data assists them in understanding and using the data to develop sound, evidence based strategies.

Evaluation:
This is the first time GBMC has participated in the PES. Additionally, evidence based practice is in its infancy. Many staff do not know how to interpret or use the data. This innovative approach uses all available evidence, coupling survey results with an integrated review of the evidence.

Implications for Practice:
This coupling of Maslow and the Practice Environment Survey was developed to assist the nurses in the Practice Councils at GBMC to create the most effective, evidence-based work environment improvements possible.