Shining A Light: NDNQI RN Satisfaction Survey Shows the Way to a Better Nursing Work Environment

Purpose:
Describe the application of the nursing process when utilizing the NDNQI RN Nursing Satisfaction Survey (NSS) for assessment in order to identify opportunities for improvement in the nursing work environment.

Significance:
Successful utilization of the NDNQI RN NSS to identify organizational strategies for enhancement of the nursing work environment requires strong participation in NDNQI RN NSS; familiarity with results by leadership & staff; a clear link between results and interventions; and measurable outcomes.

Strategy and Implementation:
Our innovation is in utilizing an approach which integrates RN role in the complete cycle of the nursing process, from assessment and planning through intervention and evaluation of success. ASSESSMENT: to encourage widespread participation in survey, de-emphasize rewards, emphasize professionalism; raise profile of unit champions; and regular feedback on participation rate to encourage healthy unit competitiveness. PLANNING: link raw data results and unit experience via standard dashboards for each unit; slides with organization trends by index / items; “what you said / what we did” summary posters; value of leadership engagement with NSS results when driving improvement strategies. INTERVENTION: action plans tailored to individual units; implementation by managers & unit councils. EVALUATION: implementation of a focused follow-up survey at six months to measure outcomes, share results and revise action plans.

Evaluation:
Exceeded assessment goals of 85% overall participation and increasing number of units qualifying for individual results. Action plans in process, implementation to be evaluated with focused NSS at six months.

Implications for Practice:
Individual results for all areas translates to more focused action plans. Data-driven strategies are based in broad representation. Ongoing engagement, reflected by improving participation which is influenced by demonstrating value of feedback and connecting to interventions.