Impact of management development on nurse retention.
OBJECTIVE
Nurse retention is essential to maintain quality healthcare organizations. In an effort to mitigate the loss of nurse managers, a management education program was created for new and transitioning nurse managers that included scholarships for nurses from long-term and rural acute care settings. Program evaluation was based upon the outcomes of anticipated turnover and employee satisfaction.


METHODS
Using a preprogram and postprogram evaluation, the Index of Work Satisfaction (IWS) and the Anticipated Turnover Scale (ATS) were used to survey participants. Descriptive statistics as well as Wilcoxon statistics for group comparisons were used for analysis.


RESULTS
ATS scores were significantly reduced (P < .05) for all program participants. Further analysis of scholarship recipients indicated that the management program significantly increased their intent to stay (P < .08) in their current positions. However, because of a large rate of attrition, findings can only be considered preliminary.


CONCLUSIONS
While the high level of attrition among the scholarship recipients is disappointing, potential attendance barriers are discussed, particularly from long-term care settings. Management development programs may improve the satisfaction and retention of critically needed managers and enhance development of future nursing leaders.
Wilson
Alexis A
AA
MultiCare Health System, Tacoma, WA 98415, USA. alexis.wilson@multicare.org
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D002321:Career Choice; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008875:Middle Aged; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology / Q000600:supply & distribution; D015401:Nursing Administration Research; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D010559:Personnel Management / Q000379:methods; D010563:Personnel Turnover / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D011361:Professional Competence; D015397:Program Evaluation; D019035:Rural Health Services; D012866:Skilled Nursing Facilities; D013192:Staff Development / Q000458:organization & administration; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014861:Washington