title: The importance of work environment: evidence-based strategies for enhancing nurse retention.
abstract: As the nation faces a growing nursing shortage, it is imperative that home care leaders implement evidence-based strategies to improve nurse recruitment and retention. Previous research indicates that characteristics of the work environment that support nursing practice enhance nurses' job satisfaction and reduce turnover. Yet, there is little evidence to assist in prioritizing initiatives to improve the work environment of nurses. In this nationwide survey, home care nurses were asked to rate the importance of specific agency work environment traits, as listed on the Nursing Work Index-Revised, in supporting their home care practice. The 10 agency traits rated as most important are presented, and evidence-based recommendations for creating a culture of nurse retention are discussed.
authors.affiliation: New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing, College of Nursing, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey 07102, USA. flynn@nightingale.Rutgers.edu
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Flynn
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007857:Leadership; D009013:Morale; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010563:Personnel Turnover / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States; D016526:Workload / Q000706:statistics & numerical data