Evaluating primary nursing in hospitals: Examination of effects on nursing staff

Cheryl S. Alexander, Carol S. Weisman, Gary A. Chase

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Despite widespread Support in the nursing literature for the adoption of primary nursing as the optimal method of organizing hospital nursing care, little empirical evidence exists as to its effects on patients or nursing staff. This study compares units that have employed primary nursing for at least five months (N = 31) with non-primary units (N = 20) in two large university-affiliated hospitals. Comparisons are made with respect to structural attributes of nursing units, nurses’ perceptions of their jobs and units, and three outcomes: Nurses’ job satisfaction, absenteeism rates and resignation rates for the units. No significant differences are found between primary and non-primary nursing with respect to measures of job satisfaction. Primary units at one hospital exhibit lower resignation and absenteeism rates than do non-primary units. The adoption of primary nursing is discussed in light of these findings.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)80-89
Number of pages10
JournalMedical care
Volume19
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1981

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Evaluating primary nursing in hospitals: Examination of effects on nursing staff'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this