Longitudinal Evaluation of Implementation of AACN's Healthy Work Environment Framework in an Intensive Care Unit

Author(s): Philip Parker, BSN, RN, CCRN-CSC, Heather Pena, MSN, RN, CCRN, CPPS, Jason Stokes, BSN, RN, CCRN, Jessica Seabrooks, BSN, RN, CCRN, Amanda Ornell, BSN, RN, CCRN, Annie Jaeger, BSN, RN, CCRN, Adam Millard, BSN, RN, CCRN, Robert Stern, MSN, RN, CCRN, Benjamin Edwards, BSN, RN, CCRN, Kelly Kester, DNP, RN, CCRN, NE-BC, and Bradi Granger, PhD, RN

Activity Summary

Required reading for all learners: Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes

The turnover rate for bedside registered nurses in the United States is 22.5%, and 51.4% of hospitals report having a vacancy rate higher than 15%.1 In 2023, 32.8% of newly licensed nurses left their position within 1 year, leading to further instability and risk to patient safety. Healthy work environments (HWEs) are associated with positive patient and staff outcomes, increased job satisfaction, and intent to stay. This study sought to evaluate the impact of implementation of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) healthy work environment framework in an intensive care unit on work environment scores, turnover, and tenure during a 6-year period. Findings from this study suggest that targeted interventions addressing the healthy work environment standards are associated with improved staff satisfaction and reduced turnover. Furthermore, the findings highlight the value of the healthy work environment framework in improving nurse retention.

Objectives

List the American Association of Critical Care Nurses’ 6 healthy work environment (HWE) standards.
Describe the relationship between the HWE standards and patient and nurse outcomes.
Identify 2 to 3 strategies to implement in your unit to make the work environment healthier.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Criteria for Awarding Contact Hours

Learners must complete the entire activity and the associated evaluation AND read Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP 1036, for {contactHours} contact hours.

Disclosures

The Nurse Planner has determined that no individuals with the ability to control content of this activity have relevant relationships with ineligible companies.

Activities with pharmacotherapeutic credit are to assist the APRN in fulfilling their education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.