Longitudinal Evaluation of Implementation of AACN's Healthy Work Enviornment 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

Successful Completion

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

Accreditation

The 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

Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content will be identified by the Nurse Planner within the activity. Any relevant relationship between an ineligible company and an individual with the ability to influence clinical content has been mitigated.

Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing education only and does not imply AACN, ANCC, or CBRN approval or endorsement of any commercial products discussed or displayed in conjunction with this educational activity. Activities with pharmacology hours are to assist the APRN in fulfilling the pharmacotherapeutic education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Activities meet the standards for most states that require mandatory continuing education for license and/or certification renewal. AACN recommends consulting with your own state board of nursing or credentialing organization before submitting your certificate of completion.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.