Another Way to Improve Patient Outcomes - Nurse Job Satisfaction

INQRI-funded researchers have developed a significant body of evidence regarding the impact of nursing practices and processes on patient outcomes, even going so far as to examine the impact of nurse education, staffing, and work environment on the quality of patient care.

Now, data from the American Nurses Association's National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI) reveal that nurses' job satisfaction does more than affect their intent to stay in their jobs, it also can translate to improved outcomes for patients.

 The data show that a 25 percent increase in job enjoyment and a 29 percent increase intent to stay was associated with an increase in overall quality of care of 5 to 20 percent. That quality of care included reductions in the incidence of injuries caused by falls, hospital acquired pressure ulcers, and infection rates -- all issues that have been addressed in INQRI-funded studies.

The story was reported in ADVANCE for Nurses.

An infographic on the new data is available here.

NDNQI tracks up to 18 nursing-sensitive measures and is used by 2,000 hospital nationwide to improve quality.

Funding Opportunity: American Nurses Foundation Nursing Research Grants Program

Each year, through its Nursing Research Grants program, the American Nurses Foundation (ANF) provides funds to beginner and experienced nurse researchers to conduct studies that contribute toward the advancement of nursing science and the enhancement of patient care. Some of the specific grants have research area requirements – such as hospice. Some require or give preference to membership in a specific nursing association. In addition, ANF encourages applicants to draw upon the American Nursing Association's (ANA’s) research priorities.  Applicants choosing to utilize ANA’s National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI) database will be eligible for up to an additional $3,000 to offset database management costs. (Use of NDNQI data requires a separate application to the NDNQI program which must be completed and approved prior to the May 1, 2013 NRG application date.)

The 2013 application process is now open and will close May 1, 2013.

Click here for details.  

INQRI Grantee Announced as American Academy of Nursing 2011 Honorary Fellow

In late August, current INQRI grantee, Nancy Dunton, PhD, was announced as one of four honorary fellows of the American Academy of Nursing. Dr. Dunton has been recognized for her body of research as well as the contributions she has made to the nursing field as the Director of the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators®. The four honorary fellows will be celebrated during the American Academy of Nursing's Annual Conference and Meeting on October 15th.

Click here to read the full AAN press release.

Click here to register for the AAN's 38th annual conference and meeting.

Click here to read more information about Dr. Dunton's current INQRI project.