The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #40942

Linda Flynn, PhD, RN, Center for Health Outcomes & Policy Research, University of Pennsylvania, 420 Guardian Drive, NEB 338R, Nursing Education Building, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6096, 215-898-6485, lflynn@nursing.upenn.edu

Background: In light of an aging population, an adequate supply of home care nurses is imperative to meet the health care needs of senior citizens. Yet home care is currently experiencing a nursing shortage that limits access to services and increases hospital length-of-stay. Fortunately, there is a body of research indicating that modifiable organizational characteristics are instrumental in improving nurse recruitment and retention. Describing the “magnet phenomenon” these studies identified organizational characteristics that support nursing practice, enhance job satisfaction, and promote excellence in patient care. However, this research has been limited to hospital settings. The current study extends the magnet concept into home care by identifying and describing organizational attributes of home health agencies that home care nurses consider important to the support of their professional practice and job satisfaction. Method: Focus groups were conducted at six Medicare-certified home health agencies, representing three east coast states, and selected for their reputation of excellence. A total of 60 home care nurses participated in the sessions. Verbatim transcriptions of sessions were analyzed using modified open coding techniques. Recurrent themes were labeled and described. Findings: Some desired organizational attributes described by participating home care nurses, such as managerial support and participation in policy decisions, are consistent with previous studies of hospital-based nurses. However, other identified attributes, such as adequate field security, stationary communication coordination, and mobile resource delivery, are unique to the home care setting. Implications: Modifiable agency characteristics may enhance nursing practice and job satisfaction among home care nurses.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Describe findings of magnet hospital studies that have empirically linked organizational attributes to nurse recruitment and retention.
• List 6 organizational attributes of home care agencies that nurses identified as important to the support of their professional practice and job satisfaction.
• Identify how home care administrators can apply findings to create work environments that support nurses' professional practice and job satisfaction.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.