The objectives of this study were to examine the quality of unit-level nurse turnover data collection among the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators hospitals and to identify the burdens of collecting such data.
Tracking and managing nurse turnover at the unit level are critical for administrators who determine managerial strategies. Little is known about the quality of and burdens of unit-level turnover data collection.
Surveys from 178 hospitals were analyzed descriptively.
Most hospitals strongly agreed or agreed with the quality of unit-level turnover data collection. Hospitals identified the burdens of additional time and resources needed for unit-level turnover data collection and the difficulty of obtaining specific reasons for turnover.
Collecting unit-level nurse turnover data can be important and useful for administrators to improve nurse retention, workforce stability, and quality of care. We suggest that the advantages of unit-level nurse turnover data and reports can overcome the identified burdens.
Author Affiliations: Assistant Professor (Dr Park), School of Nursing, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City; Professor (Dr Boyle), Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing, University of Wyoming, Laramie.
Support for this study was provided through a contract with the ANA and Press Ganey Associates.
At the time the study was conducted, the authors were personnel at the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI), established by the ANA.
The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the ANA, Press Ganey, and NDNQI.
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Correspondence: Dr Park, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, MS 4043, Kansas City, KS 66160 (spark@kumc.edu).
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