Effects of registered nurses' staffing levels, work environment and education levels on nursing home residents' quality of life and nurse outcomes

Abstract

Aims and objectives: To examine the effects of registered nurse staffing levels, work environment and education levels on the residents' quality of life and nurses' job dissatisfaction, burnout and turnover intention.

Background: Registered nurse staffing status and work environment are suboptimal in nursing homes worldwide. Nursing home care aims to maximise residents' quality of life. However, evidence on the impact of registered nurse staffing levels, work environment and education levels on the residents' quality of life and nurse outcomes in nursing homes is limited.

Design: This is a cross-sectional observational study.

Methods: A total of 513 residents and 117 registered nurses from 39 nursing homes in South Korea participated in surveys. The main measures included registered nurses' staffing levels, work environment, education levels, residents' quality of life, registered nurses' job dissatisfaction, burnout and turnover intention. We analysed data using the generalised estimating equations and reported the study using the STROBE checklist.

Results: Overall, the residents' quality-of-life score was 13.7 ± 2.6 (out of 17). Residents in nursing homes with a higher number of registered nurses or with work environment evaluated as 'mixed' or 'better' (compared with 'poor') had a higher quality of life. Regarding nurse outcomes, 74.4% of the registered nurses were dissatisfied with their current jobs, 12.0% had burnout and 18.8% had a turnover intention. Registered nurses working in 'mixed' or 'better' work environment were less likely to have job dissatisfaction. Registered nurses' education levels did not have a statistically significant effect on the resident and nurse outcomes.

Conclusions: Registered nurse staffing levels and work environment should be considered important for improving residents' quality of life and nurses' job satisfaction.

Relevance to clinical practice: Regulation and policy reforms are needed to increase the registered nurse staffing levels and to create a good work environment in nursing homes.

Patient or public contribution: Nursing home residents and registered nurses participated in the surveys of this study. Registered nurses facilitated resident recruitment by identifying and introducing the study to residents who were eligible for study participation.

Trial registration: Not applicable.