Good for Nurses, Good for Patients:: Creating a Healthy Work Environment in a Pediatric Acute Care Setting

Abstract

Disruptive behaviors are widespread in nursing, and have significant potential to negatively impact patient and nurse outcomes. Nursing leaders at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, a Magnet®-recognized, free-standing pediatric hospital received feedback from their nursing staff regarding an increase in bullying and incivility. To address negative behaviors and create a foundation for professionalism, a strategic plan was developed to assess and improve issues in the nursing work environment. By employing a structured approach to addressing disruptive behavior in the pediatric acute care setting, the organization has been able to achieve meaningful improvements in self-reports of nurse experience, satisfaction, and patient experience. Disruptive behaviors are widespread in nursing, and have significant potential to negatively impact patient and nurse outcomes. Nursing leaders at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, a Magnet®-recognized, free-standing pediatric hospital received feedback from their nursing staff regarding an increase in bullying and incivility. To address negative behaviors and create a foundation for professionalism, a strategic plan was developed to assess and improve issues in the nursing work environment. By employing a structured approach to addressing disruptive behavior in the pediatric acute care setting, the organization has been able to achieve meaningful improvements in self-reports of nurse experience, satisfaction, and patient experience. Danielle Altares Sarik, PhD, APRN, CPNP-PC, is Research Nurse Scientist at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, Florida. She can be reached at [email protected] Renee Thompson, DNP, RN, CSP, is CEO & Founder, The Healthy Workforce Institute. Jennifer Cordo, MSN, APRN, NE-BC, is Nursing Excellence Manager and Magnet Program Director at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Ivette Nieves Roldan, MSN, RN, CPN, is Nurse Manager, Neurology and Neurosurgery Unit at Nicklaus Children's Hospital. Jackie L. Gonzalez, DNP, APRN, MBA, NEA-BC, FAAN, is Senior Vice President and CNO at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.