Improving Quality and Patient Safety by Retaining Nursing Expertise

Abstract

Does nursing experience matter in relation to outcomes and patient safety? Intuitively, most nurses and nurse leaders would say yes. However, data are needed to support this relationship. The author begins this article by reviewing the novice to expert trajectory, describing differences between novice and expert nurses, and reporting the relationship between nurse experience and quality outcomes as measured by nurse-sensitive indicators. Current data already indicate that outcomes, such as the incidence of patient falls and the prevalence of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (HAPU), are influenced by the experience level of the nurse. The author also discusses the threat of losing experienced nurses in the workforce and presents five strategies (vehicles) to maintain expertise in practice.