Nurse retention : comparison of practice model units with Arizona hospitals

Abstract

The implementation of professional practice models in nursing has been related to nurse retention in hospitals. The Differentiated Group Professional Practice (DGPP) model is one such model designed to retain registered nurses by increasing autonomy while fostering professional practice and quality patient care. This secondary analysis utilized data previously collected during the DGPP project. A comparison of nurse retention variables was performed on the demonstration units where the DGPP model was implemented at the time of implementation and four years later. The results did not support the hypothesized relationship between professional practice models and increased nurse retention. Turnover rates increased in the hospitals where the professional practice model was implemented and decreased in other Arizona hospitals. Practice model units had lower turnover rates through the years studied. Overall vacancy rates were found to be significantly higher in demonstration units where the professional model was implemented compared to other hospitals.