Professional nursing practice in medical-surgical and intensive care units : changes after implementation of an innovative practice model

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the differences in professional practice variables and work satisfaction among medical-surgical (MS) Registered Nurses (RNs) and intensive care unit (ICU) RNs before and after implementation of an innovative nursing practice model. A two-group, cross-sectional descriptive design with a sample of 166 RNs at baseline, and 143 RNs post-baseline was utilized. Secondary analysis of self-report data gathered for the Differentiated Group Professional Practice project was conducted. ICU RNs evidenced significantly higher levels of autonomy than MS subjects only at baseline. After implementation, MS RNs reported significantly higher levels of satisfaction within organizational commitment, control over nursing practice, group cohesion, total work satisfaction, and in pay, nurse interaction and organizational policy. ICU RN means decreased in all professional practice variables, and in three of the subscales for work satisfaction over time. The findings indicate that innovative practice models work in MS units, may require a longer period of time to fully implement in ICUs, and should be studied further.