BACKGROUND: Nurse job satisfaction was identified as an outcome measure for a project to develop and implement a patient care delivery model in an acute psychiatric setting. METHOD: Seventy registered nurses were surveyed during 3 years, utilizing the Index of Work Satisfaction. RESULTS: Nurse job satisfaction has improved significantly (14%) since model development began. Analysis of variance showed significant (p < .05) increases in all component mean scores in the second and third surveys. CONCLUSION: The relationship-based nursing model empowers nurses who know the patient best to decide how to provide care. It affirms the values that are the foundation of nursing practice, creating an environment where nurses feel they make a difference.
BACKGROUND: Nurse job satisfaction was identified as an outcome measure for a project to develop and implement a patient care delivery model in an acute psychiatric setting. METHOD: Seventy registered nurses were surveyed during 3 years, utilizing the Index of Work Satisfaction. RESULTS: Nurse job satisfaction has improved significantly (14%) since model development began. Analysis of variance showed significant (p < .05) increases in all component mean scores in the second and third surveys. CONCLUSION: The relationship-based nursing model empowers nurses who know the patient best to decide how to provide care. It affirms the values that are the foundation of nursing practice, creating an environment where nurses feel they make a difference.