Date
Fall 2022
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Department
College of Nursing
First Advisor
Kate Jones
Abstract
Problem Statement: Registered Nurse (RN) turnover is defined as the frequency at which RNs leave the organization within a specified timeframe (Shimp, 2017). Turnover can correlate negatively to patient satisfaction and outcomes, mortality, and overall healthcare costs (Copanitsanou et al., 2017). Frontline leaders, especially those with high emotional intelligence (EI), can have a significant positive influence over RN turnover, yet there is little focus or standard approach on frontline leader EI development (Mansel & Einion, 2019).
Purpose: This DNP project aims to determine if providing professional development focused on emotional intelligence to frontline nursing leaders will impact RN intent to leave.
Method: Frontline nursing leaders of direct patient care areas participated in a professional development curriculum and reflective practice groups to increase their awareness of emotional intelligence. Staff nurses were surveyed using the Anticipated Turnover Scale pre-and post-intervention. Frontline leaders were surveyed using the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale. Statistical analysis was conducted.
Analysis: To evaluate anticipated turnover, the Anticipated Turnover scale was utilized to obtain pre- and post-intervention comparisons of RN intent to leave; actual RN turnover rates will continue to be examined. A pre-and post-intervention comparison of the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence scale was conducted to assess the impact of professional development for frontline leaders. The effect of leader EI on patient satisfaction scores, patient outcomes, and mortality rates will be evaluated over time.
Implications for Practice: While findings were not statistically significant, qualitative feedback suggests nurse leaders found value in dealing with interactions of others, helping improve relationships with staff members, and decreasing stress levels.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Kristin W., "Impacting RN Intent to Leave by Developing Emotional Intelligence in Frontline Nurse Leaders" (2022). Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects. 26.
https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/dnp_projects/26
Rights
© 2022, Kristin W Smith