It Is All About the Supervisor

Bratby, Kathleen

Monday, 31 October 2011: 3:55 PM

Kathleen Bratby, EdD, RN
School of Nursing, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY

Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to describe the importance of the role of the nursing supervisor in the work setting.

Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to identify ways in which the nursing supervisor can impact the workplace to promote job satisfaction and retention.

Commitment to the nursing profession has been defined as a critical need for the future to sustain a strong population of experienced nurses providing healthcare in the United States. The importance of the supervisor in determining the nature of the work environment is well-documented, and is of increasing significance in retention of nursing staff in healthcare settings and the ability to provide quality patient care. The leadership role a supervisor plays in the work setting is related to the Registered Nurse's job satisfaction, intent to remain in the current job, and commitment to the profession of nursing.

Surveys were sent to 2951 current United States members of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, which included the open-ended question, "In what ways does a nursing supervisor influence the practice of Registered Nurses?" Five hundred five Registered Nurses responded (17.1%) to this qualitative question, which was part of a larger quantitative study. Thematic analysis of data indicated that the supervisor played a crucial role in determining the culture of the work environment. Supervisors influenced Registered Nurses' performance and the quality of the patient care, nurses' job satisfaction, and decisions to leave the organization or the nursing profession.

Qualitative findings correlated with those revealed in the quantitative component of the study. The results provide insightful information to nursing leaders, healthcare administrators, and nurse educators which can be applied to nursing practice. Supervisors need to understand how their behaviors impact the work setting, their staff, and patient care in order to create a positive practice environment.

See more of: Global Strategies for Clinical Nurse Leaders
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