Each participating hospital continues to work to improve
its nursing workplace environment and has the results and
statewide benchmark information of the CHA assessment in
its toolkit. Perhaps one of the strongest aspects of the
statewide assessment project was the rich dialogue and collaborative
learning among nursing leaders and staff as they discussed
the nursing workplace environment. Facilitating the
professional development, effective communication, and culture
change often associated with improving the workplace
environment can at times seem to be a daunting and even
lonely endeavor. The ability of CNOs, other nursing leaders,
and nursing staff to share their successes as well as concerns
and suggestions was found to be very helpful and enjoyable.
A reassessment of the hospital nursing workplace environment
was approved by the CHA Board of Trustees as part of
the 2010–2011 board committee work plans. In their review
and preparation of the surveys for the reassessment, CNOs
added questions focused on involvement in decision making.
The surveys were administered in early 2011, and data from
over 2,500 participants are currently being processed. NL