Give nurses the power to make care decisions to improve patient outcomes

Hospitals that have visible and accessible chief nurses and also involve nurses in care-delivery decisions offer better quality of care, according to a new study published in The Journal of Nursing Administration.
Quality improvement efforts typically focus on the role of physicians and medical outcomes, but hospitals that provide nurses with a positive working environment, resources and support reap the benefits in better patient care, lead author Amy Witkoski Stimpfel, Ph.D., R.N., assistant professor at New York University College of Nursing (NYUCN), said in a study announcement.
The study underscores results of previous research published in Medical Care, which found Magnet hospitals that invest in nurse staffing, education and work environments achieve better patient outcomes and lower mortality rates.