Esmalla-Kosanam compared nursing practice in Magnet and non-Magnet hospitals using Hess’s Index of Professional Nursing Governance in the Chicago area.

Esmalla-Kosanam G. (2012). Comparison of nursing practice in Magnet and non-Magnet hospitals using Hess’s Index of Professional Nursing Governance. Doctoral dissertation. University of Phoenix.

Abstract

This descriptive quantitative study compared staff nursing practice at one Magnet and one Non-Magnet hospital in the Chicago metropolitan area. The researcher used MANOVA to determine whether significant differences existed between staff nursing practice at the two hospitals based on the six subscales of the Index of Professional Nursing Governance (IPNG). Data came from the 86-item Likert type survey instrument given to 244 RNs (71 Magnet participants and 173 Non-Magnet participants) who met inclusion criteria. Results revealed a significant difference in nursing practice between the two hospitals based on overall governance scores and the six subscales of IPNG. Specifically, MANOVA showed F = 4.11, p < .001; Wilk’s λ = 0.906, partial ε2 = .094. An Independent Samples t Test validated MANOVA findings, and results (t = 3.881778, p = .000148) also yielded a statistically significant difference (p < .05).

Key Findings

Research findings revealed a significant difference in five of the six hypotheses tested between the Magnet and Non-Magnet hospital on the six subscales of the IPNG. Nurses in Magnet hospitals reported (a) more control over personnel and related structures, (b) more access to information relevant to governance activities, (c) more active participation in governance activities within the organization, (d) more control over nursing practice, and (e) better participation in setting goals and negotiating resolutions of conflict at various organizational levels significant to nursing practice.

However, the study supported acceptance of Ho3, which indicated no significant difference between the two hospital settings in the influence of staff nurses on resources that supported professional practice. Overall, findings from this study provide strong validation of the impact of Magnet designation on nursing practice based on the six subscales of the IPNG. Furthermore, findings indicated that RNs in the Magnet work environment demonstrated more autonomy and empowerment compared to RNs in the Non-Magnet setting.

Questions? Contact the author, Gemma Esmalla.