The Associations Between Nurses' Perceived Adequacy of Staffing and Quality of Nursing Care and Job Enjoyment: A Multilevel Modelling Approach

Aim: 

To explore the associations of (1) shift-to-shift Nurse Perceived Adequacy of Staffing Scale (NPASS) scores and (2) the relative contribution of individual NPASS items to nurse-perceived quality of care (NPQoC) and job enjoyment. 

Design: 

Multihospital prospective observational study. 

Methods: 

The study was conducted across 15 medical, surgical or acute admission hospital wards in three teaching hospitals in the Netherlands. Vocationally and bachelor-trained nurses conducted 1550 measurements of perceived adequacy of staffing using the NPASS, NPQoC and job enjoyment in 797 shifts. Multilevel models were used to assess associations between NPASS scores and NPASS items and the outcome variables. 

Results: 

Higher NPASS scores were significantly associated with improved NPQoC and job enjoyment. An increase in 1.0 point NPASS score leads to an increase of 0.97 points in NPQoC and 1.04 points in job enjoyment. Of the NPASS items, energy level, adherence to protocols and the opportunity for adequate breaks had the most positive effect on both outcomes. 

Conclusion: 

Perceived adequacy of staffing as measured by the NPASS is highly relevant for improvements in both NPQoC and job enjoyment. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care: Decision-makers on nurse staffing should incorporate the NPASS in staffing methods to ensure adequate staffing and the associated benefits. Policies that ensure adequate breaks, adherence to protocols and maintenance of nurses' energy levels during the shift should be implemented with special attention. 

Impact: 

This study provides supportive evidence for incorporating nurses' perceived adequacy of staffing, as measured by the NPASS, to ensure adequate staffing. This is crucial for nurse retention, and therefore vital to maintaining accessible healthcare given the global nursing shortages. Reporting Method: The STROBE checklist was used to conduct and describe the study. Patient or Public Contribution: This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct or reporting.