Professional Quality of Life Indicators and Turnover Intention in Forensic Nurses

Author

Leigh Anne Meyer, Otterbein UniversityFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

Advisor

Dr. Jacqueline Haverkamp, DNP, MBA, APRN, FNP-C

First Committee Member

Ruth Downing, MSN, RN, CNP, SANE-A

Keywords

Forensic Nurse, Turnover Intention, Professional Quality of Life, Burnout, Nurse Turnover

Subject Categories

Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing | Nursing Administration | Other Nursing

Abstract

Background/Significance: Significant barriers to forensic nurse workforce development exist, affecting patient access to care. Retention of forensic nurses is a persistent problem. Turn-over of forensic nurses can be attributed to many factors related to professional quality of life, including compassion satisfaction (CS), burnout (BO) and secondary traumatic stress (STS).

Methods: A convenience sample of forensic nurse program coordinators was used to identify the effect of an educational session on professional quality of life and strategies for reducing stressors within the role on ProQOL-5 and TIS-6 scores using a pre- post-test quasi-experimental survey design. Correlation between professional quality of life indicators and turnover intention was explored.

Results: Thirty-eight forensic nurse coordinators completed initial administration and eight participants completed follow up. Cohort (n= 38) pre-intervention CS levels were average to high (x̄ = 41.42), BO average to low (x̄ = 22.53), and STS levels average to low (x̄ = 22.89). Statistically significant positive correlations were noted between each ProQOL-5 subscale and turnover intention (CS r = 0.59, p

Conclusions: Increased awareness of the impact of CS, BO and STS could decrease the impact on forensic nurses and reduce turnover.

Recommendations: Strategies to reduce BO and STS in forensic nurses have the potential to decrease turnover in the role and enhance professional quality of life. Education about professional quality of life may be an effective strategy.

Licensing Permission

Copyright, all rights reserved. Fair Use

Recommended Citation

Meyer, Leigh Anne, "Professional Quality of Life Indicators and Turnover Intention in Forensic Nurses" (2021). Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects. 52.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_doc/52