The effect of a professional practice model on staff nurse perception of work groups and nurse leaders.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to measure the effect of an enhanced professional practice model on perception of work groups and nurse leaders. BACKGROUND: Previous studies of staff nurse perception of work environment and nurse leaders were used to guide development of the professional practice model and the selection of variables. Implementation of the model was expected to result in more favorable perceptions of the work group and a desire for facilitative leadership style. METHODS: A quasi-experimental design was used to compare change over time in five-hospitals--an urban medical center, two community hospitals, and two rural hospitals. FINDINGS: Introduction of the model resulted in more favorable perceptions about the work group and a desire for a more facilitative nurse leader. CONCLUSION: Change in perception of work group and leader rather than job satisfaction may be an early indication of favorable outcome of planned change. Changes in nurse satisfaction may be a late outcome, which may be the reason findings from previous studies are mixed.