Variables associated with missed nursing care in Alabama: A cross-sectional analysis

Aim To discover the extent of and factors associated with missed nursing care in Alabama. Background Missed nursing care is a well-documented phenomenon. However, it has not been studied in U.S. southern states that consistently rank poorly in health outcomes, such as Alabama. Methods The Perceived Implicit Rationing of Nursing Care Instrument was administered as part of the Alabama Hospital Staff Nurse Study. Analyses were run on 950 surveys completed by inpatient registered nurses. Results Overall missed nursing care scores vary significantly by gender, unit type, job satisfaction and quality of nursing care. Overall missed nursing care scores are correlated with the work environment and number of patients assigned to each nurse. Unit type, quality of nursing care and the work environment are important factors associated with missed nursing care. Conclusion The results of this study advance nursing science by adding to the growing body of knowledge surrounding missed nursing care. The results reveal opportunities where nurses may need support in their bedside practice. Implications for Nursing Management Nursing management must monitor the nursing work environment, periodically measure missed nursing care to assess for improvement opportunities, and watch for interventions that could decrease missed nursing care.