Implementation of the MATRIX Staffing Grid Improves Nurse Satisfaction With Rehabilitation Unit Staffing

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Information on nurse satisfaction and unit acuity is scarce in the literature. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the MATRIX Staffing Grid (MSG) on nurse assignment satisfaction in a 20-bed inpatient rehabilitation facility. METHODS: Prospective systematic implementation study of the MSG occurred in 5 phases: development, baseline, run-in, implementation, and sustainability. Pretest/posttest nursing satisfaction data were analyzed using Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: Analysis of 128 satisfaction surveys demonstrated that the median total satisfaction score increased by 35% after MSG implementation (P < .05), with no change in patient satisfaction or adverse event rates. CONCLUSION: A systematic approach to implementation of the MSG evidence-based practice significantly improved nursing satisfaction with patient assignment in a way that addressed specific needs. The MSG has now been adopted into practice at our institution. The MSG may be feasible for implementation in inpatient rehabilitation units to improve staffing satisfaction.

Implementing a Critical Thinking Tool to Evaluate Educational Needs for Inpatient Rehabilitation Nurses

“…19 With changes in staff patterns and the need for orienting cross-trained nurses, managers may benefit from inexpensive methods to reduce stress and improve understanding the level of critical thinking used by nurses working in their unit. [20][21][22] Tools such as this one can be extremely useful for targeted continuing education despite budgetary restraints. Critical thinking tools are not uniformly used in clinical practice nursing.…”