Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2025

Document Type

Restricted Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Brooklyn Loxtercamp, DNP, RN, PHN

Second Advisor

Kathleen Clark, DNP, RN

Third Advisor

Kirsten Zimmerman-Bence, RN, MN, MPH

Abstract

Home health nursing is a critical yet demanding field with high turnover rates, largely due to job dissatisfaction. This turnover negatively impacts patient care quality, organizational stability, and health care costs. Nurse leaders play a vital role in cultivating work environments that promote job satisfaction and retention; however, leadership training in this area is often lacking. Psychological safety contributes to higher job satisfaction, higher quality care, and lower turnover. This project explores psychological safety as a leadership strategy to strengthen job satisfaction and decrease turnover in home health nursing. Grounded in Elizabeth Barrett’s concept of power as freedom and transformational leadership principles, this project introduces a leadership toolbox designed to equip nurse leaders with strategies for fostering a psychologically safe work environment. The toolbox provides actionable steps in a three-phased approach, including leadership development, workplace assessment, and team-based improvement efforts, to create a supportive and empowering work environment. Psychological safety initiatives are evaluated using quantitative data from pre- and post-intervention Likert scale surveys combined with a qualitative feedback review. Future research should explore the long-term impact of psychological safety interventions, expand leadership training programs, and examine interdisciplinary team dynamics in home care settings. The implications of this work highlight the importance of leadership development in creating sustainable, positive work environments that enhance nurse retention and improve patient outcomes.

Identifier

SC 11.MAN.2025.Heitzman.J.G.

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