Factors Contributing to Loss of Nursing Intellectual Capital

Factors Contributing to Loss of Nursing Intellectual Capital by Vera Ligia Grover MSN, Walden University, 2006 BSN, North Georgia College and University, 1996 ADN, North Georgia College and University, 1989 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University June 2015 Abstract In a Level II trauma center, experienced nurses are retiring from nursing positions, which is causing an unstable workforce. According to the literature, there are not enough experienced nurses to mentor the new nurses. Evidence suggests that experienced nurses are associated with improved patient outcomes and that experienced nurse mentors can improve the work environment for less experienced nurses. Focusing on Watson’s theoretical framework of caring and Covell’s theoretical framework of intellectual capital, this phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of a small group of nurses. Five nurses with 15 years of experience and who had served as mentors were selected for in-depth individual interviews. Open coding and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data, and 5 themes emerged: lengthening work shifts and related effects, increasing workload and responsibilities due to higher patient acuity, learning new technologies, mentoring with a decreased patient ratio, and surveying customers as the main focus of patient care. The results of this study guided the development of a proposal for a computer-based learning module on nurse mentoring. The module explains what mentoring is, the importance of mentoring, and proper ways to mentor. Implications for positive social change include retaining intellectual capital in an organization through mentoring positions for experienced nurses.In a Level II trauma center, experienced nurses are retiring from nursing positions, which is causing an unstable workforce. According to the literature, there are not enough experienced nurses to mentor the new nurses. Evidence suggests that experienced nurses are associated with improved patient outcomes and that experienced nurse mentors can improve the work environment for less experienced nurses. Focusing on Watson’s theoretical framework of caring and Covell’s theoretical framework of intellectual capital, this phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of a small group of nurses. Five nurses with 15 years of experience and who had served as mentors were selected for in-depth individual interviews. Open coding and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data, and 5 themes emerged: lengthening work shifts and related effects, increasing workload and responsibilities due to higher patient acuity, learning new technologies, mentoring with a decreased patient ratio, and surveying customers as the main focus of patient care. The results of this study guided the development of a proposal for a computer-based learning module on nurse mentoring. The module explains what mentoring is, the importance of mentoring, and proper ways to mentor. Implications for positive social change include retaining intellectual capital in an organization through mentoring positions for experienced nurses. Factors Contributing to Loss of Nursing Intellectual Capital by Vera Ligia Grover MSN, Walden University, 2006 BSN, North Georgia College and University, 1996 ADN, North Georgia College and University, 1989 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University June 2015 Dedication This doctoral study is dedicated to my mother, Wilde Pimentel Torres Galvao Strickland. My mother was from Natal, Brazil. She married my father, who was in the Army stationed there, in 1947. I am the oldest of five children. I lost my mother on August 1, 2013. Losing my mother has been the hardest thing that I have ever had to endure, but knowing that she is with our Lord and Savior gives me peace, as I will one day be with her again. My mother was all of five feet tall and weighed 98 pounds. She had the heart of an angel and the temper of a lioness. She lived for her family and protected us as if we were her cubs. If I could just have one more day with her, I would spend the day listening to all of her stories about her life in Brazil and all the things she faced when coming to America. Just to hear her voice one more time and see her face when I tell her, Mom, I finally made it; I am Dr. Vera Ligia Grover. Acknowledgments I would like to acknowledge and give my heartfelt thanks to my husband Larry for his love, support, and patience throughout my journey of degree completion. I would also like to thank my family who have shown understanding and made sacrifices. I give a special thanks to my committee, Dr. Mary Ramirez, Dr. Dustin Hebert, Dr. Jeanie Lorio, and Dr. Jennifer Seymour. Thank you for your guidance and expertise. I appreciate the support of Dr. Deborah Allar, Dr. Sandra Hightower, and Dr. Tina Eslinger Vaughn, but most of all I value your friendship. Dr. Mary Tan, I thank you for being my cheerleader and giving me an extra push when I needed it. You always believed in me even when I did not believe in myself. Above all, I am grateful that I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ my Savior who has given me the strength to complete this journey.