The effectiveness of a leadership development program on self-awareness in practice.

Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the changes in behaviors as reported by nursing leaders following participation in a leadership development program (LDP).

Background: There is a scarcity of research examining changes in leadership behaviors following LDP participation. A growing body of literature links critical behaviors and traits to outcomes among nurse managers and executives.

Weighted staffing plans for better prediction of staffing needs.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of patient turnover and acuity on worked hours per patient day (WHPPD).

Background: An examination of staffing plans publically posted by Massachusetts hospitals with more than 300 beds revealed that less than 40% were within 5% of their planned versus actual WHPPD.

Methods: Three years of WHPPD data collected from 14 adult acute care units were correlated with patient turnover and acuity data.

Measuring patient-provider trust in a primary care population: refinement of the health care relationship trust scale.

Accurately measuring trust between patients and health care providers is important because low patient-provider trust can lead to poor treatment adherence and negative health outcomes. To measure patient-provider trust, we developed the Health Care Relationship (HCR) Trust scale. Findings from our initial use of the scale suggested the need to examine the scale's psychometric performance in a larger sample of adults with various chronic health conditions.

Creativity and connections: the future of nursing education and practice: the Massachusetts Initiative.

Education and practice partnerships are key to effective academic program design and implementation in a time of decreasing supply and increasing demands on the nursing profession. An integrated education/practice competency model can positively impact patient safety, improve patient care, increase retention, and ensure a sufficient and competent nursing workforce, which is paramount to survival of the health care system. Through the contributions of nursing leaders from the broad spectrum of nursing and industry organizations within the state, the Massachusetts Nurse of the Future project developed a competency-based framework for the future design of nursing educational programs to meet current and future practice needs.