Journal of Gerontological Nursing
Vol. 34 No. 3 March 2008
By Cynthia M. Cready, PhD; Dale E. Yeatts, PhD; Melissa M. Gosdin, MA; Helen F. Potts, PhD
ABSTRACT
In this analysis, the effects of empowerment were examined among a sample of certified nursing assistants (CNAs) representing a wide range of empowerment levels. On the basis of survey responses from 298 CNAs and 136 nurses in five nursing homes where CNA-empowered work teams had been implemented and five nursing homes with more traditional management approaches, the results indicated that CNA empowerment had a variety of effects. CNAs with high empowerment and the nurses who worked with them tended to report better CNA performance and work-related attitudes. Both were also less likely to be thinking about leaving their jobs. With the help of lessons learned from new culture change initiatives, and with commitment, effort, and attention, nursing homes and other health care providers can reap the benefits associated with employee empowerment strategies, such as CNA-empowered work teams.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Dr. Cready is Assistant Professor, Dr. Yeatts is Professor and Chair, and Ms. Gosdin is Teaching Fellow, University of North Texas, Department of Sociology, Denton, Texas; and Dr. Potts is Lecturer, University of North Texas Dallas Campus, Sociology, Dallas, Texas.
This research was supported by The Commonwealth Fund. The views presented in this article are those of the authors and not necessarily those of The Commonwealth Fund, its directors, officers, or staff. The authors thank C.C. Young; Christian Care Centers, Inc.; Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society; Mariner Health Care; Nexion Health, Inc.; and Pacific Retirement Services, Inc. for participating in this adventure. They also thank those who participated in an advisory group that helped direct the research, including Dr. Barbara Bowers, Dr. Susan Cohen, Dr. Susan Eaton, Dr. Linda Noelker, and Dr. Robyn Stone.
Address correspondence to Cynthia M. Cready, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of North Texas, Department of Sociology, PO Box 311157, Denton, TX 76203-1157; e-mail: cready@unt.edu.
