The Correlates of Nursing Staff Turnover in Home and Hospice Agencies

Abstract

Using data from the 2007 National Home and Hospice Care Survey, this study provides an update of nursing staff turnover at U.S. home health and hospice agencies and explores correlates of nursing staff turnover. Results show that the three-month turnover rates of registered nurses (RNs), licensed practice nurses (LPNs), home health aides (HHAs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in 2007 were 10.2%, 14.3%, 12.5%, and 12.9%, respectively. A higher nurse staffing level reduced the odds of RN and HHA turnover; the availability of communication aids reduced the odds of LPN turnover. Moreover, among benefit programs, the provision of partial insurance for family reduced the odds of HHA turnover; dental or vision health insurance reduced the odds of RN turnover; mileage reimbursement or agency car reduced the odds of LPN turnover. The provision of a 401k plan and a paid-time-off program increased the odds of RN turnover. The study results suggest that high staffing levels and benefit programs (e.g., health insurance) may reduce the odds of experiencing nursing staff turnover. Initiatives to minimize nursing staff turnover should consider these factors.