Globalization became an important influential factor during this decade. With
the ease of retrieving information came the ability to share research findings
internationally. Nurses were able to access articles about research conducted in
a variety of other countries. Nurses in other countries became more equipped to
conduct research as well. Sigma Theta Tau International significantly broadened
its membership to include more chapters in other countries. Globalization also
raised new concerns that provided nurses with opportunities for research.
During this decade, a renewed focus centered on patient safety and outcomes.
The American Nurses Association was instrumental in creating the National
Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI). The purpose of this database
is to collect and evaluate unit-specific nurse-sensitive data from hospitals in
the United States. Participating facilities receive unit-level comparative data
reports to use for quality improvement purposes. Refer to Box 1-2 for a listing
of the current NDNQI measures. Many of these measures are used by hospitals
that have received Magnet Recognition for nursing excellence.
Staffing and Workforce Indicators
Hospital Readmission Rates
Psychiatric Physical/Sexual Assault Rate
Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection Rate
Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infection Rate
Patient Falls
Pressure Injury Prevalence
Nurse Turnover
Pediatric Pain Assessment
Pediatric Peripheral IV Infiltration Rate
Restraint Prevalence
RN Education/Specialty Certification
RN Survey
Practice Environment Scale
Job Satisfaction
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Rate
Data from Press Ganey National Database of Nursing Quality
Indicators® (2016). Nursing-Sensitive Quality Indicators. Personal
communication from [email protected].BOX 1-2 2016 NDNQI Measures
1.3 How Has Nursing Evolved as a Science? 29