Date of Award
Spring 4-28-2025
Embargo Period
4-30-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Health Administration
Department
Health Administration
College
College of Health Professions
First Advisor
Elinor Borgert
Second Advisor
Daniel Brinton
Third Advisor
Kit Simpson
Fourth Advisor
Cheryl Jones
Abstract
Background: This study examines how the experience level of Registered Nurses (RNs) has declined while the incidence of hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) has increased from 2018 to 2022. Purpose: To evaluate the association between nurses’ experience level and patient outcomes, specifically HAPIs, on a state-by-state basis. Methods: Retrospective, observational study of Medicare patients hospitalized in 41 states using the Medicare 5% Limited Dataset. Nurse experience was measured by the date of first licensure using the Nursing Sample Survey of Registered Nurses (NSSRN). Outcomes include a comparison of the percent increase in HAPIs and change in RN experience level by state. Discussion: The Spearman correlation coefficient indicated a weak but positive relationship between RN experience loss and percent HAPI increase (r = .172).
Recommended Citation
Jacobs, Jacqueline H., "The Incidence of Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries in the Setting of the Changing Nursing Workforce Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic" (2025). MUSC Theses and Dissertations. 1063.
https://medica-musc.researchcommons.org/theses/1063
Rights
Copyright is held by the author. All rights reserved.