Nursing practice environments and job outcomes in ambulatory oncology settings.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate job satisfaction and intent to stay for ambulatory oncology nurses. BACKGROUND An oncology provider shortage suggests that retention is a high priority, and factors associated with job outcomes are unknown in this setting. METHOD Data were derived from a cross-sectional survey completed by 402 oncology nurses employed in ambulatory settings. Logistic regression models estimated the likelihood of job satisfaction or intent to stay for at least 1 year. RESULTS Most nurses (80.9%) were satisfied and 87.4% indicated their intent to stay. Significant variables for job satisfaction were university/hospital ownership, staffing and resource adequacy, nurse manager ability and leadership, and workloads. Variables significant for intent to stay were staffing and resource adequacy, participation in practice affairs, and years of experience. CONCLUSIONS Favorable practice environments are key to effective nurse retention. Staffing, leadership, and resource allocation influence retention in ambulatory settings.