Evaluating the WE CARE Program's Impact on Job Satisfaction and Intent to Leave

AIM: This project team aims to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of the Workforce Engagement for Compassionate Advocacy, Resilience, and Empowerment (WE CARE) program in improving the work environment, workplace mental health, and nurse outcomes, and (2) examine underlying factors influencing job satisfaction and intent to leave among staff nurses. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental designs with one-group pre-post program design using online surveys. METHODS: Pre-program data were collected in June 2022 (n = 706), followed by the implementation of multifaceted, evidence-based interventions delivered by the WE CARE team, such as wellness rounding and resilience education. Post-program data were collected in November 2024 (n = 417). Mixed-effects regression models were utilised for analysis. RESULTS: The WE CARE program was associated with statistically significant improvements in the overall work environment, workplace mental health (excluding resilience), and nurse outcomes, including job satisfaction and intent to leave. Job satisfaction positively correlated with a supportive work environment, recognition, and trust in supervisors, and negatively correlated with burnout, compassion fatigue, and distress. Higher levels of burnout and distress significantly increased the likelihood of nurses intending to leave their jobs, while greater trust in leadership and perceived organisational support were protective factors against leaving the job. CONCLUSION: The project supports the effectiveness of evidence-based workforce engagement interventions in real-world healthcare settings to enhance the work environment, workplace mental health, and nurse outcomes. Interventions targeting emotional well-being, recognition, burnout reduction, and leadership trust may improve job satisfaction and reduce nurses' turnover intentions. IMPACT: The program directly resulted in nurse leaders recognising the value of the WE CARE initiative and sustaining the team beyond the funding period. This project addresses a significant gap in the nurse well-being literature by demonstrating the effectiveness of a nurse-led, multifaceted wellness program designed specifically for nurses. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.