Nursing Staff Knowledge of Cost and Perceptions of Cost-Conscious Practices: A Replication Study

As principal users of bedside supplies and equipment, nurses are in an optimal position to positively impact cost-containment initiatives in the hospital setting. However, nurses’ ability to make cost-effective decisions in their daily clinical practice requires a solid foundation in, and working knowledge of, costs and cost-conscious practices. This replication study aimed to determine if knowledge of supply costs, attitudes toward cost-conscious practices, and interest in involvement in unit-level budgeting amongst UNC cardiac nurses had improved, diminished, or remained the same since the original parent-study conducted a decade ago. A total of 42 nurses working in the cardiac service of a single, academic healthcare center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina participated in the replication study. Data were gathered via an anonymous, online survey. Results of 2008 and 2018 survey data were compared using two proportion z-tests and Pearson’s chi square. Fewer than half of respondents correctly identified the cost of commonly used bedside supplies and equipment. Despite their limited awareness of costs, participants maintained a positive attitude towards cost-conscious practices and expressed interest in budgetary issues. Results of the current study were largely consistent with the 2008 parent-study, which found a similar gap between nurse knowledge of cost-effective practices and their willingness to learn and implement cost-saving practices. This study, like its parent-study and its predecessors, highlights an opportunity for nurse leaders and educators to examine, address, and improve financial competencies among current and future nurses.Bachelor of Art