Abstract

This study examined the relationship of hospital restructuring and downsizing stressors with nursing staff perceptions of hospital effectiveness. The data were obtained in late 1999 from 744 nurses using questionnaires. The findings indicated many significant and independent relationships between restructuring and downsizing stressors and perceptions of hospital effectiveness; in all cases, nursing staff reporting higher levels of restructuring and downsizing stressors also indicated reduced hospital effectiveness. Workload and the effects of staff bumping in delivery of patient care were particularly problematic in this regard.