Recent THMA research explored nurses’ confidence in staffing strategies and their views on innovations like AI and virtual nursing, offering insights to better inform and engage them in care transformation—this summary highlights the key findings.
The Problem: A Disconnect Between Leadership Priorities and Frontline Needs
Frontline nurses prioritize staffing ratios and headcount over tech-based solutions. While not opposed to innovation, only 7% feel confident in current staffing strategies. Many don’t believe technology alone can solve the core issue of safe staffing.
Trust Rises with Exposure to the Right Messages
The study tested four message themes and found that although RNs are unfamiliar with staffing strategy details, they respond well to transparent, data-driven communication. Trust increases when leaders clearly explain what’s being done and how it supports care.
Top performing messages:
Nursing workload: Reflects daily pressures and earned highest trust
Patient quality & access: Resonates when clearly linked to care improvements
Lowest performing message:
Nursing supply: RNs are skeptical of broad shortage claims and respond better when messaging focuses on local staffing and patient impact
Health system financial stability: Only meaningful when tied directly to patient impact
Messenger Matters: Who and How
RNs trust nurse managers, CNEs/CNOs, and peer voices most. Executive-only comms aren’t enough—what works is a layered approach:
CNEs/CNOs set vision.
Managers explain it in daily practice.
Peers reinforce through shared experiences.
An omnichannel strategy (using newsletters, staff meetings, and local site leaders) keeps messaging consistent and credible.
Tailor to RN Tenure
All nurses want regular updates on staffing initiatives.
Early career: Prefer 1:1 time with supervisors
Mid-career: Like training sessions + follow-up email
Veteran: Favor low-touch formats like newsletters
RN Mindsets: Three Key Segments
1. Champions
Confident in strategy, data-driven, eager to support change.
Ideal for pilots and sharing success stories.
Need regular updates and recognition to stay engaged.
2. Swayables (largest group)
Open but cautious; want proof of value.
Motivated by real results, clear messaging, and peer validation.
Crucial to winning broader buy-in.
3. Skeptics
Prefer traditional, people-first models; distrust tech and leadership motives.
Often feel out of the loop, which fuels resistance.
Best approached through trusted messengers and myth-busting.
What to Take Away
There’s a clear gap between leadership priorities and frontline needs. While leaders focus on innovations like AI and virtual nursing, RNs are doubtful these solutions will fix staffing problems. Until core staffing concerns are addressed, tech-driven strategies are unlikely to gain frontline trust or support.
Exposure to clear, data-driven information builds trust among RNs, even when there is unfamiliarity. Research shows their resistance often stems from a lack of access, not disagreement. When RNs are well-informed, they’re more likely to engage with new strategies.
Strategic messaging can meaningfully shift nurse perceptions. When messages reflect the daily realities of RNs, they build trust and openness to change. Data-driven content with real-world examples is especially effective in gaining support for care transformation.
Trusted messengers and familiar channels drive engagement. They prefer hearing from CNEs, CNOs, and nurse managers they know and trust. Regular updates, newsletters, and one-on-one meetings are the most effective ways to deliver these messages.