A study published in the journal Manufacturing & Services Operation Management analyzed data from 157 nursing homes and more than 6,000 part-time nurse aides. The research found that by scheduling certified nurse aides (CNAs) regularly with the same group of teammates, turnover can be reduced by as much as 25%.

The researchers also found that giving one additional hour of work per week can reduce turnover by an additional 2%. Lead author Kevin Mayo, PhD, assistant professor of finance and management science at Washington State University, said, “These findings suggest that managers may be able to leverage part-time CNA scheduling to reduce turnover, improving both the quality and cost of care.”

Methodology and Results

Using novel data from one of the nation’s largest nursing home organizations, which includes data for 6,221 part-time CNAs at 157 facilities in the United States over a 26-month period, the research team identified two scheduling levers managers may be able to use to influence turnover.

As hours worked increases, turnover first decreases and then increases, demonstrating a nonlinear U-shaped relationship between hours worked and turnover. The team also found that high coworker variability increases turnover while also moderating the effects of hours worked on turnover. In post hoc analyses, they demonstrated that high CNA turnover has negative impacts on patient health.