Physician satisfaction is integral to the success of any organization. It is imperative that the physicians are satisfied in the environment in which they work. A key component to physician satisfaction is the relationship with nursing. Therefore, when Inova Fairfax Hospital Women Hospital recently experienced low physician satisfaction, especially in nursing, a plan was developed.

IFWH scored overall satisfaction in the 39^th percentile and satisfaction with Nursing in the 55^th percentile. Several actions were initiated to develop the workforce to improve physician satisfaction. One opportunity was improving communication. Many physicians reported a lack of respect in the manner nursing was communicating with them. Multiple scenarios and scripts were developed, and daily huddles were shared, to assist the nurses in appropriate communication with the physicians. SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation) was reinforced to communicate clinical information.

Overall nursing competence was scored as a concern for the physicians. Based on the survey results, the physicians stated that the quality of nursing care was inconsistent. Focus groups were held with the physicians to further understand their concern. Case scenarios were discussed to develop their knowledge.

The Leadership team conducted physician rounding to identify concerns immediately. The expectation was that the concerns, when appropriate, were addressed within 48 hours. This has also contributed to an increase in the physicians’ satisfaction because they feel their concerns are being heard and addressed.

The improvement in communication from the nursing staff and leadership team has overwhelming impressed the physicians. The relationship has improved, as well as, their satisfaction with nursing. Ongoing clinical education has improved the confidence of the nursing staff, which in turn has improved the confidence of the physicians. The strategies put in place are easily replicable in organizations of any size.