Christine T Kovner

Christine Tassone Kovner, PhD, RN, FAAN is a Professor Emerita. She was the Mathy Mezey Professor of Geriatric Nursing at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing and a professor of medicine at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Dr. Kovner is the Editor-in-Chief of Policy, Politics & Nursing Practice. She is a highly respected nurse educator and researcher with more than 150 published articles. Her research focuses on quality improvement, RN working conditions, and nursing care costs. For five years she was the principal investigator for the TL1 Pre- and Post-Doctoral Program of NYU's NIH funded Clinical and Translational Science Institute. Dr. Kovner was the principal investigator of a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant studying the career trajectories of newly licensed registered nurses over the first ten years of their careers. As a clinical nurse, she was proud to provide COVID vaccinations at Langone Health.

Dr. Kovner was a visiting scholar at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Policy for two years and has served on many government policy committees, including New York’s State Hospital Review and Planning Council. She has served as a grant reviewer for the NIH, NIOSH, and the Department of Defense among others.

Among her many honors, Dr. Kovner was awarded the Diane O. McGivern Award in 2024. The award recognizes an NYU Meyers graduate for outstanding work in legislation and policy on behalf of professional nursing. Dr. Kovner received the Excellence in Policy Award from Nursing Outlook for “Diversity and education of the nursing workforce 2006-2016,” in 2019, the IRGNI Research Mentorship Award from Academy Health (2018), the Eastern Nursing Research Society Distinguished Contributions to Nursing Research Award (2018), the Golden Pen Award from the Journal for Healthcare Quality (2007), and the Lavinia Dock Distinguished Service Award from the New York Counties Registered Nurses Association.

PhD - New York University

MSN - University of Pennsylvania

BS - Columbia University School of Nursing

Post-doctoral Fellowship - Robert Wagner School of Public Service, NYU

Nursing workforce

Community/population health

American Academy of Nursing Fellow

AcademyHealth

Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science

Sigma Theta Tau

International Association of Clinical Research Nurses

Diane O. McGivern Award, NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing (2024)

Excellence in Policy Award, Nursing Outlook (2019)

IRGNI Research Mentorship Award, Academy Health (2018)

Distinguished Contributions to Nursing Research Award (2018)

Treasurer, CGFNS International, Inc. (2016)

Distinguished Alumna Award, New York University, College of Nursing (2012)

Nursing Outlook Excellence in Policy Award for “State Mandatory Overtime Regulations and Newly Licensed Nurses’ Mandatory and Voluntary Overtime and Total Work Hours.” (2012)

Vernice Ferguson Faculty Scholar Award, New York University, College of Nursing (2010)

Golden Pen Award for “Exploring the Utility of Automated Drug Alerts in Home Healthcare,” Journal for Healthcare Quality (2007)

Health Policy and Legislation Award, New York University, College of Nursing (2006)

Honorary Recognition Award, New York Counties Registered Nurses Association (1999)

Best of Image Award in Health Policy Scholarship, for “Nurse Staffing Levels and Adverse Events Following Surgery in U. S. Hospitals," Journal of Nursing (1999)

Alumni Award for Distinguished Career in Nursing, Columbia University-Presbyterian Hospital Alumni Association (1996)

Distinguished Nurse Researcher, Foundation of the New York State Nurses Association (1994)

Lavinia Dock Distinguished Service Award, New York Counties Registered Nurses Association (1992)

Martha E. Rogers Scholarship Award, Upsilon Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau (1983)

Newly licensed RNs describe what they like best about being a nurse

Djukic, M., Pellico, L. H., Kovner, C., & Brewer, C. S. (2011). Nursing Research and Practice, 1-8. 10.1155/2011/968191

The relative geographic immobility of new registered nurses calls for new strategies to augment that workforce

Kovner, C. T., Corcoran, S. P., & Brewer, C. S. (2011). Health Affairs, 30(12), 2293-2300. 10.1377/hlthaff.2011.0108

Abstract

Abstract

Little is known about registered nurses' geographic mobility after they earn their first professional degree and become licensed to practice. Through a cross-sectional mailed survey of newly licensed registered nurses in fifteen states, we found that 52.5 percent work within forty miles of where they attended high school. Our complementary analysis of Census Bureau data shows that next to teaching, nursing is one of the least mobile professions for women, for reasons that remain unclear. To ensure that underserved areas have an adequate workforce of registered nurses, policy makers should expand the number of educational programs in these areas; fund programs that provide incentives to young people from these areas to attend nursing programs; consider supporting extension programs from accredited nursing schools; and review admission policies for nursing programs and the financial aid they offer. If states find it difficult to retain out-of-state graduates, giving preference to in-state applicants may make sense. Finally, programs and policies that offer financial incentives to attract registered nurses to underserved areas, such as the National Health Service Corps and the Area Health Education Centers, are critically important. When sufficiently funded, such programs could serve to offset the low mobility of new registered nurses that we observed.

Generational differences among newly licensed registered nurses

Keepnews, D. M., Brewer, C. S., Kovner, C. T., & Shin, J. H. (2010). Nursing Outlook, 58(3), 155-163. 10.1016/j.outlook.2009.11.001

Abstract

Abstract

Responses of 2. 369 newly licensed registered nurses from 3 generational cohorts-Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y-were studied to identify differences in their characteristics, work-related experiences, and attitudes. These responses revealed significant differences among generations in: job satisfaction, organizational commitment, work motivation, work-to-family conflict, family-to-work conflict, distributive justice, promotional opportunities, supervisory support, mentor support, procedural justice, and perceptions of local job opportunities. Health organizations and their leaders need to anticipate intergenerational differences among newly licensed nurses and should provide for supportive working environments that recognize those differences. Orientation and residency programs for newly licensed nurses should be tailored to the varying needs of different generations. Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of orientation and residency programs with regard to different generations so that these programs can be tailored to meet the varying needs of newly licensed nurses at the start of their careers.

Infecção hospitalar em unidade de tratamento intensivo de um hospital universitário brasileiro

De Oliveira, A. C., Kovner, C. T., & Da Silva, R. S. (2010). Revista Latino-Americana De Enfermagem, 18(2), 233-239. 10.1590/s0104-11692010000200014

Abstract

Abstract

This prospective study aimed to determine the nosocomial infection (NI) incidence in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), its association with clinical characteristics and occurrence sites. It was carried out among 1.886 patients admitted in an ICU of a University Hospital, from August 2005 to January 2008. Data analysis was done using Fisher's test and Relative Risk (RR). There were 383 NIs (20.3%). The infections were in the urinary tract (n=144; 37.6%), pneumonia (n=98; 25.6%), sepsis (n=58; 15.1%), surgical site (n=54; 14.1%) and others (n=29; 7.7%). Hospitalization average was 19.3 days for patients with NI and 20.2 days for those with colonization by resistant microorganisms. The mortality was 39.5% among patients with NI (RR: 4.4; 3.4-5.6). The NI was associated with patients originated from other units of the institution/emergency unit, more than 4 days of hospitalization, community infection, colonized by resistant microorganisms, using invasive procedures and deaths resulting from NI.

Moving on, up, or out: Changing work needs of new RNs at different stages of their beginning nursing practice

Pellico, L. H., Djukic, M., Kovner, C. T., & Brewer, C. S. (2010). Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 15(1). 10.3912/OJIN.Vol15No01Man08

Abstract

Abstract

This article describes the work experience of a national cohort of 229 RNs who participated in a survey on work environment at two different time periods. Survey results of the RNsâ€™ experience within two and a half years of their initial RN licensure (time period two) are described in detail, and comparisons are made to their experiences one year earlier (time period one). Using Krippendorffâ€™s technique for content analysis, six inter-related themes emerged at time period two. Findings indicate that the working environment of RNs impacts both nursesâ€™ satisfaction and their dissatisfaction. Factors associated with dissatisfaction center on the lack of nurse manager leadership, persistent verbal abuse, high patient-to-nurse ratios, and the physical demands of bedside nursing that result in injuries. Suggestions from the nurses themselves are used to guide strategies to improve the work environment and retain nurses.

New nurses' views of quality improvement education

Kovner, C. T., Brewer, C. S., Yingrengreung, S., & Fairchild, S. (2010). Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, 36(1), 29-35. 10.1016/s1553-7250(10)36006-5

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Quality improvement (QI) is a focus of hospital managers and policymakers. The role of registered nurses (RNs) in QI in hospitals is vital because most hospital-based RNs provide direct care to patients. QI skills are necessary to identify gaps between current care and best practice and to design, implement, test, and evaluate changes and are essential for R.N.s to participate effectively in QI. Newly licensed registered nurses' (new nurses') positions as direct caregivers could have an impact on QI if nurses lack sufficient knowledge, concepts, and tools required for QI. Methods: Data came from the 436 respondents (69.4% response rate) to a 2008 eight-page mailed survey to participants in a nationally representative panel survey of new nurses who graduated between August 1, 2004, and July 31, 2005. Results: Overall, 159 (38.6%) of new nurses thought that they were "poorly" or "very poorly" prepared about or had "never heard of" QI. Their perceptions of preparation varied widely by the specific topic. Baccalaureate (B.S.) graduates reported significantly higher levels of preparation than associate degree (A.D.) graduates in evidence-based practice; assessing gaps in practice, teamwork, and collaboration; and many of the research-type skills such as data collection, analysis, measurement, and measuring resulting changes. Discussion: Registered-nurse educational programs need to improve education about and application of QI concepts and to consider focusing QI content into a separate course to have some confidence that faculty will teach it. Despite the strong focus on QI in hospitals, new nurses do not see the connection between QI education and successfully performing their hospital jobs. Both nursing programs and hospitals should help new nurses make the connection.

Overlap of registered nurse and physician practice: Implications for U.S. health care reform

Djukic, M., & Kovner, C. T. (2010). Policy, Politics, and Nursing Practice, 11(1), 13-22. 10.1177/1527154410365564

Abstract

Abstract

This review offers an analysis of practice overlap between physicians and registered nurses (RNs) who are not advanced practice nurses. Additionally, it spotlights opportunities for expanding traditional professional boundaries to establish novel care delivery models. The examples of RN role expansion offer a beginning for discussion regarding how the health professionals' knowledge and skills can be best used in designing an effective and efficient health care system. Although limited data exist on cost effectiveness and workload implications of the novel care delivery models, policy makers can use the findings of this review to begin to inform U.S. health care reform.

Physical work environment: Testing an expanded model of job satisfaction in a sample of registered nurses

Djukic, M., Kovner, C., Budin, W. C., & Norman, R. (2010). Nursing Research, 59(6), 441-451. 10.1097/NNR.0b013e3181fb2f25

Abstract

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The impact of personal, organizational, and economic factors on nurses' job satisfaction have been studied extensively, but few studies exist in which the effects of physical work environment-including perceptions of architectural, interior design, and ambient features on job satisfaction-are examined. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of perceived physical work environment on job satisfaction, adjusting for multiple personal, organizational, and economic determinants of job satisfaction. METHODS: A cross-sectional, predictive design and a Web-based survey instrument were used to collect data from staff registered nurses in a large metropolitan hospital. The survey included 34 questions about multiple job satisfaction determinants, including 18 Likert-type measures with established good validity (comparative fit index = .97, Tucker-Lewis index = .98, root mean square error of approximation = .06) and reliability (r ≥ .70). RESULTS: A response rate of 48.5% resulted in a sample of 362, with 80% power to detect a medium effect of perceived physical environment on job satisfaction. On average, nurses had negative perceptions of physical work environment (M = 2.9, SD = 2.2). Although physical environment was related positively to job satisfaction (r =.256, p = .01) in bivariate analysis, in ordered probit regression, no effect of physical work environment on job satisfaction was found. DISCUSSION: In future studies, this relationship should be examined in larger and more representative samples of nurses. Qualitative methods should be used to explore how negatively perceived physical work environment impacts nurses. Rebuilding of U.S. hospitals, with a planned investment of $200 billion without considering how physical environment contributes to nurse work outcomes, threatens to exacerbate organizational nurse turnover.

Prevalence and predictors of adverse events in older surgical patients: Impact of the present on admission indicator

Kim, H., Capezuti, E., Kovner, C., Zhao, Z., & Boockvar, K. (2010). Gerontologist, 50(6), 810-820. 10.1093/geront/gnq045

Abstract

Abstract

Purpose of the Study: To examine the effects of the present on admission (POA) indicator on the prevalence of and factors associated with postsurgical adverse events in older patients. Design and Methods: This is a secondary data analysis of 82,898 surgical patients aged 65 years or older in 252 acute care hospitals in California in 2004. Four adverse events were counted using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Patient Safety Indicator (PSI) definitions with and without using the POA indicator. We also examined the effects of the POA indicator on the relationships between patient- and hospital-level factors and adverse events, using generalized linear mixed models. Results: The use of the POA indicator resulted in a marked reduction in the estimated rates of all 4 adverse event rates. Adjustment for POA conditions also influenced factors associated with adverse events. Compared with those with newly occurring adverse events only, admissions with only POA conditions were more likely to be admitted through the emergency department, be unplanned, and belong to patients with one or more preceding admissions or those with multiple admissions within the same year. Implications: Adverse event rates estimated from discharge abstracts using PSI methodology could be overstated when the POA indicator was not used. The POA indicator could influence predictors of adverse events. Studies on geriatric safety and outcomes using large administrative data sets should consider using the POA indicator. Further studies are needed on how to determine POA conditions.

The Sustainability Buegeting Model: Multiple-mode flexible budgeting using sustainability as the synthesizing criterion

Kovner, C. T., & Lusk, E. J. (2010). Nursing Economics, 28(6), 377-385.

Abstract

Abstract

The Sustainability Budgeting Model (SBM) is presented in the context of a department of nursing of a major hospital. If successfully incorporated in the department of nursing, the SBM can easily be moved into the larger hospital context. The SBM was designed recognizing the three necessary components underlying all budgeting models. The SBM incorporates the inherent variability of the resource inflows and outflows and in that sense is robust; it is recommended these resource flows be calibrated for the various time horizons using the standard Present Value model so as to provide comparability across projects. Most importantly, the SBM focuses on financial sustainability considering all the relevant costs - variable and fixed - and so speaks to longterm coordinated planning and continuation of desired patient services.

Faculty