[Work environment at a university hospital: perception of nurses]

Knowledge of the work climate is important in all organizations since the this climate can either contribute to or limit the development and sense of fulfillment of those working within the workplace. The aim of this study was to describe the nurses' perception of the working environment in a university hospital. Two-hundred and thirteen nurses completed a self-administered questionnaire which included the Work Environment Scale (WES) translated to Spanish. The nurses perceived that involvement and cohesion among colleagues was high. The support of the supervisor as well as the autonomy given to nurses in their work was considered moderate. The nurses also highlighted organizational aspects, i.e. planning and efficiency at work and the clarity of what was expected of them in their daily activities. The perception of the work environment differed among the various nursing units. In general, nurses with the fewest years of professional experience perceived the work environment more positively. This study has enabled the determination of a work environment profile of a group of nurses in a university hospital. Moreover, guidance is offered to nurse managers of the nursing units on the positive aspects of the work environment which should be reinforced and on the negative aspects which should be modified in order to create an optimal work environment.