United States operating room nurses: work environment perceptions

Concerns about pending retirement of nurses working in the operating room (OR) are undeniable. The nurses' work environment and level of perceived support is part of the equation of why a nurse may choose to retire or stay in the workforce. This study compares nurses' perceptions of the work environment between OR nurses and nurses who work in other type units; and compares the work environment perceptions of OR nurses between institutions of two sizes (<300 beds and >300 beds). Findings include: OR nurses have better perceptions of their work environment than nurses in other type units and OR nurses in smaller hospitals are more satisfied with their work environment, workload and perceptions of organisational support. Implications for OR work environments are discussed.