Defining an evidence-based work environment for nursing in the USA

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Healthcare Management
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• Global nursing shortages impact healthcare resources, operations, and patient care quality.
• Nurse job satisfaction, retention, and turnover are directly linked to their work environment.
• Identifying discrepancies between current and ideal work settings is crucial for evidence-based nursing environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare staff nurses' perceptions of their real versus ideal work environments in a tertiary pediatric facility.
• To provide administrators with research-based evidence for targeted improvements in the nursing work setting.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive survey design was employed.
• A convenience sample of 385 nurses completed the Work Environment Scale (real and ideal forms).
• The scale assesses 10 subscales across relationship, personal growth, and system maintenance dimensions.

Main Results:

• Nurses reported high levels of involvement, peer cohesion, task orientation, and managerial control.
• Moderate to high scores were noted for work pressure and autonomy; moderate scores for physical comfort, supervisor support, clarity, and innovation.
• Significant differences between real and ideal scores indicated areas for improvement, with 'involvement' scoring highest and 'physical comfort' lowest.

Conclusions:

• Nurses perceive their work environment positively despite moderate work pressure.
• Specific areas not aligning with ideal conditions were identified for targeted interventions.
• Involving staff in identifying and implementing changes fosters an evidence-based environment to attract and retain nurses.