Building organizational capacity for a healthy work environment through role-based professional practice

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Healthcare Management
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• Professional role competence of registered nurses (RNs) is crucial for patient safety and quality of care.
• Healthcare organizations must actively support RNs in exercising their professional authority.
• Organizational capacity is defined by the interplay between individual and organizational nursing practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the concept of organizational capacity in nursing.
• To identify factors contributing to a healthy workplace environment for RNs.
• To present models for guiding and sustaining organizational capacity in healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of organizational capacity in nursing.
• Discussion of two models linking healthy workplaces to organizational capacity.
• Examination of the interplay between individual and organizational nursing practice.

Main Results:

• Organizational capacity is essential for supporting RNs' professional practice and role competence.
• Healthy workplace environments are integral to building and maintaining organizational capacity.
• The discussed models offer a framework for enhancing organizational support for RNs.

Conclusions:

• Supporting the professional practice of registered nurses is paramount for quality patient care.
• Organizational capacity is a key determinant of a healthy work environment for nurses.
• Models presented can guide healthcare organizations in fostering robust support systems for RNs.