Evaluation of Elements of the Nursing Worklife Model Using Unit-Level Data.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Organizational Psychology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The hospital practice environment is a critical factor influencing nurse satisfaction and patient outcomes.
• The Nursing Worklife Model (NWLM) proposes causal relationships within the practice environment.
• Previous research highlights the importance of the work environment for nursing staff.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test hypothesized pathways of the Nursing Worklife Model (NWLM) using secondary data analysis.
• To examine the relationships between practice environment factors and nurse job enjoyment.
• To identify additional pathways that may improve the fit of the NWLM.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of unit-level data from the 2011 National Database for Nursing Quality Indicators® (N = 3,203).
• Structural equation modeling was used to test the NWLM pathways.
• Lake's Practice Environment subscales operationalized model variables, with job enjoyment as the outcome.

Main Results:

• Hypothesized positive pathways in the original NWLM were supported.
• Additional pathways were identified, significantly improving the model's fit.
• Nurse manager ability, leadership, and support demonstrated direct links to job enjoyment and other model components.

Conclusions:

• The study validates and refines the NWLM, emphasizing the direct impact of nurse managers on job enjoyment.
• Nurse manager development is essential for retaining clinical nurses in hospital settings.
• Optimizing the practice environment through effective nurse leadership is key to improving nurse satisfaction and retention.