Nurses' perceptions of their professional practice environment: a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice Environment
• Healthcare Quality
• Workplace Improvement

Background:

• Global nursing work environments significantly impact nursing practice and healthcare delivery.
• Understanding nurses' perceptions of their professional practice environment is essential for quality care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe nurses' perceptions of their professional practice environment in mainland China.
• To identify factors associated with nurses' views on their practice environment.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted using paper- and online-based questionnaires.
• The study utilized convenience sampling and analyzed data using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression.
• The 38-item Chinese version of the Professional Practice Environment survey was employed.

Main Results:

• A total of 573 questionnaires were analyzed, with mean subscale scores ranging from 2.66 to 3.05.
• Most subscales scored below 3.0, indicating areas needing improvement.
• Key areas identified for improvement included control over practice, leadership, conflict resolution, physician relationships, and autonomy.

Conclusions:

• The study provides insights into Chinese nurses' workplace perceptions, establishing a baseline for improvement strategies.
• Improving the work environment is vital for professional development, healthcare safety, and quality.
• Culturally appropriate strategies are needed to optimize Chinese nurses' working conditions.