Critical Care Nurse Work Environments 2018: Findings and Implications.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Critical care nurse work environments significantly influence patient and nurse outcomes.
• Previous studies have established a link between work environment and outcomes.
• This study reports on the 2018 Critical Care Nurse Work Environment Study, comparing findings to prior research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the current state of critical care nurse work environments.
• To identify areas of concern and opportunities for improvement in these environments.
• To assess the impact of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Healthy Work Environment standards.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data.
• An online survey was utilized for data collection.
• The study included responses from 8080 members and constituents of the AACN.

Main Results:

• While improvements were noted since 2013, critical care nurse work environments still present areas for concern.
• Over 60% of participants reported inadequate staffing.
• Significant physical and mental well-being issues were reported, with one-third of nurses intending to leave their positions within a year.

Conclusions:

• Implementing AACN Healthy Work Environment standards is positively associated with healthier work environments.
• Healthy work environments correlate with increased job satisfaction among critical care nurses.
• Job satisfaction is directly linked to nurses' intent to remain in or leave their current positions.