How do intensive work environments affect nurses' absenteeism and turnover intent?

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• Intensive hospital work environments significantly impact staff well-being, patient care, and organizational outcomes.
• Understanding the nurse's perspective on their work environment is crucial for improving healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively assess the relationship between critical care registered nurses' (RNs) work environment perceptions, absenteeism, and turnover intent.
• To analyze RNs' recommendations for enhancing critical patient care and their work environment.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 302 registered nurses (RNs) in Alberta, Canada, adhering to STROBE guidelines.
• Regression modeling and the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index were used to assess work environment perceptions, absenteeism, and turnover intent.

Main Results:

• Positive perceptions of the work environment were significantly associated with lower rates of absenteeism among RNs.
• Higher work environment scores correlated with decreased intentions to leave the workplace.
• RNs reported the lowest perception of 'participation in hospital affairs' and identified optimizing staffing as the most critical improvement.

Conclusions:

• Significant associations exist between nursing staff's workplace perceptions, absenteeism, and turnover intent in critical care settings.
• Improving staff participation in hospital affairs and optimizing staffing are vital for organizational success and enhanced patient care.