Workplace Adversity Among Critical Care Nurses: Associations With Key Organisational Factors.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Workplace adversity in intensive care units (ICUs) is a complex issue influenced by organizational, disciplinary, and external factors.
• The Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model provides a framework for understanding workplace adversity among critical care nurses.
• Limited research has focused on workplace adversity as a central concept in critical care nursing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify organizational factors contributing to workplace adversity among critical care nurses.
• To explore these factors in adult, pediatric, and neonatal ICUs within South Africa's Eastern Cape Province.

Main Methods:

• A quantitative, cross-sectional correlational survey design was utilized.
• Data were collected from critical care nurses using a structured self-report questionnaire.
• Statistical analyses were performed using Statistica Version 13.5.

Main Results:

• Staff shortages were reported by 90% of respondents as a primary contributor to workplace adversity.
• Insufficient nurse-to-critically ill patient ratios (70%), limited professional development (57%), and unsuitable leadership styles (50%) were also significant factors.
• A total of 353 questionnaires were completed.

Conclusions:

• Unaddressed organizational issues can destabilize ICUs, negatively impacting staff well-being and patient care.
• Mitigating factors like staff shortages and leadership issues is essential for resilient ICU environments.
• Direct line managers must proactively address organizational factors contributing to workplace adversity.