Professional Self-Perception Among Critical Care Nurses in China: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey

This study aimed to conduct a nationwide cross-sectional investigation to gain a comprehensive understanding of the professional self-perception among critical care nurses in China. This investigation focused on three dimensions: the Thriving at Work Scale (TWS), the Voice Behavior Scale (VBS), and the Adjustment Focus Scale (AFS).

An electronic questionnaire was distributed to intensive care unit (ICU) nurses across China using stratified and convenience sampling. TWS, VBS, and AFS scores and sociodemographic factors were collected. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression (MOLR) was employed to explore the influencing factors on professional self-perception (tertiled TWS, VBS, and AFS scores).

A total of 583 valid questionnaires were collected. The TWS, VBS, and AFS scores were 49 (44-54), 37 (31-40), and 48 (45-55), respectively. MOLR analysis revealed significant associations between gender and TWS (adjusted OR, 95% CI: 2.01, 1.32-3.07, p < 0.001), VBS (adjusted OR, 95% CI: 2.15, 1.39-3.33, p < 0.001), and AFS (adjusted OR, 95% CI: 1.74, 1.14-2.66, p = 0.002). Average monthly household income was significantly associated with TWS (adjusted OR, 95% CI: 1.51, 1.19-1.92, p < 0.001), VBS (adjusted OR, 95% CI: 1.35, 1.05-1.74, p = 0.018), and AFS (adjusted OR, 95% CI: 1.47, 1.16-1.86, p = 0.002). Professional title was inversely related to TWS (adjusted OR, 95% CI: 0.73, 0.55-0.96, p = 0.027) and VBS (adjusted OR, 95% CI: 0.64, 0.47-0.88, p = 0.006). In addition, associations were found between marital status and TWS, ICU experience and position and VBS, and age and AFS (p < 0.05).

Our findings suggest that critical care nurses in China exhibit a moderate level of professional self-perception. Young, single, female ICU nurses with lower household income, middle-level professional titles, lower positions, and less ICU experience are associated with lower professional self-perception. Nursing managers can intervene to enhance professional self-perception by targeting individuals with these influencing factors.