Evaluation of Nurses' Practice Environment in Cardiovascular Hospitals: Nurses' Perceptions

An attractive practice environment for nurses is essential in cardiac hospitals; however, limited studies are known about practice environment in this setting. This study aimed to evaluate nurses' perceptions of the practice environment in XXX cardiac hospitals. Additionally, this study seeks to identify nurse-related factors that influence nurses' nursing practices in these hospitals.

A cross-sectional study utilizing a self-report questionnaire was conducted among a convenience sample of 115 nurses working in cardiac hospitals. Nurses' perceptions of the practice environment in cardiac hospitals were explored via the Nursing Work Index. A descriptive analysis was performed in the form of categorical variables presented as frequencies and percentages, and the continuous variables were presented as the means and standard deviations. Multiple linear regression was performed to analyze the relationship between sociodemographic factors and the level of environmental practice. The level of significance was set at a p value = (p ≤ 0.05).

The findings indicate an overall favorable practice environment, with 56% of the nurses reporting a good level of practice in the cardiac setting. Cardiac nurses held a positive perception of their nursing practice in cardiac care settings. Overall, the participants responded well, with a total mean score of (M ± SD = 3.38 ± 0.02) for their perceptions of leadership, staff support, nursing supervisory skills, participation in hospital committees, staffing and resource adequacy and collegial nurse‒physician relations. Nursing qualifications, years of experience and participation in nursing work management-related training courses were predictors of cardiac nurses' perceptions of the practice environment (p value = p ≤ 0.014).

Survey nurses' perceptions of the practice environment in cardiac hospitals provide insight into nurses' actual readiness for providing high-quality care and hence positive patient health outcomes. Cardiac nurses should be involved in decision-making authority and advocate for the workplace to better support their independence, all to improve the nursing practice environment in cardiovascular hospitals.