Associations Between the Nurse Work Environment and Job Outcomes Among Inpatient Psychiatric Mental Health Registered...

Psychiatric Mental Health Registered Nurses (PMH-RNs) are the largest group of healthcare providers working within inpatient mental health settings. Despite longstanding concerns about the emotional demands and safety of nurses practicing in these settings, few studies have examined associations between organizational factors and nurse job outcomes among inpatient PMH-RNS.

To examine burnout, job dissatisfaction and intent to leave among PMH-RNs employed in inpatient psychiatric units and how these job outcomes are associated with the quality of their nurse work environments.

This cross-sectional study combined data from the 2023/2024 Penn Nurses4All and 2023 American Hospital Association (AHA) survey data.

Approximately 4 out of 10 inpatient PMH-RNs experience high burnout as well as high levels of job dissatisfaction and intent to leave their roles. More favourable nurse work environments were associated with reduced negative job outcomes among inpatient PMH-RNs.

Our findings provide insight into the current state of the PMH-RN workforce and how the nurse work environment may represent a modifiable factor to improve nurse wellbeing, job satisfaction and job retention among this group. Policymakers and administrators should prioritize this vital group of health care professionals by improving interdisciplinary teamwork, promoting adequate staffing levels and creating a safe and inclusive environment for PMH-RNs.