The Level and Associated Factors of Creative Deviance of Clinical Nurses

To examine the current level of creative deviance among clinical nurses and identify associated factors.

This study used a cross-sectional design.

A convenience sample of 712 clinical nurses was recruited. Data were collected using the Creative Deviance Scale, Workplace Spirituality Scale and Team Psychological Safety Climate Scale.

Overall, 650 valid questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of 91.3%. The mean creative deviance score among nurses was 17.78 (standard deviation = 2.86). Illness was negatively associated with creative deviance, whereas workplace spirituality and team psychological safety climate were positively associated with creative deviance.

Creative deviance among clinical nurses was moderate. The findings suggest that health status, workplace spirituality and team psychological safety may be relevant to nurses' creative deviance. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify causal relationships.

The findings provide preliminary evidence that may help nursing managers support creative deviance through targeted strategies. Managers may consider health monitoring programs, workplace spirituality initiatives, open dialogue, non-punitive error reporting and formal channels that balance innovation with patient safety.

What Problem Did the Study Address? ○ Empirical research on creative deviance among clinical nurses remains limited. What Were the Main Findings? ○ Illness, workplace spirituality and team psychological safety climate were associated with creative deviance. Where and on Whom Will the Research Have an Impact? ○ The findings may inform nursing management and help nurse administrators foster innovation among clinical nurses.

This study adhered to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guideline for cross-sectional studies.

No patient or public contribution was involved.