Correlation of happiness and professional autonomy in Iranian nurses

Abstract

Background Happiness and professional autonomy in nurses increase job satisfaction, reduce turnover and improve the quality of healthcare services. Aims The present study aimed to examine the correlation between happiness and professional autonomy in Iranian nurses. Methods This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 371 nurses in 2017. The participants were selected via two-step random sampling. Data were collected using the Oxford Happiness Inventory and Dempster Practice Behaviors Scale within the score ranges of 0–87 and 30–150, respectively. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 16. Results Mean score of happiness among nurses was 43.1 ± 13.3 and the mean score of professional autonomy was 96.4 ± 13.5. According to Pearson's correlation coefficient, professional autonomy had a positive, significant correlation with happiness ( r = 0.481; p < 0.001). In addition, the results of regression analysis indicated that professional autonomy could predict 23% of the happiness variance in the nurses ( p < 0.001). Conclusions According to the results, the level of happiness in Iranian nurses was favourable, whereas the level of professional autonomy was moderate. Considering the significant correlation between happiness and professional autonomy, attention should be paid to the simultaneous enhancement of these variables to improve the efficiency of nursing care.

Levels, antecedents, and consequences of critical thinking among clinical nurses: a quantitative literature review

“…The restricted professional autonomy perceived by nurses, which impeded CT, may be different for each culture or country. For instance, several studies in Asia have reported that nurses lack or have limited authority in providing care for their patients [ 30 , 31 ]; furthermore, while CT allows nurses to generate new ideas quickly, become more flexible, and act independently and confidently, the scope of their action is still ultimately limited by the physician’s clinical decisions [ 10 ]. Thus, several Asian nursing scholars have stressed the growth of professional autonomy among nurses through exercising higher levels of CT as an area that needs support to improve nurses’ clinical competence.…”

Investigation of the Perception of Occupational Safety, Work Stress and Happiness in Healthcare Workers

“…The study determined that the happiness levels of the participants are above average. Research conducted by Nam and Know (2013) and Mousavi et al (2018) also determined the happiness levels of the participants to be at a good level. In a study by Hwang (2019), it was found that the happiness levels of the participants were low.…”

“…Happiness at work means that the employee enjoys his job and loves what he does at work. It is expressed that happiness in the workplace is related to job satisfaction, and happy employees are more satisfied with their jobs than unhappy ones (Duche Pérez & Rivera Galdos, 2019; Hwang, 2019; Mousavi et al, 2018; Stoia, 2016). There is also evidence in the literature that happiness is associated with positive outcomes in different life spheres, including health, performance at work and income.…”

The relationship between ethical leadership and nurse well‐being: The mediating role of workplace mindfulness

“…Today, with the development of the times and the improvement of medical level, people's pursuit of high‐quality health is becoming more and more urgent, which brings greater challenges to the medical and health field. As the largest component of the healthcare system, the nursing group plays an important role in the sustainable development of human health (Mousavi et al, 2019; Xue et al, 2022). As the guardians of human health, nurses serve the public's life and death, and play an irreplaceable role in preventing illness, promoting healings and alleviating sufferings (Shah et al, 2021).…”