How nurses’ job characteristics affect their self-assessed work environment in hospitals— Slovenian use of the practice environment scale of the nursing work index

Abstract

Background Nurses’ work environment influences nursing practice. Inappropriate working conditions are the result of underdeveloped workplace infrastructure, poor work organisation, inadequate education, and inappropriate staffing norms. The aim of this study was to describe and examine the predictors that affect nurses’ work environment using the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (PES-NWI). Methods The validation of the PES-NWI was made. Nurse-reported job characteristics were used as independent variables. The sample included 1,010 nurses from adult surgical and medical units at 10 Slovenian hospitals. The Nurse Forecasting (RN4CAST) protocol was used. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the National Medical Ethics Committee. Results The PES-NWI mean (2.64) was low, as were job and career satisfaction at 2.96 and 2.89, respectively. The PES-NWI can be explained in 48% with ‘Opportunities for advancement’, ‘Educational opportunities’, ‘Satisfaction with current job’, ‘Professional status’, ‘Study leave’, and ‘Level of education’. A three-factor solution of PES-NWI yielded eight distinct variables. Conclusions The obtained average on the Nursing Work Index was one of the lowest among previously conducted surveys. Nurses should be recognized as equals in the healthcare workforce who need to be empowered to develop the profession and have career development opportunities. Inter-professional relations and equal involvement of nurses in hospital affairs are also very important. Trial registration This is a non-intervention study – retrospectively registered.

Determinants of Job Satisfaction among Nurses from Chilean Hospitals

“…In some European countries, like Slovenia, the postgraduate training of nurses is an incipient reality, a fact that impacts negatively on their job satisfaction. ( 24 In other countries, like Switzerland, more progress has been made in this line, positively impacting satisfaction. 25 In the United States, postgraduate training is widespread, which favors the nurses’ job satisfaction.…”

Nursing Development should Now Become a Priority for Health Systems in Europe

“…The Slovenian RN4CAST study showed that professional development opportunities and educational opportunities are of crucial importance for respondents, which is a response to the hindrance of their professional development, followed by job satisfaction. Relationships with physicians and their behaviour toward nurses are also critical, as they influence nurses’ professional status, create their educational opportunities and promote the development of nursing as a profession and science ( 16 ).…”

“…Creating an optimal working environment for nurses is an important task for managers and leaders, but also for national healthcare policy makers ( 16 ). Policymakers must make systemic changes that prioritise nurses’ well-being.…”

“…In the Slovenian example, salary was important, but not as much as career development opportunities and educational opportunities. Respondents felt that their career development was hindered ( 16 ). Gender inequality and structural racism persist in the European healthcare sector and contribute to the nursing workforce shortage.…”

“…Relationships between nurses and physicians and between nurses and managers are also very important. Ineffective or non-existent collaboration leads to lower empowerment, increased burnout, lower job satisfaction and increased turnover among nurses ( 4 , 7 , 9 , 13 , 14 , 16 , 17 ). Promoting nurses’ ownership, engagement and good interpersonal relationships in the workplace is essential for a positive work environment and quality patient care.…”