The impact of the work environment on the health-related quality of life of Licensed Practical Nurses: a cross-sectional survey in four work environments

Abstract

Background Nurses are known to have negative health outcomes related to their work. While it is acknowledged that nursing work is associated with things like back injuries and burnout, there is limited evidence as to what factors in the work environment contribute to these issues. Purpose The aims of this study were to assess how Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) report their Health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and how nurses’ health is impacted by their work environment. Methods These data used for analysis comes from a cross-sectional survey administered online to all LPNs in Alberta (2018). The survey collected data on the following variables: participant’s demographics, the SF-36 HRQoL, Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (PES-NW) and the CD-RISC measure of resilience. The beta distribution was used to model HRQoL outcomes. In instances where optimal health (score of ‘1’) was observed then an extended version of beta distribution (called one—inflated beta) was applied. Results 4,425 LPNs responded to the survey. LPNs (mean age: 40) report lower scores on each SF-36 subscale than the general Canadian population aged 35–44. LPNs who work ‘causal’ had better physical health, (OR 1.21, CI 1.11–1.32, p = 0.000), and mental health (OR 1.22, CI 1.12–1.30, p = 0.000) than LPNs who work full time, even after controlling for resilience. LPNs’ views on the adequacy of staffing and resources in their workplaces have an influence across all dimensions of health. Conclusion This study suggests that improvements in the work environment could positively impact health outcomes and that adequate resourcing could support the nursing workforce.

Quality of life associated with nursing professionals’ individual resources and work

“…The sociodemographic profile of the studied sample supports that described in other studies with nursing professionals, in which individuals were mostly under 50 years old ( 30 , 31 ) , female ( 30 , 32 , 33 ) , married or living in a stable union ( 32 , 33 ) ; however, the family income found was higher than in other Brazilian studies ( 31 , 34 ) .…”

“…This aspect of QoL assesses the social, sexual and support circle of family and friends. Despite the undeniable impact of the pandemic on healthcare professionals, nursing was already facing difficulties, such as shift work, often incompatible with that of family and friends, limiting their participation in social activities, physical activities and impacting their time available for sleep and rest ( 8 , 34 ) .…”

Areas of work‐life, psychological capital and emotional intelligence on compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction among nurses: A cross‐sectional study

“…Indeed, it is unclear whether RNs and LPNs have similar antecedents of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction. In Canada, both RNs and LPNs are provincially regulated nursing professions that draw from the same clinical knowledge base, work collaboratively and share responsibility for coordinating and delivering clinical patient care (Canadian Institute for Health Information, 2021 ; Montayre & Montayre, 2017 ; Phillips et al., 2022 ; Squires et al., 2019 ; Thompson et al., 2021 ). However, due to greater education requirements, RNs' scope of practice is wider than LPNs and requires greater leadership, critical thinking and clinical judgement (Phillips et al., 2021 ; Thompson et al., 2021 ).…”

Contributing to a Healthier World: Exploring the Impact of Wellbeing on Nursing Burnout

“…Another study (Phillips et al, 2022) of over 4,400 nurses (licensed practical nurses) suggests that nurses' health is not purely impacted by personal behavioral choices, but also by the workplace environment. Thus, creating unfocused wellbeing courses for nurses may boost their wellness but may not necessarily reduce burnout at work.…”