Practice environment and work-related quality of life among nurses in a selected hospital in Zamboanga, Philippines: A correlational study

Abstract

Background & Aim: Nurses often work in problematic work environments, characterized by various difficulties and stress-factors that can undermine nurses’ full capacity to provide excellent care. Also, the nurse practice environment can have an impact on the quality of work-life, nurse recruitment and retention, and quality patient outcomes. Thus, the study assessed the relationship between practice environment and work-related quality of life as perceived by nurses in a selected hospital in Zamboanga City, Philippines. Methods & Materials: A descriptive correlational design was used in the study, and the total population of nurses was recruited as participants. The Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index and Work-Related Quality of Life Scale were used to gather the needed data. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and Spearman rank-order correlation. Results: A total of 103 nurses were surveyed in the study. In the perceived practice environment scale, it was revealed that the nursing foundation for quality of care was the highest (M=3.01, SD=0.20) and staffing and resource adequacy was the lowest (M=2.56, SD=0.45). On the other hand, job career satisfaction was the highest (M=3.64, SD=0.57) and stress at work was the lowest (M=2.55, SD=0.22) in the perceived work-related quality of life scale. The study showed a significant relationship between the perceived practice environment and perceived work-related quality of life (rho=0.287, p=0.003). Conclusion: The study revealed that nurses have a favorable work-related quality of life and practice environment. However, formulating and enhancing programs for nurses such as incentive and professional development should be done as this can help foster and sustain a positive practice environment and job satisfaction.