Quality of nursing work life and level of stress across different regions in Saudi Arabia- a cross sectional study.

AIM

This study investigates the quality of nursing work life and level of stress at hospitals located in different regions in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND

Nursing staff are at increased risk of distress and are exposed to a variety of wear-generating elements that may influence the professional quality of work life.

METHODS

A quantitative, cross-sectional and snowball sampling was used to collect data (n = 303) among nurses across different regions in Saudi Arabia using an electronic survey.

RESULTS

Most respondents were 26-35 years of age (67.7%), women (90.8%) and staff nurses (61.4%). The total mean Quality of Nurse Work-Life (QNWL) score was 147.9 (SD = 30.0), and the total mean stress score was 14.8 (SD = 6.08). A significant correlation was found between stress score and total quality of nursing work life score and its domains (p < 0.001). A higher stress score was associated with older age (>35 years), Saudi nationality and sub-degree education. Better quality of nursing work life scores for nurses working (<30 h) while poor score was associated with working experience in the current unit (<5 years).

CONCLUSION

Stress negatively affects the quality of nursing work life of nurses. More working experience with shorter working hours improves the quality of nursing work life.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Collaboration with open communication to support nurses through promotion of working condition and psychological well-being for adequate quality of nursing work life is crucial by all management levels.