Nursing practice environment and work satisfaction in critical units

Abstract

Objective:: to analyze the association between the environment of nursing practices and work satisfaction in Intensive Care Units (ICU).

Method:: a cross-sectional study was performed in eight adult ICUs of a public university hospital between 2012 and 2015. The Nursing Work Index-Revised (NWI-R), in their short forms, and the Index of Work Satisfaction (IWS) were applied to investigate the environment of nursing practices and work satisfaction, respectively.

Results:: a total of 100 (34.84%) nurses and 187 (65.15%) nursing assistants/technicians participated in this study. The environment was favorable for autonomy and relationships and it showed vulnerability for control of practices and organizational support. The IWS score indicated low work satisfaction. "Environment of practices", "length of work in the ICU" and "willingness to work" were associated with work satisfaction.

Conclusion:: to invest in the environment of practices, in factors that promote willingness to work and length of experience in the ICU increases nursing work satisfaction.