The impact of a climate of perceived organizational support on nurses' well-being and healthcare-unit performance: A longitudinal questionnaire study

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the relationship between nurses' climate of perceived organizational support, and their well-being and healthcare-unit performance.

Design: A two-wave cohort questionnaire study among nurses within six hospitals in Sweden.

Methods: Hypotheses were tested using cross-lagged path models on the individual (organizational support, job satisfaction, burnout, intention to stay) and aggregate levels (care-unit organizational support, team effectiveness, patient safety climate and patient safety). Analyses were based on 1.817 nurses in 228 care-units (T1), 1.362 nurses in 213 care-units (T2) and longitudinal samples of 711 nurses and 140 care-units.

Results: Organizational support (T1) positively influenced job satisfaction (T2) and tended to decrease burnout (T2) but did not affect turnover intent. Reversed relationships were also found. No statistically significant prospective effects were found on the aggregate level.

Conclusion: The results indicated a prospective reciprocally reinforcing relationship between organizational support and job satisfaction. Burnout and intention to stay were predictors rather than outcomes of the organizational support climate.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care: A climate where nurses perceive that their organization values their contributions and cares about their well-being is beneficial for their job satisfaction and health, which, according to previous research, may influence nurse retention.

Impact: The study addressed perceived organizational support as a potential predictor of nurses' well-being and healthcare-unit performance. A mutually reinforcing relation was indicated between organizational support and nurses' job satisfaction and health. Job dissatisfaction, burnout symptoms and turnover intentions were prospectively negatively related to the organizational support. Identifying and implementing a variety of practical measures to support perceptions of organizational support may be an effective way for healthcare management to start and sustain the development of a healthier work environment for healthcare professionals.

Reporting method: STROBE statement for cohort studies.

Patient or public contribution: No patient or public contribution.

Keywords: POS‐climate; intention‐to‐leave; nursing; patient safety; well‐being.