Authors
- Jelena Slijepčević – University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Croatia, Department for Education and Professional Development of Nursing, Kišpatićeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; University of Applied Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Mlinarska cesta, Zagreb, Croatia
- Sladjana Rezić – University of Applied Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Mlinarska cesta, Zagreb, Croatia; University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Croatia, Department of Quality Assurance and Improvement, Kišpatićeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Adriano Friganović – University of Applied Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Mlinarska cesta, Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Rijeka, Department of Nursing, Viktora Cara Emina 5, Rijeka, Croatia
- Evanthia Georgiu – Education Sector, Nursing Services, Ministry of Health, 1 Prodromou & Chilonos Street 17, 1448 Nicosia, Cyprus
DOI
https://doi.org/10.65241/wh.8.2.3
Article type:
Original Scientific Paper
Abstract:
Background: Working in a supportive, healthy environment has a direct and positive impact on patient satisfaction and is also closely linked to nurse retention, job satisfaction, turnover, and burnout. The aim of the study was to focus on the perceptions and experiences of critical care nurses in Croatia.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire, the Healthy Work Environment Assessment Tool, distributed to intensive care nurses in Croatia. Data analysis was conducted using R (version 4.1.0; R Core Team, 2021) and SPSS (version 26 for Windows). Descriptive statistics were used to assess the state of critical care nurses’ work environments across the six American Association of Critical-Care Nurses subscales.
Results: The mean scores for the implementation of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Healthy Work Environment. Standards at the unit level indicate moderate levels across all six domains. Among 277 nurses, the highest mean score was observed for Meaningful Recognition (M = 2.7, SD = 0.7), followed by True Collaboration and Authentic Leadership (M = 2.5, SD = 0.6–0.7). Lower scores were reported for Skilled Communication, Effective Decision-Making, and Appropriate Staffing (M = 2.4, SD = 0.6–0.7). All mean differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Targeted investments in staffing infrastructure, leadership training, formal recognition systems, and psychological safety protocols are crucial for fostering healthier work environments, enhancing nurse retention, and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Keywords:
Nurses, critical care, healthy, work environment, Croatia.