Enhancing Nurse Performance in Iranian Hospitals: Expert and Stakeholder Insights on Key Influencing Factors

Abstract

Background: Nurses play a critical role in healthcare delivery and public health advancement, yet they face numerous challenges such as work pressure, financial constraints, job-related stress, and burnout. This research aims to identify the factors that influence enhancing nurses’ performance in Iranian hospitals, as perceived by experts and stakeholders. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study, conducted in 2024, employed conventional content analysis. Participants included nurses, hospital administrators, human resources specialists, and healthcare policymakers, selected through targeted sampling from university hospitals with varied performance metrics. Data were collected via semistructured interviews and analyzed in three stages: identifying themes, comparing concepts, and categorizing subthemes to extract core concepts. Results: The analysis revealed seven primary themes, 21 subthemes, and 70 specific issues. Key themes included skill and occupational knowledge, job satisfaction, organizational structure and managerial support, nurse involvement and roles, professional growth, standards and service excellence, and professional proficiency in nursing. For instance, the theme of Job Knowledge and Skills encompassed subthemes such as the necessity of domain-specific knowledge, the development of learning opportunities, and the importance of continuing education. Conclusions: The findings indicate that improving nurses’ performance requires a multifaceted approach, focusing on skill and knowledge enhancement, increased job satisfaction, stronger managerial and organizational support, and pathways for professional growth. Continuous educational improving working conditions and robust professional networks are essential to elevate nursing quality and job satisfaction. These insights can inform the development of effective policies to enhance nurses’ performance and improve the overall quality of healthcare services.