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

Abstract

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.