Effects of nursing level system on psychological contract of ICU nurses

Abstract

Objective To investigate the psychological contract status of ICU nurses and explore the effects of nursing level system on psychological contract. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 102 ICU nurses in China-Japan Friendship Hospital by using the nurses' psychological contract scale and general information questionnaire. Results The score of nurse psychological contract scale was (135.43±20.31) . Grouped according to demographic characteristics, there was no significant difference in nurses' psychological contract of three groups and the score of each dimension. The average scores of psychological contract of samples in three groups with different nursing level were: (138.25±20.78) in N1 group, (127.11±17.95) in N2 group, (140.70±18.34) in N3 group, and the order of average scores was N2 0.05) . 62.7% of nurses considered that they were hired with reasonable level, and their psychological contract was (139.52±21.26) points; 37.3% considered that their abilities were underestimated, and their psychological contract score was (128.55±16.72) , with a significant difference among three groups (t=2.718, P<0.05) . Conclusions The nursing level system has certain effects on the psychological contract of nurses. However, it is necessary to strengthen the communication and consensus with nurses in the implementation and management of the system, so as to exert the positive effect of the system. Key words: Intensive care unit; Nurse; Nursing level system; Psychological contract; Turnover