Factors affecting work ability index among polish nurses working in hospitals - A prospective observational survey.

Abstract

AimsTo assess the ability to work of Polish nurses by age groups.BackgroundThe ability to work is widely discussed in the literature in the context of nurses' productivity; thus, it is necessary to identify the ability to work when facing an increasing demand for services.MethodsThe observational study involved 349 professionally active nurses aged 46.9 ± 9.7 years, with a length of service of 23.5 ± 9.6 years. The Work Ability Index (WAI) was used to assess the nurses' ability to work.ResultsThe ability to work decreases with age (r s = −0.324, p < .000) and with seniority (r s = −0.257; p < .000). Nurses with higher education presented higher Work Ability Index scores. Also, the age (B = −0.25, p < .001), work seniority (B = −0.19, p < .001) and education (masters' degree: B = 1.41, p = .012; ref. secondary) affect work ability.ConclusionsThe ageing process and seniority of nurses negatively affect their ability to work. A lack of programmes to maintain physical condition for nurses can result in a shortage of staff.Implications for nursing managementProgrammes can be developed to create or improve healthy working environments to increase productivity.