Socio-demographic profiles and nurse practice environment among Filipino Staff Nurses

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 is an unprecedented health crisis that has strongly shaken the whole world. There is a paucity of studies comparing the perception of the nurse practice environment in the Philippines. Aim: To determine Filipino nurses' practice environment and compare the respondents' perceptions according to socio-demographic profiles. Design: This study utilized a descriptive-comparative design, using the Practice Environment Survey- Nurse Work Index (PES-NWI). Results: Staff nurses perceived the most favorable perception of Nurse Manager Ability, Leadership, and Support of Nurses (x=3.3, SD=0.63), while, staffing and resources adequacy (x=2.8, SD=.71) were viewed as less favorable. The participants agree they experienced a favorable nurse practice environment (x=3.1, SD=0.59). There is no significant difference in the perception of the practice environment when grouped according to age (H=3.87, p =0.14), sex (U = 9855.50, z = -1.54, p =.125), civil status (H =.31, p =.96). educational attainment (H =2.58, p =.275) and committee involvement (U = 5913.50, z= -1.54, p =.123). A significant difference was observed when grouped according to the length of nursing practice (H =11.48, p =.043), nurse level (U = 10358.00, z= -2.52, p =.012), and area of assignment (H = 25.62, p =.002). Conclusion: The study demonstrates that the practice environment of Filipino nurses varied accordingly. Length of nursing practice, nurse level, and area of assignment impact nurses' perceptions of their practice environment. Recommendation: It is recommended to optimize the practice environment by providing continuous education and training programs, policies and work environments, and ensuring adequate staffing levels.