Work Environment and Socio-Demographic Factors of Psychiatric Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study in Hospitals of Eastern Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The work environment in healthcare institutions, especially in psychiatric hospitals, plays a crucial role in shaping the experiences and efficacy of nurses’ performance. This environment is influenced by various factors such as facility design, resource availability, workplace culture, support systems, and interpersonal dynamics. Understanding the intricate dynamics of the work environment in psychiatric hospitals is essential for ensuring the provision of high-quality mental healthcare services and enhancing the overall quality of life for both patients and healthcare providers, including nurses. However, the work environment of psychiatric nurses in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia is still inadequately understood. Objective: This study aimed to examine the work environment of nurses working in psychiatric hospitals in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Method: A cross-sectional research design was employed on a sample of 346 nurses using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. The survey method was adopted with the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (revised, Arabic version). Results: The study found a significant association between psychiatric nurses’ work environment and their socio-demographic characteristics. Demographic factors, such as age and years of experience, were identified as influencing factors of nurses’ perceptions of their work environment. Younger nurses and those with fewer years of experience reported greater job satisfaction when their work environment was positive. Conclusions: This study underscores the critical importance of maintaining a supportive work environment for psychiatric nurses due to its possible direct influence on their job satisfaction, work performance, quality of life, and overall well-being. Tailoring interventions to address demographic variations in perceptions of the work environment can enhance the well-being of nurses and improve the quality of care provided to psychiatric patients. These findings contribute to the body of knowledge on psychiatric nursing and have clinical implications for healthcare institutions that aim to optimize their work environments and retain a skilled and satisfied nursing workforce.