Other Titles
Rapid Presentation Round
Abstract
Nursing is a demanding profession that requires substantial physical and emotional resilience, making nurses vulnerable to burnout and stress due to high job expectations and challenging work environments. In this context, many nurses are reluctant to seek help or divulge personal stressors, which can adversely affect their performance and coping skills. As a Magnet-recognized healthcare facility, the organization prioritizes outstanding patient outcomes and strives to enhance workplace conditions for nurses. A collaboration between the Magnet department and the Nurse Retention Office aims to understand the influence of the work environment on nursing wellbeing, with a focus on uncovering hidden psychological burdens that may hinder professional growth and personal wellbeing. The concept of wellbeing at work is crucial within the domains of occupational health and scientific research. This study aims to investigate nurses' perceptions of wellbeing within a tertiary care hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia—a locale where research on this topic is limited. The study involves a diverse sample of 1160 nurses and focuses on their understanding of wellbeing and factors affecting it. Qualitative research methodology is employed to provide in-depth insights into individual experiences and perceptions, laying a foundation for future quantitative studies and interventions aimed at improving workplace wellbeing. Data analysis, utilizing thematic analysis, occurred alongside data collection, which included interim analyses after the first two interviews.
The sample consisted of seven nurses with Bachelor of Science degrees, including positions such as Program Director and Nurse Manager, in addition to frontline clinical nurses. Interviews lasted between 30 to 55 minutes, capturing a range of perspectives.
In conclusion, with an increased emphasis on positive psychology, healthcare institutions are adopting initiatives to enhance employee wellbeing. Despite these efforts, workplace surveys often indicate reduced engagement and positive emotions among nurses. This study revealed that nurses recognize critical factors influencing their wellbeing, including salary considerations, social support, career development opportunities, work-life balance, and organizational backing. These findings provide a basis for future qualitative research aimed at creating a supportive work environment for nurses, ultimately benefiting both individual and organizational outcomes.
Notes
References:
Selamu, M., Thornicroft, G., Fekadu, A., & Hanlon, C. (2017). Conceptualisation of job-related wellbeing, stress and burnout among healthcare workers in rural Ethiopia: a qualitative study. BMC health services research, 17, 1-11.
Oliveira, C. M., Kuwabara, B., & Reichhardt, L. (2023). A Plan for Action: The Development of a Statewide Initiative to Improve Nurse Wellbeing in Hawai ‘i. Hawai'i Journal of Health & Social Welfare, 82(8), 194.
Zhao, S., Liu, L., & Chen, H. (2015). Factors influencing the occupational well-being of experienced nurses. International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 2(4), 378-382.
Utriainen, K, et al. (2015). Hospital nurses' wellbeing at work: a theoretical model. Journal of Nursing Management, 23(6), 736-743.
Sigma Membership
Alpha Gamma Epsilon
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Qualitative Research
Keywords:
Workforce, Stress/coping, Interprofessional initiatives
Recommended Citation
Moodley, Vimela; Ross, Diane; Basha, Maab; Khan, Asmaa; Tuifao, Naomi; De Beer, Jennifer; Alsharani, Jamila; and Aljoudy, Abeer, "Nurses’ Perspectives of Their Workplace Well-Being at a Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia" (2025). Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE). 124.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/chwe/2025/presentations_2025/124
Conference Name
Creating Healthy Work Environments
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Nurses’ Perspectives of Their Workplace Well-Being at a Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Nursing is a demanding profession that requires substantial physical and emotional resilience, making nurses vulnerable to burnout and stress due to high job expectations and challenging work environments. In this context, many nurses are reluctant to seek help or divulge personal stressors, which can adversely affect their performance and coping skills. As a Magnet-recognized healthcare facility, the organization prioritizes outstanding patient outcomes and strives to enhance workplace conditions for nurses. A collaboration between the Magnet department and the Nurse Retention Office aims to understand the influence of the work environment on nursing wellbeing, with a focus on uncovering hidden psychological burdens that may hinder professional growth and personal wellbeing. The concept of wellbeing at work is crucial within the domains of occupational health and scientific research. This study aims to investigate nurses' perceptions of wellbeing within a tertiary care hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia—a locale where research on this topic is limited. The study involves a diverse sample of 1160 nurses and focuses on their understanding of wellbeing and factors affecting it. Qualitative research methodology is employed to provide in-depth insights into individual experiences and perceptions, laying a foundation for future quantitative studies and interventions aimed at improving workplace wellbeing. Data analysis, utilizing thematic analysis, occurred alongside data collection, which included interim analyses after the first two interviews.
The sample consisted of seven nurses with Bachelor of Science degrees, including positions such as Program Director and Nurse Manager, in addition to frontline clinical nurses. Interviews lasted between 30 to 55 minutes, capturing a range of perspectives.
In conclusion, with an increased emphasis on positive psychology, healthcare institutions are adopting initiatives to enhance employee wellbeing. Despite these efforts, workplace surveys often indicate reduced engagement and positive emotions among nurses. This study revealed that nurses recognize critical factors influencing their wellbeing, including salary considerations, social support, career development opportunities, work-life balance, and organizational backing. These findings provide a basis for future qualitative research aimed at creating a supportive work environment for nurses, ultimately benefiting both individual and organizational outcomes.
Description
This study investigates nurses' perceptions of well-being in a tertiary care hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Utilizing qualitative methods, the study's key findings highlighted factors influencing well-being such as salary, social support, career development, work-life balance, and organizational support. These insights aim to inform future initiatives for enhancing nurse well-being, ultimately benefiting both staff and patient care outcomes.