Patient Safety: A Multi-Climate Approach to the Nursing Work Environment: A Dissertation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore Zohar’s Multi-Climate Framework for Occupational Safety to determine the effects of staff nurse perceptions of safety priorities in their organization (safety climate) and their work ownership climate (Magnet Hospital designation) on safety citizenship behaviors viewed as in role or extra role. Safety citizenship behaviors are described as behaviors that go beyond the job description to ensure safety. Participants from a convenience sample of three Magnet designated community hospitals in New England completed three scales (Zohar’s Safety Climate Questionnaire, Essentials of Magnetism II and the Safety Citizenship Role Definitions Scale) representing the study variables via an online survey platform. Multivariate analysis of covariance informed the results. Findings include a positive unadjusted relationship between safety climate and work ownership climate (rs=.492, pF (1, 86) = 8.4, p=.005, N=92), controlling for work ownership climate and hospital. Implications include support for a continued focus on better understanding the importance of a positive nursing work environment, a characteristic shared by Magnet designated hospitals, on the presence of safety citizenship behaviors in the acute care environment. A professional work environment should be considered as an important factor in reducing errors in the acute care setting.