Nurses' views on hospital organizational characteristics

Background Positive organizational characteristics are conducive to healthy work environments. Hospitals with positive organizational characteristics and healthy work environments attract nurses. In turn, positive organizational characteristics and healthy work environments in hospitals will result in positive nurse, patient, and organizational outcomes. Aim The aim of this study was to assess hospital organizational characteristics from the viewpoint of registered nurses (RNs) in the country of Jordan. Methods The researcher used a survey method to conduct the study; the Revised Nursing Work Index (NWI-R) was used to collect data, utilizing a convenience sample of 308 RNs with a total response rate of 75%. Findings The strongest positive hospital organizational characteristic was the presence of adequate support services which allow nurses to spend time with their patients. The strongest negative hospital organizational characteristics were the nursing delivery systems-particularly in primary nursing where they result in nurses having to do things that are against their nursing judgment-and the limited opportunities and freedom over many aspects of nursing care and unit/ward decisions. Conclusions Positive hospital organizational characteristics should be maintained because these produce positive nurse, patient, and organizational outcomes. Fostering a positive hospital organizational environment is a continuous effort. The results have implications for practice, research, and education.