Thriving or Surviving? A structural equation model of organizational culture and professional quality of life among Filipino nurse educators in America

Background: The increasing dependence on immigrant nurse educators within U.S. healthcare education systems underscores the importance of understanding their workplace adaptation challenges. This study examined the influence of organizational culture components on professional quality of life (ProQoL) among Filipino nurse educators, a population particularly susceptible to workplace stressors. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we surveyed 204 Filipino nurse educators across U.S. academic institutions. Validated instruments including the Nursing Culture Assessment Tool (NCAT), Survey of Perceived Organizational Support (SPOS), Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9S), and Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQoL-V) were administered, with data analyzed through covariance-based structural equation modeling. Results: Participants (mean age=42, 89% female, 78% married) showed strong nursing culture perceptions (highest: expectations M=4.31; lowest: satisfaction M=4.12). Work engagement was moderately high (M=4.44), especially dedication (M=4.76). ProQoL profiles indicated moderate-high compassion satisfaction (41.96), moderate secondary trauma (23.00), and average burnout (22.56). SEM revealed nursing culture and organizational support directly impacted all ProQoL dimensions (β=0.36-0.48), while work engagement only affected secondary trauma (β=0.27). Nursing culture didn't predict organizational support (β=0.08, ns). Conclusion: Organizational culture components differentially influence immigrant educators' well-being. Targeted interventions should strengthen workplace support systems while addressing engagement-related trauma risks to enhance retention and work-life balance.