Quality of work life and related factors among nurses in emergency and critical care departments in Saudi Arabia in 2023: A cross-sectional study

Background: The quality of nurses' work life impacts their well-being, job satisfaction, and the overall quality of patient care.Objective: This study aims to assess the quality of nursing work life (QNWL) and its associated factors, including demographic and occupational variables, among clinical nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs) and emergency departments.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sampling method involving 251 registered nurses from ICUs and emergency departments in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from July 15 to September 14, 2023, utilizing the Brook’s Quality of Nursing Work Life Survey (QNWL). Questionnaires were distributed at nursing reception desks in selected hospitals. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including t-test, multiple linear regression and univariate ANOVA, were performed to evaluate the influence of demographic and work-related variables on overall QNWL using IBM SPSS 29 and JASP software.Results: The mean score for QNWL was 172.12 (SD=27.37), indicating a moderate QNWL. A majority of nurses reported moderate levels of total QNWL (65.3%), moderate satisfaction with home/work life (70.9%), work design (73.7%), and work environment (55.4%), while satisfaction with work context was high (67.7%). The multiple linear regression model for overall QNWL was statistically significant (P<0.05). It revealed that educational qualification and age significantly influenced overall QNWL (P<0.05). However, marital status and family responsibilities, such as having dependent parents or children, did not have a significant impact on overall QNWL (P>0.05).Conclusion: Nurses in Saudi Arabia experience moderate satisfaction concerning work-life balance, work design, and work environment. Younger nurses and those with lower educational qualifications tend to report lower levels of QNWL. It is essential for policymakers to prioritize improvements in workplace conditions, professional development opportunities, and work-life balance initiatives to enhance nurse well-being and mitigate turnover rates.