The relationship between organizational support, professional quality of life, decent work, and professional well-being among nurses: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Nurses often face challenges such as inadequate welfare protection, injustice, and workplace adversity including violence, bullying, and sexual harassment. In this context, providing sufficient support to nurses is crucial for the promotion of their professional well-being. This study examines the direct and indirect effects of perceived organizational support on nurses’ well-being, particularly highlighting the mediating roles of professional quality of life and the perception of decent work. Methods A cross-sectional survey design was employed in this study. Convenience sampling was used to survey 792 nurses from five tertiary A-grade hospitals in Shanxi Province in January 2024. Data collection tools included a custom demographic survey, the Perceived Organizational Support Scale, Professional Quality of Life Scale, Decent Work Perception Scale, and Nurse Occupational Well-being Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and mediation effect analyses were performed. Results The findings demonstrate that perceived organizational support has a direct impact on nurses’ occupational well-being (β = 0.323, p < 0.001). Additionally, professional quality of life and the perception of decent work play chain mediating roles between perceived organizational support and nurses’ well-being (β = 0.019, BootLLCI = 0.010, BootULCI = 0.030). Conclusions This study highlighted the importance of organizational support in enhancing nurses’ well-being. Professional quality of life and decent work were key mediators. Healthcare institutions should prioritize support measures to improve nurses’ well-being. Future research should explore additional mediators and mechanisms to develop effective strategies for nursing policymakers and administrators.