The relationship between quality of work life and location of cross-training among obstetric nurses in urban northeastern Ontario, Canada: A population-based cross sectional study

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine the quality of work life of registered nurses working in obstetrics at 4 hospitals in northeastern Ontario and explore demographic and occupational factors related to nurses' quality of work life (QWL). Material and Methods: A stratified random sample of registered nurses (N = 111) selected from the 138 eligible registered nurses (80.4%) of staff in the labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum areas at the 4 hospitals participated. Logistic regression analyses were used to consider QWL in relation to the following: 1) demographic factors, and 2) stress, employment status and educational attainment. Results: In the logistic regression model, the odds of a higher quality of work life for nurses who were cross trained (nurses who can work across all areas of obstetrical care) were estimated to be 3.82 (odds ratio = 3.82, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-14.5) times the odds of a higher quality of work life for nurses who were not cross trained. Conclusions: This study highlights a relationship between quality of work life and associated factors including location of cross-training among obstetrical nurses in northeastern Ontario. These findings are supported by the qualitative interviews that examine in depth their relationship to QWL. Given the limited number of employment opportunities in the rural and remote regions, it is paramount that employers and employees work closely together in creating positive environments that promote nurses' QWL.

The Effect of Emotional Intelligence Training on the Quality of Working life in Nurses

“…In the study of Meena, there was a significant relationship between economic status and quality of working life [33]. While in the study of Nowrouzi, there was no association between economic condition and working shifts [34]. The cause of this contradiction can be multifactor influence on the quality of work life and stress imported from around on the nurses which can change the quality of working life [35].…”

Impact of caring for patients with severe and complex disabilities on health care workers’ quality of life: determinants and specificities

“…While stress and burn-out of HCWs have largely been explored in the literature, [6][7][8][9][10]12,13 there are few studies about the QoL of HCWs. A survey among nurses caring for children in a persistent vegetative state showed that they were enduring conflicting emotions and were suffering mental distress.…”

A qualitative study of the work environment in obstetrical nursing in northeastern Ontario, Canada

“…[11] A high QWL has been reported to attract new employees and retain a workforce [12] and studies have identified factors that contribute to nurses' QWL. [13,14] Thus, employers and occupational health experts need to understand the components that comprise a healthy work experience. Moreover, location of cross-training has been associated with increased clinical competencies among nurses in order to work in all work environments of obstetrics and allow for greater decision-making capacity in the delivery of health services.…”

“…Moreover, location of cross-training has been associated with increased clinical competencies among nurses in order to work in all work environments of obstetrics and allow for greater decision-making capacity in the delivery of health services. [14] In this inquiry, a cross-trained nurse in obstetrics is a nurse who is able to perform the job tasks and responsibilities of the three areas of the obstetrical unit including labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum.…”