Effects of Work Environment, Shift Durations, and Patient-Nurse Ratio on Nurse Outcomes: A Scoping Review

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the results of published studies conducted on the effects of work environment, shift durations, and patient-nurse ratio on nurse outcomes. Method: In this scoping review, studies conducted with nurses working in adult clinics and published in peer-reviewed journals between 2000 and 2021, in which the effects of work environment, shift durations, and patient-nurse ratio on nurse outcomes were investigated were searched in the EBSCO, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and ULAKBİM databases. Databases were screened using the following words: 'nurse staffing, patient-nurse ratio, nurse work environment, shift duration, nurse outcomes, intention to leave organization/job/occupation, turnover, job satisfaction, nurse retention, and burnout.' Results: In total, 32 studies were included in the review. These studies indicated that nurses who perceived the working environment positively had higher job satisfaction. In contrast, they had lower burnout, intention to leave the job/profession, and turnover rate. Studies have shown that nurses who work for 12 hours or more have a high level of job dissatisfaction, burnout, and intention to leave. On the other hand, a higher patient-nurse ratio is linked to more job dissatisfaction, burnout, stress, fatigue, stab wounds, absenteeism, and intention to leave the job. Conclusion: The results of high-quality studies included in this review demonstrated that the work environment and shift durations of nurses and patient-nurse ratio positively affected job satisfaction, burnout, stress, fatigue, stab wounds, absenteeism, and intention to leave. It is recommended that nurse managers utilize these results in their decision-making process and shape health policies by influencing decision-makers.