Factors affecting nurses' attitudes towards risks in the work environment: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim This study aimed to examine the factors affecting nurses' attitudes towards risks in the work environment. Background Nurses' attitudes towards work environment-associated risks affect both risk management and employee health. Methods This descriptive study was conducted with 338 nurses working in a public hospital, university hospital and private hospital. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form and the Nurses' Attitudes Towards Work Environment Risks Scale. Results Nurses were found to have a positive attitude towards risk in the work environment. Regression analysis showed that nurses' attitudes towards risk was affected by institution, gender, access to unit-specific risk management training, past experiences of sharp penetrating tool injuries, acceptance of risks due to the belief that risks are unavoidable, exposure to violence from colleagues, exposure to biological hazards and neglect to take risk precautions. Conclusions This study's results show that nurses' attitudes towards risk in the work environment are affected by both individual and organizational factors. Implications for Nursing Management This study's results can help institutions and nurse managers understand the factors affecting nurses' attitudes towards work-related risks, thereby allowing them to determine the primary strategies that may be used to address these factors.