Work Environment, Skills Utilization and Health of Swedish Nurses - Results from a National Questionnaire Study

Nurses make up a considerable proportion of the Swedish health care staff. Few nationally representative studies of their work environment and health, however, have been published. The present questionnaire study on work conditions, skill utilization, health and well-being of a national representative sample of 3,500 Swedish nurses, indicates a high degree of job satisfaction. Despite high satisfaction, 40% of the respondents felt too tired after work to socialize with family and 45% had seriously considered quitting their jobs. Factors such as improved work climate and development of supervisory skills were suggested as psychosocial interventions. Improvement in physical work environment factors had low priority. Medical care nurses perceive a higher work load and higher job demands in relation to decision latitude, and geriatric nurses report less work development. No differences between disciplines were found in work relations. In conclusion, there is a need to further develop skills development and utilization and work organization. Results will be used in interventions to enhance the work environment for nurses.