Background: Nurses’ positive work environments enhance not only their satisfaction but also improve patient safety and quality of care. Although a large number of studies aimed at creating a positive work environment for nurses exist, no study has comprehensively identified all aspects of “Hatarakinikusa”, even though they reflect Japanese nurses’ perceptions of the work environment directly. Furthermore, many related studies have been done from the organizational point of view. However, individual nurses’ autonomous contributions are also very important to reduce “Hatarakinikusa” to improve the work environment. To promote these contributions of individuals, it is necessary to understand nurses’ perceptions of “Hatarakinikusa”.
Aim: The purpose of this article is to identify staff nurses’ perceptions of “Hatarakinikusa” in hospitals using a qualitative and inductive approach, and to discuss how individual nurses reduce “Hatarakinikusa” to make their workplaces a good place to work.
Method: A questionnaire asking for nurses’ perceptions of “Hatarakinikusa” in their workplace was created. Content validity of the questionnaire was established by conducting two pilot studies. Content analysis for nursing education based on Berelson’s methodology was applied. This study was conducted as part of a larger study.
Result: Four hundred and forty-five nurses returned (return rate 55.8%) and 352 valid responses were analyzed. Thirty-seven categories expressing staff nurses’ perceptions of “Hatarakinikusa” included; 1)the presence of personnel whose characteristics are not desirable for collaboration, 2)poor level of establishment of a collaboration system, 3)absence of personnel who willingly respond to requests to communicate about work situations, 4)negative responses to requests to exercise one’s occupational rights, 5)demands for attendance at activities which encroach upon one’s private life and 6)compulsory work-related study regardless of necessity or one’s willingness.
Discussion: This study found that “Hatarakinikusa” includes 1), 3), and 4), which could be improved by ones’ own efforts. These categories are useful as objective points of view for reflection on one’s attitude toward others. This study also found that “Hatarakinikusa” includes some aspects such as 4), 5), and 6), which have not been paid much attention in other countries. However, these are important for Japanese nurses. Decreasing “Hatarakinikusa” make it easier for nurses to continuing nursing.
Conclusion: Thirty-seven categories expressing staff nurses’ perceptions of “Hatarakinikusa” were identified. It was suggested that not only organizational but also individual contributions are very important in improving nursing work environments and that by decreasing “Hatarakinikusa”, quality of care could be improved as a result of nurses remaining in their jobs for a longer time and developing their careers.