THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NURSING PRACTICE ENVIRONMENT, PSYCHOLOGICAL EMPOWERMENT, AND SAFETY ATTITUDES IN GOVERNMENTAL HOSPITALS IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF SAUDI ARABIA
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Date
2026
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Publisher
Saudi Digital Library
Abstract
This study aims to examine the interrelationships between the nursing practice
environment, psychological empowerment, and safety attitudes among nurses working in
governmental hospitals in the northern region of Saudi Arabia, with a particular focus on
identifying the extent to which these variables, along with selected sociodemographic and
work-related characteristics, predict psychological empowerment and safety attitudes. A
descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational research design was employed, targeting a
convenience sample of 162 registered nurses working in four governmental hospitals. Data
were collected between February and March 2026 using a structured, self-administered online
questionnaire comprising four main components: sociodemographic and work-related
variables; the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index; the Psychological
Empowerment Scale; and the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire. The results revealed that nurses
perceived moderate levels of the nursing practice environment (M = 2.83, SD = 0.94),
psychological empowerment (M = 3.39, SD = 1.30), and safety attitudes (M = 3.34, SD =
1.24). Significant positive correlations were found among all three variables, indicating that a
more supportive work environment is associated with higher psychological empowerment and
more positive safety attitudes. Regression analysis further showed that the nursing practice
environment was the strongest predictor of both psychological empowerment and safety
attitudes, while age, marital status, and monthly income also emerged as significant predictors
Description
The nursing practice environment is a fundamental component in achieving and sustaining
high-quality healthcare. It encompasses several organizational and administrative factors,
such as leadership support, adequate staffing and resources, clearly defined roles, and effective
communication systems (Xin Wang et al., 2024; Yilmaz & Yilmaz Kocak, 2024). Evidence
has demonstrated that a favorable work environment for nurses is associated with lower
burnout rates, greater job satisfaction, and enhanced capacity to deliver safe and effective care
(Yilmaz & Yilmaz Kocak, 2024). Moreover, a supportive environment helps healthcare team
members work together more effectively, making the workplace more conducive to nurses
performing their jobs and improving the quality of healthcare services (Sansó et al., 2021;
Taketomi et al., 2024).
Keywords
Psychological Empowerment, Nursing Practice Environment, Safety Attitudes, Nurses, Patient Safety, Work Environment, Saudi Arabia, Governmental Hospitals.
Citation
22022456