Nurses' Autonomy and Problem-Solving Skills as Predictors of Professional Quality of Life among Nurses in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Abstract Background: Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL), encompassing compassion satisfaction (CS), burnout (BO), and secondary traumatic stress (STS), is vital to nurse well-being and patient care. In Saudi Arabia, centralized decision-making structures and limited training opportunities may restrict nurses' autonomy and problem-solving skills, which are essential for maintaining optimal ProQOL. Despite increasing interest in occupational well-being, studies integrating these variables remain scarce in this regional context.

Aim: The study aims to examine the relationship between nurses’ autonomy, problem-solving skills, and ProQOL, and to identify significant predictors of ProQOL among registered nurses in Saudi Arabian hospitals.

Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design was employed. A total of 173 registered nurses from three governmental hospitals in northern Saudi Arabia completed validated tools: the Dempster Practice Behaviors Scale (DPBS), Problem-Solving Inventory (PSI), and Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple linear regression.

Results: Participants reported moderate autonomy (M = 89.18, SD = 7.60), moderate problem-solving ability (M = 107.41, SD = 10.87), and moderate levels across all ProQOL subscales—CS (M = 29.53), BO (M = 30.30), and STS (M = 30.43). PSI total score significantly predicted CS (β = .388, p < .001), and both autonomy (β = .316, p < .001) and PSI (β = –.174, p = .017) significantly predicted STS. No predictors were identified for BO. Evening shift and female nurses reported significantly higher STS (p < .05).

Conclusion: Problem-solving skills are key to enhancing ProQOL, especially compassion satisfaction and STS mitigation. Organizational strategies must balance autonomy with adequate emotional and structural support.