The Effects of Communication Ability and Nursing Work Environment on Geriatric Nursing Practices of Nurses in Comprehensive Nursing Care Service Wards: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify factors influencing geriatric nursing practices in nurses working in comprehensive nursing care service wards.Methods: The participants were 181 nurses from comprehensive nursing care service wards across five hospitals. Data were collected from July 16 to August 06, 2021 and analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Scheffé test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression.Results: The average age of nurses who work in the comprehensive nursing care service wards was 31.74±7.51 years, total clinical experience was 8.03±6.67 years, and average comprehensive nursing care service wards experience was 2.03±1.28 years. Geriatric nursing practice was influenced by communication ability (β=.30, p<.001), nursing working environment (β=.24, p=.001), and total clinical experience (β=.22, p=.001). The explanatory power was 21.9% (F=17.83, p<.001, Adj. R2=.22).Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, geriatric care is expected to develop if nurses’ work environments in comprehensive nursing care service wards improve and communication skills are trained. Therefore, it is demanded to organize an efficient working space for nurses and educational program that advances communication for comprehensive nursing care service providers.