J Nurs Res. 2026 May 8. doi: 10.1097/jnr.0000000000000744. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: With the increasing emphasis on sustainability in health care, it is essential to clarify how work conditions and professional identity influence sustainable behavior in nurses. Decent work environments may contribute to professionalism, which is known to foster sustainable practices.
PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate the relationship between decent work practices and self-reported sustainable behavior in nurses, with a focus on the mediating role of professionalism.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 206 clinical nurses. Data were collected using validated Arabic versions of the Decent Work Scale, Nurses’ Professionalism Inventory, and Self-Reported Sustainable Behavior Scale. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation, t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and mediation analysis.
RESULTS: The results revealed significantly positive associations between all of the study variables. Decent work practices were shown to correlate strongly with both professionalism (r=.870) and sustainable behavior (r=.897). Also, professionalism was found to correlate positively with sustainable behavior (r=.823). The results of the mediation analysis confirmed professionalism to significantly mediate the relationship between decent work and sustainable behavior (indirect effect β=0.332, 95% CI [0.194, 0.447]).
CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Decent work conditions enhance professionalism and, as a result, promote sustainable behavior in nurses. These findings underscore the importance of fostering supportive work environments and professionalism to achieve sustainable health care practices. Interventions that enhance decent work and professionalism may play a critical role in advancing sustainability in health care.
PMID:42127335 | DOI:10.1097/jnr.0000000000000744
