Association Between Quality of Nursing Work-Life and Caring Behavior Among Critical Care Nurses

Objective: This study aimed to examine the quality of nursing work life (QNWL) and its association with caring behaviors among critical care nurses in Iraq.

Methods and Materials: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2024 and January 2025 in four hospitals across Diyala and Baghdad governorates, Iraq. A convenience sample of 143 critical care nurses was recruited. Data collection instruments included a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Brooks Quality of Nursing Work Life Survey (QNWL), and the Caring Behavior Inventory (CBI-16). Validity and reliability of both tools were confirmed via expert review and Cronbach's alpha (>0.9). Data were analyzed using SPSS v23, including the Wilcoxon rank test and Spearman’s rho to assess relationships.

Findings: The results indicated that 78.3% of nurses reported a moderate level of QNWL, while 81.2% exhibited high levels of caring behavior. Only 1.4% reported low QNWL, and 0.7% reported low caring behavior. A statistically significant relationship was found between QNWL and caring behavior (Z = -8.814, p < 0.001), with higher QNWL associated with higher caring behavior. No significant association was observed between demographic variables and the main study outcomes.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that QNWL plays a critical role in shaping nurses’ caring behaviors in critical care settings. Organizational efforts to enhance the work environment may improve both nurse satisfaction and patient care quality.