Investigations into the impact of nursing unit layout on critical care nurses

BACKGROUND: Nurses’ work environment has apparent implications for maximizing their productivity, satisfaction, and improving patient care. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the influence of three nursing unit spatial layouts on critical care nurses’ satisfaction and walking behavior at a university hospital. METHODS: The research used a comparative design by administering a standardized questionnaire, recording walking steps and distances using pedometers, and tracking nurses’ walking behavior. Thirty-six critical care nurses working on the morning shift consented to participate in the research. RESULTS: The study results showed a relationship between the spatial layout of intensive care units (ICUs) and nurses' satisfaction and walking behavior. Questionnaire results indicated statistically significant variations in nurses' satisfaction with the location of the nursing station, the arrangement of patients' rooms, the availability of family space, and the unit's auditory privacy. Nurses in ICU1 were more satisfied with the nursing station's placement and the availability of family space inside patient rooms, while nurses in ICU2 were more satisfied with the patient bed arrangement and the unit's aural privacy than nurses in other units. The pedometer readings and movement maps revealed significant differences in nurses' walking patterns across the three ICUs. The steps, distances, and movement diagrams demonstrated that ICU1 with private rooms outperformed the other units owing to the nurse station's placement and accessibility to patients and support rooms. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that the ICU design impacts nurses' satisfaction and behavior. The optimum placement of nursing stations, patients' beds, and supporting room reduces walking distance and thus increases nurses’ satisfaction and performance.