Work-related quality of life and performance appraisal among nurses at a tertiary hospital in Philippines

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study is to describe the work-related quality of life (WRQOL) among nurses and explore its association with performance evaluation ratings. Methods: A cross-sectional design was utilized measuring the WRQOL scale and the previous performance appraisal rating. Multistage sampling approach was utilized with nurses stratified based on their position and then systematically random sampled based on their unit assignment. Results: One hundred and eighty-two nurses were included. About half reported a high quality of work life (101; 55.5%). Low scores were noted on the subscale working conditions (100; 54.9%), low to average responses for home-work interface (109; 59.9%), control at work (100; 54.9%), and stress at work (90; 49.5%). A higher proportion of nurses reported positive responses toward the areas of general well-being (113; 62.1%) and job-career satisfaction (112; 61.5%), than in the other subscales. There were notable differences between WRQOL ratings: (1) Head nurses had the highest perceived quality of work life, followed by nurse supervisors and charge nurses (F = 6.1, P < 0.01) and (2) Nurses in the pay-patient services reported lower quality of working life, while those in office and outpatient services had more positive scores (F = 4.6, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Only more than half of the nurses reported a high quality of work life, some of its dimensions, particularly job and career satisfaction and working conditions, appeared to vary in the perceived degree across years in service, work hours, and position. The assessment of the quality of work life may serve as an important tool to address staff burnout, absenteeism and other issues that affect job performance among health-care professionals.