Licensed Practical Nurses’ (LPNs’) Evaluations of the Attractiveness of Work and Wellbeing at Work: A Cross-Sectional Nationwide Study

Abstract

Background. Severe challenges in recruiting and retaining healthcare workers exist on a global level and are especially noticeable in elderly care services. Previous studies have not assessed how the attractiveness of a job is related to wellbeing at work among licensed practical nurses (LPNs) even though these professionals are vital in providing care to the elderly. Objective. The purpose of this study is to define factors that affect LPNs’ attractiveness of work and wellbeing at work. Design. A cross-sectional survey study. Participants. A large-scale nationwide sample of 10 848 licensed practical nurses (LPNs) working in Finland. Methods. An online survey for LPNs working in Finland was conducted. Criteria for a good workplace (CFGW), measuring the attractiveness of work and wellbeing at work, were utilized. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed. Cronbach’s alpha values were tested to assess internal consistency (α = 0.739–0.915). An ANOVA or t-test result which indicated a statistically significant between-group difference (which was in line with difference ≥0.1) was considered as both statistically significant and significant in practice. Results. The core group, LPNs’ wellbeing at work (m = 4.36), is extremely important factor of attractiveness of work. Regarding the subgroups high quality of care (m = 4.61), reconciling of work and private life (m = 4.59) and well-functioning practices (m = 4.55) were most important. Well-functioning practices associated with several background variables, e.g., with working for full-time (p ≤ 0.001, mean = 3.10) and age (p < 0.001). LPNs over 56 years old, especially, regard well-functioning practices important (p = 3.17). LPNs’ who were 56 years old or older (m = 3.12) and those who had work experience 1 year or less (m = 3.19) stated rewarding work most important. Conclusions. The core group, wellbeing, is an exceptionally important for the LPNs attractiveness of work. The LPNs’ wellbeing at work is supported by the quality of care and reconciliation of work and private life.