Caring Behaviors and Job Involvement among Cardiac Nurses: A Descriptive Study.

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases present significant challenges to healthcare systems, highlighting the need for nurses capable of providing high-quality care. Caring behaviors and job involvement are key factors that significantly influence the quality of care delivered in cardiac units. This study aimed to identify the determinants of these factors among nurses working in cardiac units.

Materials and methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted in 2023 to determine the predictors of caring behavior and job involvement among 220 cardiac unit nurses in Iran (Isfahan). Data were collected using random sampling and demographic questionnaires, Kanungo's Job Involvement questionnaires, and Wolf's Caring Behaviors Inventory. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS V.26, including descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and ANOVA.

Results: The findings revealed that the mean (SD) age of participants was 32.43 (6.83) years, with 27.7% male and 72.3% female nurses. The nurses reported an above-average caring behaviors score of 82.53 (9.97) and a moderate job involvement level of 24.1 (6.38). Caring behaviors was significantly correlated with marital status, work experience, ward and hospital of employment, and professional interest (p < 0.05). Job involvement was also significantly associated with gender, education level, marital status, employment status, work experience, hospital of employment, and professional interest (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Providing high-quality care in cardiac units requires consideration of factors beyond nurses' education, permanent job position, or age. In the Iranian cultural context, married nurses with more work experience, a greater interest in their profession, and a positive relationship with their work environment demonstrated higher job involvement and better caring behaviors toward cardiac patients.