Association between nursing work environment and decision fatigue in Chinese clinical nurses: A latent profile and mediation analysis

Abstract

This study examined latent subtypes of the nursing work environment and the mediating role of job stress in the association between environment type and decision fatigue among clinical nurses. A total of 812 clinical nurses were included from the four public tertiary hospitals between May 2023 and July 2023. A latent profile analysis was conducted to identify heterogeneity in the nursing work environment. Decision fatigue was predicted by frequent night shifts, extended overtime, and heavy patient load. Job stress partially mediated the link between exhausting-straining environment and decision fatigue and significantly mediated the stagnant-buffered environment decision fatigue association. Findings highlight that enhancing work conditions and reducing stress may mitigate decision fatigue and promote nurses’ effectiveness and occupational health.