Factors affecting advice-seeking activities at hospital wards by novice nurses and nurses in their second year of work

Abstract

Objective: To determine the association between advice-seeking activities by novice and second-year nurses at hospital wards and the following factors: relationship with nurses in the same ward, Ibasho (sense of authenticity and self-usefulness), and self-efficacy.

Method: Anonymous self-reported questionnaires were distributed to 250 novice nurses and 257 second-year nurses from four acute care hospitals between June and August, 2016. The questionnaire enquired about advice-seeking activities at hospital wards, relationships with nurses in the same ward (social support and negative reactions), Ibasho, self-efficacy, and personal attributes. Questions about advice-seeking activities were based on four hypothetical situations: 1. changes to a patient's drainage, 2. anxiety due to uncertainty about a patient's care, 3. changes in a patient's mood (unusual behaviors or conversations), and 4. making suggestions for patient care. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to determine the factors affecting advice-seeking activities in these situations.

Results: A total of 181 responses were collected (response rate, 35.7%). Valid responses from 94 novice nurses and 86 second-year nurses were used. No models were obtained by SEM for any of the four situations among novice nurses, or for situations 1, 2, and 3 among second-year nurses. The model for situation 4 among second-year nurses (n = 65) showed that emotional support from senior nurses and peers with the same number of years of experience and self-efficacy affected advice-seeking activities through Ibasho (GFI = .958, AGFI = .902, RMSER = .000).

Conclusion: Emotional support from peers and self-efficacy affected advice-seeking activities through Ibasho, among second-year nurses.