Correlations between performance and shift work in the nursing activities: a pilot approach

Performance assessment is a key administrative function and an essential component of organizational quality programs, by quantifying it in relation to set goals, standards, expectations and guides to improvement initiatives. The present study aimed to correlate the nursing performance levels perceived by the nurses themselves with the levels of organizational well-being. Methods. An on-line questionnaire was administered to Italian nurses in order to assess nursing performance, thanks to the Six-Dimension on Nursing performance questionnaire and also the wll-being of nursing organization was explored thanks to the Questionnaire on nursing organization- brief form questionnaire (QISO brief form).Significant correlations were assessed between the nursing performance sub dimensions on frequency sub scale and each sub-dimensions of the well-being questionnaire (p.001). Also in Teaching/Collaboration sub-dimension of the quality nursing performance sub scale, positive correlations were recorded with the QISO brief form.Findings were in agreement with the little current literature on this topic, as: the nursing sector might implement reforms and instill an organizational culture in which staff feel they own their profession and will be intimately involved in the vision and mission of their organizations. To help achieve this and improve health services, nurses' organizational engagement enhancement policies should be implemented as an organizational issue requiring the development of strategies for recruiting, attracting and retaining engaged nurses.