The mediating role of professional identity between work environment and caring behavior: a cross-sectional survey among hospice nurses in China

BackgroundAs core members of hospice care team, the hospice nurses' ability to care for patients not only directly affects the standard of patient care, but also significantly impacts patient quality of life. It can be seen that it is very meaningful for patients to improve the caring behavior of hospice nurses. Therefore, it is necessary to deeply explore the influencing factors of nurses' caring behavior and further clarify the mechanism between them.MethodsThe STROBE guideline was performed to report this study. We conducted a cross-sectional survey from December 2023 to February 2024. In this study, 392 hospice nurses were recruited from tertiary public hospitals in East China by convenient sampling method. Participants were investigated using the Practice Environment Scale, Professional Identity Scale, and Caring Behaviors Inventory. Structural equation modelling was utilized to verify the research hypotheses.ResultsThe results revealed that there were significant and positive correlations between work environment, professional identity and caring behavior. Furthermore, professional identity partially mediated the relationship between work environment and caring behavior.ConclusionWork environment is critical to improving hospice nurses' caring behavior. Professional identity plays an intermediary role impacting how work environment promotes caring behavior among Chinese hospice nurses. Nursing managers should have a correct understanding of the relationship between them. Targeted measures and coping strategies need to be actively taken to create a better working environment for hospice nurses. This would enhance professional identity, and thereby promote caring behavior.