Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Thriving in Nursing Questionnaire (THINQ)

AimTo develop and evaluate a questionnaire for measuring factors that contribute to thriving at work among nurses.DesignA cross-sectional study.MethodsAn online questionnaire was administered in March 2024 to nurses in a community teaching hospital in Michigan, US. Questionnaire content was based on a literature search and was pilot tested among nursing professionals within the hospital system. Questionnaire factor structure was examined with exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses with split-half sample validation.ResultsBased on exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, a three-factor solution presented the best model, with factors comprised of 15 items measuring individual resources (3 items), work resources (6 items) and interpersonal aspects of the nursing work environment (6 items). Reliability estimates for all three factors exceeded 0.80, indicating good internal homogeneity. The questionnaire also demonstrated acceptable split-half validity and reliability.ConclusionThe questionnaire presented here provides a potentially useful tool for measuring and evaluating thriving at work among nurses.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient CareA better understanding of factors that enhance nurse thriving would lay the foundation for targeted interventions aimed at improving the nursing work environment and nurse well-being. Enhancing nurse thriving could have a potentially positive impact on patient care.ImpactThis study addressed the need to understand factors that contribute to thriving in nursing work. The questionnaire that was developed revealed a three-factor solution measuring individual nurse resources, work environment resources and work interpersonal resources. By measuring thriving among nurses, hospitals and other healthcare organisations are taking an important first step in identifying interventions to enhance the nursing work environment, nurse well-being and potentially the quality of patient care.Reporting MethodWe followed the STROBE checklist in reporting this study. No patient or public contribution.Reporting MethodWe followed the STROBE checklist in reporting this study. No patient or public contribution.