Influence of the practice environment on community service nurses’ subjective well-being, compassion practice and psychological capital

Background: The practice environment as experienced by community service nurses (CSNs) has not been explored in the South African context, and few studies have explored the influence of the practice environment on intrapersonal resources such as subjective well-being, compassion practice and psychological capital. Aim: To describe the influence of the practice environment on CSNs’ subjective well-being, compassion practice and psychological capital, and the association between these variables and selected personal and situational demographic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed with self-report questionnaires used to collect data from an all-inclusive sample of CSNs that studied in North West Province and began their community service year there in 2016 (N = 284; n = 60). Results: CSNs perceive the practice environment as favourable (M = 2.60; SD = 0.65). CSNs are satisfied with life (M = 24.89; SD = 5.68), have high levels of positive affect (M = 39.13; SD = 7.97), compassion satisfaction (M = 5.44; SD = 0.71) and psychological capital (M = 5.67; SD = 0.95). Nurse foundations of quality of care and nurse participation in hospital affairs had the most influence on intrapersonal resources. The positive components of subjective well-being, compassion satisfaction and psychological capital were highly correlated. Situational demographic factors were associated with intrapersonal resources and perceptions of the practice environment. Conclusion: Healthcare facilities should provide a positive practice environment for CSNs, that includes an orientation programme with formal organisational and supervision structures, in order to strengthen CSNs’ intrapersonal resources, improve their perceptions of the practice environment, and ultimately improve nurse and patient outcomes.