Understanding nurse-to-nurse relationships and their impact on work environments.

Introduction: Nurse-to-nurse relationships are a key component in determining the health of a work setting. Because of the impact that such relationships can have on patients, health care organizations, nurses, and the nursing profession, it is imperative to understand how nurses relate to each other.

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to present findings from a study that explored how direct-care nurses relate to each other in everyday interactions on patient care units.

Method: This study used a mixed method research design. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected, but only qualitative findings are presented. Eighty-two staff registered nurses responded to a researcher-developed online questionnaire. A qualitative content analysis was conducted. Data were categorized according to questions then analyzed for key thoughts. Common themes were determined.

Findings: Findings revealed participants had considered leaving the profession, and had considered leaving or had left a nursing unit because of poor nurse relationships. Participants identified environmental characteristics necessary for good relations. The crucial role nurse managers play in establishing good nurse relations was highlighted. Participants cited new graduate actions that could enhance relationships with expert nurses. Participants also noted missing factors on many nursing units that are essential for good nurse-to-nurse relationships.

Conclusion: Positive nursing relationships are the key to establishing a healthy place of work. Only when positive nurse-to-nurse relationships are established can healthy work environments be created and sustained for nurses in the future.