Psychological effects of relational job characteristics: validation of the scale for hospital nurses

Aims
This study validates the Portuguese version of the psychological effects of the relational job characteristics scale among hospital nurses in Portugal and Brazil.
Background
Increasing attention has been given to the social dimension of work, following the transition to a service economy. Nevertheless, and despite the unquestionable relational characteristics of nursing work, scarce research has been developed among nurses under a relational job design framework. Moreover, it is important to develop instruments that study the effects of relational job characteristics among nurses.
Evaluation
We followed Messick's framework for scale validation, comprising the steps regarding the response process and internal structure, as well as relationships with other variables (work engagement and burnout). Statistical analysis included exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis.
Key issues
The psychological effects of the relational job characteristics scale provided evidence of good psychometric properties with Portuguese and Brazilian hospital nurses. Also, the psychological effects of the relational job characteristics are associated with nurses’ work-related well-being: positively with work engagement and negatively concerning burnout.
Implications for nursing management
Hospitals that foster the relational characteristics of nursing work are contributing to their nurses’ work-related well-being, which may be reflected in the quality of care and patient safety.