Integrating the Environmental Domain Into the Nursing Well-Being Model: A Call to Action

In research published in the April 2023 issue of Health Environments Research & Design (HERD), HGA’s Terri Zborowsky PhD, RN, EDAC, CPXP discusses the physical environment and its impact on nurse well-being, emphasizing the need for additional research, interventions, and design considerations to create healthier work environments in healthcare. 

Zborowsky, an Evidence-Based Design Researcher who began her career as a registered nurse before completing a PhD in Interior Design, co-authored the study with Debbie Gregory, DNP, RN, and Jaynelle F. Stichler, DNS, RN, NEA-BCr, EDAC, FACHE, FAAN. 

The paper highlights the significance of nurse well-being for patient safety, health system functioning, and financial health, and introduces various dimensions of well-being, including emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual aspects. Surprisingly, the physical environment is often overlooked despite its profound impact on nurses, other healthcare providers, patient care, and organizational outcomes.

To promote comprehensive well-being, the piece suggests integrating the environmental aspect into the nursing well-being model, drawing inspiration from Florence Nightingale’s Environmental Theory. The authors propose specific design elements, including ensuring provider safety, creating restorative spaces, and incorporating nature views, all contributing to enhanced well-being. 

To read the full article, visit Health Environments Research & Design.

Learn more about HGA-designed spaces providing healthy work environments for healthcare workers including University of Kentucky Healthcare – NICU Children’s Hospital, ThedaCare Regional Cancer Center, St. Elizabeth Healthcare Cancer Center, Crystal Clinic, and UC Davis Health Ernest E. Tschannen Eye Institute.