Abstract
ABSTRACT
Aim
To identify distinct subgroups of reflective practice among specialty nurses in tertiary general hospitals using latent profile analysis (LPA), and to explore the influencing factors associated with subgroup classification.
Design
Cross‐sectional study.
Methods
Study participants were recruited via convenience sampling. An online questionnaire survey was conducted using the basic information questionnaire, the reflective practice questionnaire, and the workplace spirituality scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify subgroups of specialty nurses' reflective practice. Additionally, univariate analysis and logistic regression were conducted to find the predictive factors of different categories.
Data Sources
Data were collected from 817 eligible specialty nurses across 13 tertiary general hospitals in China from April to June 2024.
Results
A total of 817 specialty nurses were included, identifying three categories of reflective practice: low reflective practice group (23.38%), moderate reflective practice group (37.58%) and high reflective practice group (39.04%). Specialty nurses who were married, held positions, had higher monthly incomes, and exhibited stronger workplace spirituality were more likely to have higher levels of reflective practice than the other profiles.
Conclusion
The majority of specialty nurses fell into the moderate and high reflective practice groups. The marital status, job position, monthly income and workplace spirituality of specialty nurses were associated with reflective practice. Targeted interventions may help enhance the reflective practice of specialty nurses.
Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care
The findings of this study offer an evidence base for nursing administrators to design tailored intervention programmes. Particular emphasis should be placed on specialty nurses in the low reflective practice group, whose reflective practice may be improved through the enhancement of workplace spirituality via structured mentorship, foundational reflective training and supportive organizational strategies.
Impact
The heterogeneity and predictive factors related to specialty nurses' reflective practice in tertiary general hospitals provide valuable evidence for the formulation of individualized interventions. Nursing administrators should understand the importance of reflective practice, offer performance rewards and educational opportunities for specialty nurses, implement magnetic management strategies to enhance workplace spirituality, thereby effectively improving the level of reflective practice among specialty nurses.
Reporting Method
This study was reported in accordance with the EQUATOR guidelines and followed the STROBE statement for cross‐sectional studies.
Patient or Public Contributions
No patient or public contributions.